Most women, especially in Water Park, Orange County, are not aware of Pap smears. It is a procedure used to check cervical cancer among women. Healthcare specialists suggest that it is essential to have a pap test regularly to prevent cancer. In this article, you can learn about the Pap test and why is it done?
Contemporary Women’s Care is one of the best clinics in Winter Park, Orange County, Florida, U.S. They provide high-quality service from an experienced gynecologist like Dr. Pamela Snook at fair prices.
About Pap Smear
A Pap test or Pap smear is a test done by the doctors to detect the changes in the cervical cells, which turns into cancer over time. This helps to detect cancer in the initial stage and fight against it. Also, finding the changes earlier can help to prevent getting cancer.
How Is a Pap Smear Done?
During the Pap test, your gynecologist collects the cell samples from the cervix to send it for examination. This sample is examined in the lab through a microscope to check the abnormal growth.
Right Candidates for Pap Test
Women from 21-65 years are the right candidates for the Pap test. Women of 30 years can take 3 Pap tests once in 5 years. Also, women with HPV (human papillomavirus sexually transmitted infection associated with cervical cancer) or abnormal cell growth have to get this test regularly.
People with health conditions like HIV, precancerous cells, weak immune systems because of chemotherapy, DES (diethylstilbestrol) have to go through this test more often.
How to Prepare for a Pap Test?
Bleeding affects the test accuracy, so avoid Pap tests during periods. Also, follow these few simple steps at least 48 hours before the test for accurate results:
- Avoid sex, lubricants, creams, medications, sprays, powders, and tampons near the vagina.
- Avoid rinsing the vagina with vinegar, water, or others.
Pap Test Procedure
It is an in-office procedure and takes only 10-20 minutes. Your healthcare professional inserts a plastic or metal tool into the vagina to widen the walls and looks at the cervical region. Your doctor takes sample cells from the region and stores them in a jar to send to the lab.
Pap Test Results
There is a possibility of getting 2 kinds of results. They include:
Normal Result
A negative result shows that you have normal cells, and there is no need for any treatment.
Abnormal Result
Women who are diagnosed with unusual or abnormal cells will get positive results. There are various reasons for getting positive results. They are:
- Having cancerous or precancerous cells.
- Infections like HPV.
- Changes in cells.
- Inflammation.
In such a case, you need to consult your doctor to take suggestions and treatment.
Pap test is a painless, safe procedure. If you are experiencing vaginal pain, ulcers, or something unusual, choose the best gynecologist in Water Park and contact them today.
