Women need to take specific preventive measures, especially regarding reproductive health. A Pap smear is one of the routine tests you shouldn't ignore, because it can find cervical cancer early on before it's a bigger problem.
A Pap smear is also the perfect opportunity to talk to board-certified OB/GYN Dr. John Paul Roberts about other aspects of your reproductive health.
Dr. Roberts is a board-certified OB/GYN offering Pap smears and other preventive screenings to women in the greater Plano, Texas, area.
A Pap smear is a preventive screening test that checks for precancerous or cancerous cells in the cervix. During a Pap smear, Dr. Roberts places a speculum in your vagina to hold your vagina open, then he gently scrape cells from your cervix.
The test spots changes in the cells in and around your cervix that could indicate impending cancer. A Pap smear also finds certain infections or inflammation in your cervix.
Every woman should get a Pap smear starting at the age of 21 and should have the test at least every three years, but the recommended frequency varies, depending on the results of previous tests and whether you get an HPV test at the same time. Dr. Roberts lets you know how often you should have a Pap test.
If you're older than 65, not at high risk for cervical cancer, and have had normal Pap smears in the past, you can discuss stopping cervical cancer screenings with Dr. Roberts.
But you may need more frequent Pap smears at any age if you have a family history of cancer or are at high risk for cervical cancer or HPV.
Although your Pap smear tests for abnormal cells, you can discuss any topic related to your reproductive health at your appointments. To stay on top of your health, bring up the following five topics at your Pap appointment:
Discuss your sexual health during your Pap smear. Abnormal results could be due to human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease (STD) passed through sexual contact.
If you're concerned about having an STD or about other aspects of your sexual health, a Pap smear appointment is the perfect time to discuss it with Dr. Roberts.
Another topic to discuss is birth control. If you're sexually active and not ready to start a family, Dr. Roberts provides all the information you need to pick a birth control option that's right for your needs.
You know your body better than anyone else, so if you have concerns about symptoms you've been experiencing, your Pap test appointment is the time to bring them up.
Let Dr. Roberts know if you have any concerning symptoms regarding your breasts or vaginal health.
Although a Pap smear screens for cervical cancer and abnormal cells, discussing your breast health during your appointment is a good idea. Regular breast exams help us catch breast cancer before it spreads.
Dr. Roberts needs to know if you have a family history of breast or cervical cancer. He can discuss risk factors, including your family history, to determine if you require more frequent testing.
After your Pap smear, it may take several weeks for your results to come in. We contact you when your results are available to let you know if you need further testing.
A negative test result means there's no sign of abnormal cells. Some Pap tests come back unclear, meaning the lab couldn't determine if the cells were abnormal or normal. In this case, we may have you come back for another appointment or wait six months for another Pap test.
Pap tests that come back abnormal could indicate changes within your cervix. Dr. Roberts discusses the next steps, including further testing, to determine the cause of the abnormal cells.
Call us today at our Plano, Texas, office to schedule a Pap smear appointment, or book a consultation with Dr. Roberts through this website.
