Papsmears

A Pap smear, or Pap test, is used to look for changes in the cervical cells that could become cancerous. The experianced team, provide Pap smears at CHAP Med in Sherman Oaks, California. The practice is dedicated to supporting women’s reproductive health. A regularly scheduled Pap smear is a crucial, life-saving part of this service. Call CHAP Med today or book an appointment online if your Pap smear is due.

What is a Pap smear?

A Pap smear is a straightforward procedure where your doctor takes a cell sample from your cervix. The sample is analyzed in a specialized lab, which sends the results to your doctor. If the cells show any change, the CHAP Med team will let you know and book you in for further tests.

Some cervical cell changes are nothing to worry about. But it’s essential to have a Pap smear regularly because the test identifies changes that could lead to cervical cancer.

What happens during a Pap smear?

When you visit CHAP Med for your Pap smear, you lay on a table with your knees up, dropping them to the sides for the exam. Your doctor uses an instrument (speculum) to open the vaginal walls so that they can see your cervix. A lubricating gel helps ease the speculum into place.

Your doctor opens the speculum to view the cervix and uses a swab to gather some cells. The cell sample is sealed, recorded, and ready for testing. Your doctor gently removes the speculum, and the procedure is completed.

The entire process takes 10-20 minutes. You’ll sense pressure from the speculum but shouldn’t feel any pain. Tell your doctor if you find the procedure uncomfortable. Your Pap smear results come back from the lab within a few days.

What do Pap smear results mean?

A negative Pap smear means no changes in your cells or signs of anything amiss. You won’t need another Pap smear until your next routine appointment. You should start having Pap smears at 21 and continue to have one at least every three years until you reach 65.

If your Pap smear result is positive, it could be mild inflammation. Or there could be minor cell changes called dysplasia that will likely improve without treatment. Or your doctor might ask you to book another Pap smear in a few months. If your doctor has concerns about your Pap smear results, they’ll order further tests.

The CHAP Med team understands you might be apprehensive about having a Pap smear and receiving the results. They take great care of their patients and aim to make the test as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Call CHAP Med or book your Pap smear appointment online today.