What are the Major Reasons for Getting Pap Smear Testing?

Cervical cancer is one of the cancers that keeps claiming the lives of millions of women every year. The only way to beat this dreaded cancerous disease is to go for screening and tests every once in a while. Women need to be sensitized to the various tests and screenings that are available for detecting precancerous and cancerous cells in their bodies. A mammogram is a cancer screening test that is often done to detect the presence of cancerous growth in the breast. This test saves millions of women every year by allowing doctors to detect and treat cancerous growths before they become severe in any Pap Smear clinic near me. 

Today, we shall look at the Pap Smear test, how it works, and its benefits in detecting and treating cervical cancer. Continue reading to be enlightened on North Hills Pap Smear results. 

What Is a Pap Smear Test?

A Pap Smear test, also called the Pap test, is a physical exam usually done in the doctor’s office or clinic to screen for abnormal cervical cells that can cause cervical cancer. Doctors also use this test to catch changes that may cause cervical cancer later on. 

Why is it critical to get a Pap Smear test?  

The only way to defeat most types of cancerous cells is to detect it at their early stages before it spreads. Getting North Hills Pap Smear results allows doctors to detect abnormal cervical cells that may cause cervical cancer. You need to understand that having abnormal cells does not necessarily mean that you already have cervical cancer. It only means that further tests have to be done to determine whether the abnormal cervical cells are cancerous or precancerous. It may also mean you may develop an underlying medical condition or an infection. If there are any significant changes of the cells, your doctor can determine if they are likely to cause cervical cancer.

As a woman, you need to start going for Pap Smear tests once you turn 21 years. You should continue going for this test every 2.5 years until you reach 65 years old. That is, if the doctor has never found abnormal cells in any previous North Hills Pap Smear results. Once you reach 65 years, your chances of developing cervical cancer are pretty slim. Your overall health also matters.

How Often is a Pap Smear Test Necessary?

You can search ‘Pap Smear clinic near me online, if you want to start getting the Pap Smear test. You should continue going for this test every once in two and a half to three years. A Pap Smear test is often combined with the HPV – human papillomavirus – when you turn 30. Combining these two tests allows you to for five years before getting another test. HPV or human papillomavirus is a viral infection that is often transmitted sexually. It is also linked to cervical cancer. Your doctor may request you to get a Pap Smear test if you have certain medical concerns. Some of these medical concerns include:

• If you are infected with HIV 
• If your previous Pap Smear tests showed that there are precancerous cells 
• If your immune system is not strong enough due to you chronic corticosteroid use, chemotherapy, or organ transplant
• If a patient was exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth

How to Prepare for a Pap Smear Test 

When you are having your periods, you should not have a Pap Smear test when you are on your period. The heavy bleeding will affect the accuracy of the test. You can ask your doctor to reschedule if your appointment is scheduled when you are supposed to have your period. If you want the test to be as accurate as possible, you need to make sure that you have followed the following steps 48 hours before getting the Pap Smear test:

• Don’t douche (wash your vagina with vinegar, water, or any other fluid 
• Don’t have sex or lubricate your vagina 
• Refrain from using powders or sprays near your vagina 
• Avoid putting anything inside your vagina, including creams, tampons, suppositories, or medications

Conclusion

The Pap Smear test is a life-saving test that allows you to prevent cervical cancer if there are abnormal precancerous cells. All women who are above 21 years should have this test once every three years. You should refrain from having sex 24 hours before a Pap Smear test. The Pap Smear test may also be done together with the pelvic exam or the HPV – human papillomavirus test, which is also used to screen for cervical cancer.