Pap Smear

Jersey Women's Care Center

Obstetrics & Gynecology located in Fair Lawn, NJ & Jersey City, NJ

Pap smears help to protect women against cervical cancer. Dr. Elizabeth Ramirez and Dr. Huiying Hou have ample experience providing Pap tests and a number of other effective women’s health services at Jersey Women’s Care Center with two locations in Fair Lawn and Jersey City, New Jersey. A Pap smear is a great preventive care method that allows Dr. Ramirez or Dr. Hou to examine your cells for abnormalities and any signs of cancer or other gynecological conditions. If you’re concerned about your reproductive health, call Jersey Women’s Care Center or schedule online.

Pap Smear Q & A

What is a Pap smear?

A Pap smear test is used to detect cervical cell abnormalities and cervical cancer. During your test, your Jersey Women’s Care provider collects cells from your cervix for analysis.

A Pap test is typically recommended every three years for women aged 21 to 65. If you have certain underlying medical conditions or a higher risk of developing cervical cancer, you might need more frequent testing.

A test for human papillomavirus (HPV) can be performed at the same time as a Pap test.

What can I expect during my Pap test?

Pap tests can be quickly and conveniently performed in one of the two Jersey Women’s Care Center offices. You’re usually asked to undress and are given a medical gown to wear. You lie on an exam table with your knees bent and your feet in stirrups.

When you’re ready and comfortable, your doctor gently inserts a speculum into your vagina. The speculum holds open the vaginal walls, enabling your doctor to view your cervix.

With a soft, small brush or special scraping tool, your doctor takes a sample of your cervical cells. Your sample is sent to a lab to be analyzed for any signs or abnormalities that could indicate precancer or cancer.

What if I have abnormal Pap smear test results?

If you have abnormal Pap smear test results, you might need a colposcopy. During a colposcopy, your doctor uses a special magnifying instrument to more closely assess your cervix.

A colposcopy might be recommended if you have concerns about pelvic pain or abnormal pelvic bleeding. A colposcopy can be used to evaluate:

Inflammation of the cervix
Genital warts on the cervix
Noncancerous growths or polyps on the cervix

If your doctor detects abnormal cells during your colposcopy, she might recommend a procedure to remove the cells.

What are the benefits of a Pap test?

Pap tests are now safer, more convenient, and more effective than ever before. They offer many benefits and are an excellent method of preventive care to help you take care of your reproductive health.

Some precancerous, cancerous, and abnormal cells don’t come with any symptoms and can go unnoticed without a Pap test. If you’re due for your Pap test or if you have concerns, call the Jersey Women’s Care Center or schedule online.

Featured