A common part of most yearly well-woman exams is a Pap smear, a routine procedure that aims to detect abnormal cell growth in the cervix. If an abnormal growth is found, this could be an indication of cancer, which should be treated immediately to preserve your overall health. Our team at Your Family Medical Clinic recommends beginning Pap testing around the age of 21. To schedule your well-woman exam and make sure that your total health is in optimal condition, contact our family facility.
A routine Pap smear is performed here at our Your Girardeau, MO office, typically during a quick visit. Once you’re comfortable, a member of our team will ask you to lie back with your heels supported by stirrups. We will then delicately place a fine medical instrument (speculum) into the vagina, giving our provider a closer look at your cervix. From there, cells can be extracted from the cervix to be assessed for any abnormalities.
Some women may find a pap smear uncomfortable, but it isn’t painful.
Most pap smear results will be returned from the lab within 1 – 2 weeks.
Women should get a pap smear once a year as a part of their annual well-woman exam.
While a pap smear can detect abnormalities, it cannot detect cancer. More sensitive specific testing will need to be done to detect cervical cancer.
Preserving your sexual and reproductive health is imperative for your total wellness. At Your Family Medical Clinic, our team takes a comprehensive approach to women’s health to fully understand your concerns and determine the best course of action. To get in touch with our team, set up an appointment or give our office a call.
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