Pap Smear

Routine Pap smear tests at Lenox OBGYN are one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer. The team of board-certified obstetricians and gynecologists provide Pap tests for women in and around the Midtown West area of Manhattan in New York City. If you need a Pap smear or treatment for an abnormal Pap test, call Lenox OBGYN, or book an appointment online today.

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What is a Pap smear?

Pap smears, sometimes called Pap tests, are simple procedures that play a critical role in maintaining good reproductive health. The test involves collecting a small sample of cells from your cervix to screen for signs of cervical cancer.

During a Pap smear, your provider at Lenox OBGYN gently inserts a speculum into your vagina and swabs the surface of your cervix to obtain a cell sample. The entire procedure only takes a few minutes and doesn’t cause pain, although you may experience minor discomfort. Relaxing with deep breaths can make the process easier.

Then, they send the sample to a lab that checks your cells for any abnormal changes that may become cancerous.

How often do I need a Pap smear?

Women aged 21-65 should get a Pap test once every three years. If you’ve had a recent abnormal Pap test, your provider at Lenox OBGYN may recommend more frequent testing after reviewing your medical history.

When will I get the results from my Pap smear?

Your provider at Lenox OBGYN should get your results back from the lab a few days after your test. If they’re negative, that’s a good sign. Negative results mean there are no abnormal changes to the cells in your cervix.

Positive results mean some of your cervical cells show unusual changes. This doesn’t mean you have cancer, but your provider may recommend further testing and treatment.

What happens if I have a positive Pap smear?

If your Pap test results are positive, your provider at Lenox OBGYN assesses the results carefully before recommending what should happen next.

The most likely cause of a positive Pap smear is mild inflammation. Another explanation is a condition called dysplasia, which causes minor changes to cervical cells. These problems often go away without needing any treatment, so your provider might ask you to book an appointment for another Pap smear in a few months’ time.

If there’s any indication that your positive result could be due to other causes, your provider can order additional tests, such as a colposcopy. These tests provide more information about the nature of the cell changes. Your provider keeps you informed every step of the way, and provides you with all the support you need.

To arrange your Pap smear or discuss any concerns you have, call Lenox OBGYN today or book an appointment online.