When it comes to maintaining overall health and wellness, it is important for patients to have a series of screenings and evaluations done on a regular basis. Women’s reproductive health is also essential, and certain screenings can be performed to ensure patients are not dealing with hidden problems such as cancer. One test that can be performed by a women’s health professional is that of the pap smear.
What is a pap smear?
At GYN Choices, our providers refer to a pap smear, or pap test, as a diagnostic test used in detecting cancerous cells that may be located in the cervix, around the cervix, or at the opening of the uterus. At the same time, it can also be used to noting changes in the cervix and uterus that may detect concerns other than cervical cancer. This procedure is performed quickly and easily during a woman’s pelvic examination. The doctor will use a speculum to open the vaginal canal. A long-handled swab is then used to collect cells from the area for further evaluation. The laboratory will screen for a variety of conditions using these samples and provide a positive or negative results. In some instances, an abnormal pap smear may require further evaluation from a medical professional.
What is the purpose of the pap smear?
The pap smear is a preventative diagnostic tool used to catch problems such as cervical cancer in their earliest stages. It is often performed during routine yearly gynecological evaluations that monitor one’s reproductive health. It is important for certain patients to have a pap smear performed regularly, such as those who have certain risk factors in their family and medical history that may increase their risk of developing cervical cancer. However, most healthy women can have a pap smear performed once every three years after the age of 21 and typically stopped around the age of 65.
Call GYN Choices of East Brunswick, NJ today
The providers of GYN Choices are available to help patients with a wide selection of services in the area of New Jersey. If you are interested in scheduling a pap smear, call our office at (732) 408-6182. We are conveniently located at 281 Summerhill Road and are available for new and current patients of our practice.
