Pap Smears

A Pap smear is a screening test that looks for precancerous or abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix, changes that, if left untreated, could potentially develop into cervical cancer over time. During a gynecological exam, our doctors use a small brush to collect a sample of cells from the cervix, which is then sent to a laboratory. There, a specialist examines the cells closely under a microscope to check for any abnormal changes.

Regular Pap smears are one of the most effective ways to protect against cervical cancer. By catching precancerous changes early, often before they cause any symptoms, our doctors can treat these changes before they ever have the chance to develop into cancer. When cervical cancer is found early, it is very often treated successfully.

In general, the medical staff at The Women's Group recommends that women begin cervical cancer screening at age 21, with a Pap smear every 3 years through age 29. Starting at age 30, there are a few effective screening options: a Pap smear alone every 3 years, HPV testing alone every 5 years, or a combination of both (co-testing) every 5 years. Your doctor can help you decide which option is right for you based on your health history and personal preferences.

A Pap smear is a quick, routine part of your exam. Your doctor will gently collect a small sample of cells from the cervix using a soft brush, which only takes a few moments. You may feel some brief pressure or mild discomfort, but it shouldn't be painful. Your doctor will walk you through each step, so you always know what to expect.

Most patients find that a Pap smear causes only mild discomfort or brief pressure, not pain. Some women may feel a quick pinch or cramping sensation when the sample is collected, but it typically passes within moments. Everyone's experience is a little different, and that's completely normal. If you feel more discomfort than expected at any point during the exam, please let your doctor know, they're there to help make the experience as comfortable as possible for you.

If your Pap smear results come back abnormal, try not to worry, this is actually quite common, and it doesn't mean you have cervical cancer. In fact, the vast majority of abnormal results never develop into cancer at all. Our team at The Women's Group will always recommend further testing to understand what's causing the abnormal result. In some cases, this may reveal precancerous cells, changes that aren't cancer, but could develop into cancer if left unaddressed. Depending on what we find, your provider may simply recommend monitoring these cells over time with more frequent testing, or in some cases, a simple procedure to remove them. Either way, catching these changes early means they can be managed effectively, long before they ever become a serious concern.

If your Pap smear results suggest you may need further evaluation, your doctor may recommend a colposcopy. The purpose of a colposcopy is to take a closer look for cervical precancers and rule out cervical cancer, so having this exam can actually offer real peace of mind rather than added worry. Our practice uses a digital video colposcope with a large viewing screen, innovative technology that helps our clinicians better identify abnormal areas for further examination, such as a biopsy, and enables earlier treatment when needed.