A pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer. Unlike many other cancers, cervical cancer can occur frequently in young patients. That is because the #1 cause of cervical cancer and pre-cancer is the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). It is a common virus with no cure and is sexually transmitted. In most patients it has no symptoms or warnings although some patients may develop warts. Most males can carry the virus with no symptoms.

It is best to reschedule you physical exam if you are on your period. The pathologists at the lab reviews your pap smear to detect any abnormal pre-cancerous cells. Blood that is present on the cells will skew his/her ability to properly read the pap smear. Feel free to contact our office and we will be happy to reschedule your appointment. If you are susceptible to yeast and other vaginal infections you may find that over-the-counter creams will treat the symptoms that you are having.

A colposcopy is required to evaluate an abnormal pap smear. A HPV DNA test may also be required to further test the pap smear that showed the abnormal cells.

She should have an annual Pap smear unless her doctor advises her to be tested more or less frequently.

A Pap smear is performed during a woman's first prenatal visit with her obstetrician. If a woman who is pregnant has an abnormal Pap smear, her doctor will perform a colposcopy to determine whether she has invasive cervical cancer. A pregnant woman who has an abnormal Pap smear but whose diagnostic tests don't suggest invasive cervical cancer can safely postpone further examination and biopsy until six weeks after her baby is born.

Although no screening test is 100% effective, the early detection of abnormal cell changes is the best way to prevent cervical cancer. This is why the most important thing that you can do to help prevent cervical cancer is to go along and have regular smear tests.

Cancer of the cervix is one of the most preventable of all cancers. Pap tests pick up early warning signs that can be treated before cancer develops. By having a Pap test every two years, you're giving yourself a chance for anything to be found and treated if necessary.

The purpose of the Pap smear, in a patient who comes for regular visits to the gynecologist, is not meant to find cancer. Our hope is to pick up precancerous changes of the cervix, changes which occur before a cancer ever starts. The beauty of cervical cancer is that there is a gradual change from normal to cancer; it does not develop over night.

Yes, if the hysterectomy was done because of cervical cancer or if a portion of the cervix remains. Her clinician can determine the need by examining her. This can be determined following the initial Pap test.

Since we are sub-specialists, we do not do annual exams or pap smears at Pelvic Specialty Care. We recommend that you have this done through your obstetrician/gynecologist or primary care provider. If you have questions about our services or you just want to let us know what you think, feel free to complete the form below or call us at 303-322-0500. Dr. Aguirre is the Director of Pelvic Specialty Care, The Center for Female Pelvic Medicine. Dr.

A speculum examination is done and a scraping taken from the cervix of uterus using a wooden spatula. This is a painless out patient procedure and does not need any anaesthesia. The scrapings from the cervix is smeared on to a glass slide and sent to the pathologist to study. Since the cause of this cancer has its origin in sexual activity, screening should be started from the time sexual activity commences.

Dr. Donnica Moore discusses what a Pap smear is; who should have a pap smear and how often, what the new cervical screening technologies are, and whether you should request them. We have more good news about cancer: a recent report in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (6/01) shows that rates for cancer cases and deaths in general DECREASED in the 1990s. The overall decrease was 1.1% per year from 1992 to 1998..

Human Papilloma Virus, or HPV, has many different strains. Some cause genital warts, some cause changes in the cervix that gives an abnormal Pap smear, and many do not cause symptoms at all. Most of the time, your body's immune system will clear the virus over the course of 1.5 to 2 years. However, sometimes the virus is difficult to get rid of, and the infected cervix tissue needs to be treated. Your doctor will discuss this with you.

Through Bristol Park's well woman services, you can access an OB/GYN from our list of contracted providers for your annual Pap Smear without a referral. Please contact the patient service representative at your Bristol Park office for a list of designated providers. However, if your results come back abnormal and you need to be seen again, you will need to see your primary care physician for follow up care.