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If you are a woman over the age of 21, your doctor may recommend having an annual pap smear in addition to a pelvic exam. Although the test is considered a regular part of women’s health care services, many women who have never had one before feel apprehensive about what’s to come. To ensure you are relaxed and well-prepared for your first appointment, consult the informative guide below. 

Everything You Need to Know About Pap Smears

Why You Need Them

Regular pap smears play a crucial role in monitoring your sexual health. To start, the procedure is performed to screen for cervical cancer. If abnormal cells are found early, cervical cancer or pre-cancerous conditions can be monitored and often treated successfully. Additionally, in women who are over the age of 30, this procedure is often used to test for human papillomavirus (HPV).

How to Prepare for the Test

pap smearWhen scheduling your procedure, try to keep your menstrual cycle in mind—if you can, avoid setting up an appointment when you will have your period. Once the appointment is set, there are some steps you can take to make sure your results are as accurate as possible. For at least two days prior to the exam, try to avoid having intercourse, douching, or using foams or creams for birth control.

What to Expect

At the beginning of the appointment, your health care provider will have you lie on your back with your feet in stirrups. Once you’re comfortable, he or she will insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina to observe your cervix. During the exam, you may feel a bit of pressure, but the procedure shouldn’t be painful. With the speculum in place, the doctor will gently scrape your cervix to gather a sample of cells, which will then be sent to a lab for examination and testing.

 

If you need a reliable, compassionate gynecologist in Bullhead City, AZ, turn to the team at All Wellness Medical Center. These women’s health experts provide preventative care services, including pap smears and breast exams, and they will take the time to address all your concerns and questions. Give them a call today at (928) 704-4499 to schedule an appointment, and visit them online for more information about the practice and their services.

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