Pap Smears Treatment in Homewood, IL
Regular pap smear is important for every woman to achieve a healthier life. It is done alongside your annual exam, it is a simple and painless procedure and reduces the risk of cervical cancer by detecting the pre-cancerous cells early.
At Dardur Gynecology in Homewood, IL, we understand the importance of pap smears for cervical cancer screening and maintaining the proper function of the female reproductive organs. Here's the importance of getting regular pap smear tests and everything women need to learn about this cancer screening test.
What is a Pap Smear?
A pap smear is a cervical cancer screening procedure done in a gynecologist's office during an annual pelvic exam. This procedure tests for cancerous or precancerous cells on your cervix.
During this routine procedure, your doctor gently scrapes cells from the cervix and they are examined for abnormalities. This procedure might be mildly uncomfortable, but it doesn't result in long-term pain or injuries.
Understanding Pap Smear Results
Pap smears have two possible results; normal or abnormal. Normal results mean no abnormal cells were identified. In such a case, a woman might not need pap smear testing for another three years. This does not mean you do not need an annual exam for the next 3 years. You still need an annual exam every year as there are other tests to be done aside from pap smears at your annual visit such as mammogram screening and vaginal health screening.
When pap smears show abnormal results, it means abnormal cells were identified. These results aren't an indication that you have cancer, but your doctor might recommend a colposcopy (biopsy from the cervix) to assess the cervical tissue more closely.
Do You Need a Pap Smear?
According to the American Cancer Society guidelines, women should start screening for cervical cancer at 25 years old. However, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends starting at age 21 years as some women might be at increased of cervical cancer.
You might need a pap smears earlier than age 21 years old if:
- You are HIV positive
- Your immune system is weakened by an organ transplant or chemotherapy
If you're over 25 but haven't had a pap smear, ask your gynecologist for a pap smear. If normal, it is done every three years. If you are over 30, your pap smear is done along with testing for the HPV (the virus that causes abnormal pap smears that can lead to cervical cancer. ) If both are normal, they are repeated every 5 years.
HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that causes genital warts and increases the risk of cervical cancer. There are many different types of HPV but primarily, HPV types 16 and 18 result in cervical cancer.
It's advisable to get regular pap smears, regardless of whether you're sexually active or not. HPV can remain dormant in your body for years and suddenly become active. However, women over 65 years can stop going for a pap smear test if they have a history of normal results.
How Often Should You Get Pap Smears?
The frequency of a Pap test depends on several factors, including risk and age. Girls under 21 years don't need to undergo a pap smear unless a gynecologist recommends it. However, women between 21-29 years should have pap tests but the frequency will depend on the results of their pap smear. If it is normal, it is every three years. If not, additional testing may need to be done that is specific for each case.
If you're between 30-65 years and your initial pap smear is normal, you'll need a repeat pap smear test every five years. However, those above 65 years may no longer need it, but consult your doctor to know your individual needs.
The above recommendations are for women who have a cervix. Those who have undergone a hysterectomy with cervix removal and have never had a high grade pap smear result or a history of cervical cancer don't need continued screening. However they still need an annual exam every year as there are other screening tests done at the annual exam aside from cervical cancer screening.
The Importance of Pap Smears
Although some health care providers might recommend fewer pap smears in your lifetime, it's vital to have them regularly. Here are the benefits of getting pap smears at Dardur Gynecology women's health clinic:
Early Cancer Detection and Prevention
If your pelvic exam reveals you have precancerous cells on your cervix, your healthcare provider can commence treatment immediately to avoid complications. These precancerous cells may change with time and become cancerous, so it's essential to treat them to prevent them from developing into cancer. Waiting for the cancer signs and symptoms to show may complicate the treatment or affect its effectiveness.
Have Peace of Mind
A pap smear with normal results will give you peace of mind knowing that your risk of cervix cancer is low.
Potential for Less Treatment
You'll spend less money on treatment by early detection of precancerous and cancerous cells. It also eliminates the risk of cancerous and precancerous cells spreading to other body parts.
How Can You Prepare for a Pap Smear?
When getting your annual gynecology exam, you can ask your doctor for a pap smear or schedule a separate appointment. Most health insurance plans will cover the cost, but you might need to pay a co-pay.
If you're menstruating on the appointment day, your doctor might reschedule the test for better accuracy. A patient should also avoid douching, sexual activity, or spermicides the day before their appointment. Since these tests run smoothly when relaxed, it's essential to keep your body relaxed and breathe deeply during the procedure.
What does Will happen During a Pap Smear?
A pap smear is pretty quick, but it can cause mild discomfort for some women. When you visit the doctor's office, the gynecologist will ask you lay on your back on the exam table, with your legs spread apart.
Your doctor will then insert a tool known as the speculum inside your vagina to keep the walls open while accessing the cervix. The doctor will collect some sample cells from the cervix using a spatula, brush, or a combination of both.
Most women experience irritation as the doctor collects the cells, although it doesn't last long. Some women also experience slight vaginal bleeding after the test. However, you should alert your doctor if the bleeding and discomfort continue the next day after testing.
Visit Dardur Gynecology for Pap Smears and Annual Pelvic Exams
Dardur Gynecology is your go-to gynecologic care service in Homewood, IL, for early detection of cervical cancer using pap smear tests. Our highly trained and experienced gynecologist uses the latest technology in the healthcare sector, detecting cancerous cells early to prevent potential medical issues. Call 708-340-1167 to get help pinpointing issues with your female reproductive system today!
