A pap smear test is a process with the help of which cervical cancer is detected in females. When it comes to getting a quick diagnosis, it is always a good idea to get yourself tested for an urgent care pap smear. A test is also a good option if you want to get yourself checked if you might suffer from the disease in the future or not.
The Purpose of a Pap Smear
A pap smear is performed to detect alterations in cervical cells before they progress to malignancy. It is a good idea to go for routine checkups to diagnose your cancer. This will help you lead a comfortable and healthy life. You can get your tests done from an urgent care facility itself.
Women between the ages of 21 and 65 should routinely have a Pap test. Your general health and if you’ve ever had an abnormal Pap smear will determine how frequently you have them.
What Is the Recommended Pap Smear Frequency?
- From 21 to 65, the exam should be taken every three years. If you do, testing will take place every five years instead. Your doctor could advise more frequent Pap tests if you have specific health issues. A few of these are:
- Either cervical cancer or precancerous cells discovered by a Pap test
- Having HIV
- A compromised immune system brought on by chemotherapy, organ transplantation, or long-term corticosteroid usage
- Diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure occurring before birth
How can you prepare for a pap smear test?
Follow these recommendations before your test to make sure that your Pap smear is as successful as possible:
- Before getting a Pap smear, refrain from sexual activity, douching, or using spermicidal products, including foams, lotions, and jellies, since these activities may wash away or mask abnormal cells.
- Try to avoid scheduling a Pap test during your menstruation.
Before the pap smear test
The Pap smear procedure only takes a few minutes and is done at your doctor’s office. You can be requested to take all of your clothes off or just your bottom half. A device called a cervix will be inserted inside the vagina and help your doctor understand the problem. Your pelvic region may feel pressured while the speculum is inserted.
Then, your doctor will use a flat spatula and a gentle brush to collect samples of your cervical cells. Typically, this is harmless.
After the pap smear test
Once free from the test, you can carry on with your regular stuff. If you feel pain in your abdomen, you can rest for a day and avoid doing much work. The samples are brought into the lab and studied under a microscope for cell features that could point to cancer or a precancerous state. Find out from your doctor when you may anticipate your test’s findings.
A treatment called colposcopy, which uses a specialized magnification tool (colposcope) to examine the tissues of the cervix, vagina, and vulva, may be used by your doctor if your Pap test results are abnormal. Any places that seem odd may also be the subject of your doctor’s tissue sample (biopsy). After that, a laboratory analyzes and makes a conclusive diagnosis using the tissue sample.
Conclusion
The entire process depends on your results. If your pap smear shows a negative result, it is a good idea to connect with your doctor and ask for advice. All you need is to book your test from an urgent care pap smear place to get accurate reports that can help you with further diagnosis. You may search online for the recommended experts who perform such extensive tests.
