Pap Smear

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all women aged 21-29 get a Pap smear every three years, and all women aged 30-65 get a Pap smear every five years. This screening can detect cervical cancer in the early stages when it's easier to treat. At Reagan Medical Center, which has offices in Lawrenceville, Dacula, Suwanee, and Johns Creek, Georgia, the primary care team provides Pap smears to women 21-65. Call the nearest Reagan Medical Center office today to schedule a Pap smear appointment, or book your visit online.

What is a Pap smear?

A Pap smear, or Pap test, is an outpatient procedure that screens for cervical cancer. During treatment, your Reagan Medical Center provider collects a small cell sample from your cervix and sends it to a lab for analysis. 

Scheduling routine Pap smears significantly reduces your risk of cervical cancer. It can also identify abnormal cells that might become cancerous in the future.

Who should have a Pap smear?

The Reagan Medical Center team encourages all women 21 and older to schedule routine Pap smears. 

The frequency of testing depends on your age. Women aged 21-29 should schedule a Pap smear every three years, while women aged 30-65 should schedule a Pap smear every five years. 

If you have a family history of cervical cancer, your provider might recommend more frequent Pap smears.

How do I prepare for a Pap smear?

Taking certain precautions before a Pap smear can increase the accuracy of the test. Avoid sex, douching, and using vaginal medicines for at least two days before your Pap smear. Likewise, avoid scheduling a Pap smear on your period. 

What does a Pap smear involve?

A Pap smear is a quick outpatient procedure.

You change into a gown and lie on your back on an exam table with your knees bent. Then, your Reagan Medical Center provider carefully inserts a speculum into your vagina, which allows them to see your cervix. Your provider uses a soft brush to scrape cells off your cervix. 

Afterward, your provider sends the cell sample to a lab. There’s no downtime or recovery. 

How do I interpret the results of my Pap smear?

There are two possible results for a Pap smear:

Normal

A normal result means your cervical cells look healthy. You don’t have to do anything until it’s time to schedule your next Pap smear. 

Abnormal

An abnormal test result doesn’t mean you have cervical cancer. This means that the test found abnormal cervical cells. Sometimes, the cells are precancerous, so monitoring them is crucial. 

If the Reagan Medical Center team needs additional information, they might order a colposcopy or a cervical biopsy. A colposcopy lets your provider examine your cervix, vulva, and vagina. A cervical biopsy removes a small piece of tissue from your cervix for additional testing.

Call the nearest Reagan Medical Center office today to schedule a Pap smear, or book your appointment online.