Everything You Need To Know About Your Pap Test


Most women aren’t exactly fond of Pap tests. They may find them uncomfortable, scary or even unnecessary, but the truth is this test can save your life. And despite the success it has in detecting cervical changes, about 1 out of 10 American women skip this vital screening. So when it’s time for you to have your next Pap test, don’t dismiss its importance.

Why have a Pap test?

Early on, cervical changes don't cause symptoms. Often, the only way to know you have cervical changes is to do a Pap test. A Pap test can find these problems early, when they are easier to treat. Pap tests can also detect changes of the cervix and vagina, including:

What is a Pap test?

During a Pap test, your doctor uses a cotton swab or wooden stick to collect a small sample of cells from your cervix and vagina. Those cells are then sent to a lab, where they are viewed under a microscope to detect any abnormalities.

When should you have a Pap test?

It’s important to talk with your healthcare provider about when and how often you should have a Pap test as it may vary based on your age and risk factors for cervical cancer.

Currently, it is recommended that women ages 21 to 65 have regular Pap tests. And the latest research shows that the test isn’t needed every year, instead you should have it once every 3 years.

However, women at a high risk for cervical cancer may need one more often. If you are older than age 30, your doctor may also request a human papillomavirus (HPV) test at the same time as HPV causes most cases of cervical cancer.

Prepping for Your Pap test

Generally, you do not need to do anything to prepare for this test. But there are certain things that may interfere with Pap test results, these include:
  • Menstruation
  • Use of things, such as vaginal creams, jellies, medicines, or spermicidal foams, for 2 to 3 days before the Pap test, as these substances may alter the pH of the cells or hide abnormal cells
  • Douching for 2 to 3 days before a Pap test as douching can wash away surface cells
  • Sex within 24 hours before the test may cause inflammation of the tissue
  • Infections
  • Certain medicines, such as tetracycline

The perfect place for your Pap test

Finding the right doctor for your Pap test is important. But it shouldn’t stop there. With the experts at Gwinnett Physicians Group OB/GYN, you will better understand all aspects of your gynecologic health.

Whether you need help with family planning, preventative care or just a routine check-up, the dedicated team at Gwinnett Physicians Group OB/GYN will ensure that you receive the most complete and thorough care possible in every stage of life. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The 7 Worst Foods For Vaginal Health

Image
As if you needed another reason to eat healthier, especially with the start of a new year. Turns out, though, eating a balanced diet not only supports weight loss, boosted energy and improved digestion, it also helps to maintain vaginal health. 

According to Sheila Warren, RN, women's health navigator at Gwinnett Medical Center, everything from discomfort and cramping to infection prevention and sexual function can be impacted by your diet. 

The truth is, your vagina already does a miraculous job maintaining its overall health and cleanliness. For better or worse, though, the foods you eat do play a powerful role in your health down there. For instance, eating fish rich in omega-3s and probiotic-rich foods help to support the health of your lady parts.

While this doesn't mean that you need to drastically change your diet, after all, many of these foods are very nutritious, it's important to know if the foods you eat are helping or hurting your vaginal health:


Sweet stuff. Thos…
Read more

Winter Fitness Reboot: Couch To 5K

Image
Although winter is more wintry than usual here in the South, spring will be upon us soon. Get ready with our plan, below, to go from your couch to running five kilometers (3.1 miles) in only six weeks. Start now and by mid-March you'll be ready! Don't start now and by mid-March you'll still be on the couch...
Read more

Appendicitis vs. Pancreatitis: What You Need To Know

Image
On the one hand, your digestive tract does some amazing stuff—like breaking down food and liquid to help nourish cells and provide you with energy. However, on the other hand, your digestive tract also does some not so amazing stuff—like producing gallstones, acid reflux, bloating, gas and constipation—and that’s just the beginning. In all seriousness, though, you likely experience one or more of these tummy troubles daily.
But when is that daily stomach struggle actually something more? (Like it is for millions of people). And what should you do about it?
When it’s not just stomach pain…
While appendicitis may not be your first thought when your stomach hurts, there’s a reason it’s still the most common type of stomach emergency, right along with acute pancreatitis. Now, if you thought these conditions were basically the same thing, you’re not alone. Here’s a quick look at their key differences:
What is appendicitis?
Your appendix is just a little guy—about the size of your finger—with a …
Read more