If you’re a woman aged 21 and above, you must have heard of a Pap smear or pap test. And if you haven’t had one yet, then you must be unaware of how critical this procedure is for every woman. North hills pap smear test helps to detect cervical cancer or any changes in your cells suggesting cancerous cells.
When your doctor finds abnormal cells in your cervix that haven’t progressed, there is a high chance of cure. As researchers and medical experts continue searching for a cure-treatment for this disease, getting screened is the only thing that can save you. And this can be your first step in halting the development of cervical cancer.
What Can You Expect in the Pap Smear Test?
Some discouraging words you must have heard about a Pap smear test are painful, uncomfortable, and more. While these can be scary, every woman’s experience is different. But it also depends on your OB/GYN. North hills pap smear tests performed by some of the best gynecologists can make a significant difference.
Preparation
Before you book a pap smear test, you must take a few precautions 48 hours before your procedure. For example, avoid the dates of your menses. It can affect the accuracy of your pap test results.
- Abstain from sex
- Avoid douching or using any lubricants
- Don’t use any birth control foam or cream.
First, your doctor will speak to you and prepare you for what to expect, so nothing gets you by surprise. It’s usually a quick procedure performed in a doctor’s office where the patient lies on a table. You will have to undress below your waist or wear a gown as you lie down for the procedure.
He will place your feet in stirrups, so they remain spread for easy access to the cervix. Then he will gently insert a speculum-metal or plastic tool into your vagina. And this helps to open up the vaginal walls so the doctor can access the cervix. He will collect cell samples using a swab or brush from the cervix and send them to the lab for testing. It’s a procedure that usually takes 10-20 minutes.
Test Results
After your North hills pap smear test, the results take a few days. And you will get a call to inform you if they came negative or positive.
Normal Result
A negative result is a good sign as it signifies no precancerous or cancer cells detected on your cervix. Your doctor will advise you to come for your next screening after three years.
Abnormal Result
If you get positive results, there is a possibility of precancerous or cancer cells in your cervix. Abnormal cells may occur:
-Due to a lab test error.
-When you have HPV or other infection
-When you have a mild inflammation or cell, change-having sex or use a diaphragm before a pap test may cause inflammation.
However, it’s also possible to get false-negative results. It means the test indicates no abnormality while there are abnormal cells. Several factors may cause this:
- Insufficient cell collection
- When abnormal cells are in a small number
- Obstruction of abnormal cells caused by blood or inflammatory
What’s the Ideal Age for Getting a Pap Smear?
As soon as you celebrate your 21st birthday, that’s the time you should start to consider the North hills pap smear test. At this age, you can have your next pap test after three years if you get normal results.
At 30 to 65 years, your doctor will advise you to get a co-testing-combination of pap smear and HPV test. If both come normal, then your next test will be after five years.
Regardless of your age, you may have frequent pap tests due to the below risk factors:
- If you got a diagnosis of cervical cancer
- HIV/AIDS positive
- Got exposure to DES
- Smoking history
- A weak immune system caused by specific treatments such as chemotherapy
If your pap smear screening has been consistently normal, you can stop getting pap tests at 65.
Tips to Get the Best Gynecologist in North Hills
- It’s always prudent to use referrals.
- Make an appointment and talk with the OB/GYN before settling for the North hill’s pap smear test. It will help you know what kind of person you’ll be dealing with.
- Ask yourself these questions after your consultation:
- Did he make you comfortable?
- Is he easy to talk to?
- Does he answer your questions satisfactorily?
- And always follow your gut feeling because they’re always right.
In Conclusion
Please consider the North hills pap smear test if you haven’t done so. Prevention is still better than cure, as they say, and screening is the only way to halt cervix cancer development. Use this guide to get started, but you can also talk to your doctor regarding the benefits or risks of Pap smears. Whatever it takes, you’ll find the best gynecologists in North Hills for your pap test.
