Pap SmearsChances are good, especially if you are a woman over 21 years old, that you’ve heard or already undergone at least one Pap smear during your lifetime. Maybe you are wondering whether you should get a Pap smear. Perhaps you don’t even remember when your last test was. Our OBGYNs understand that when it comes to certain diagnostic procedures, particularly Pap smears, that you may have questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Pap tests,
What is the purpose of a Pap smear?
A Pap smear is the best tool at our disposal for being able to detect precancerous cells within the cervix. By catching these cells early, we can remove them before they turn into cervical cancer.
When should a woman get her first Pap smear?
Women should start getting regular Pap smears from their OBGYN once they reach 21 years old, or once they become sexually active. Women will continue to get Pap smears until 65 years old.
How often should women get tested?
Women between the ages of 21 and 29 should get tested every three years. Once you reach age 30 you should get tested every five years (often alongside an HPV test). Women who have had abnormal Pap results in the past may need to come more often for testing.
Will it hurt?
While getting a Pap smear may feel a bit weird or maybe even a little uncomfortable (especially the first time when you’re not sure exactly what to expect), it shouldn’t hurt. You may notice a slight pinch but that’s usually about it. While a traditional OBGYN screening will usually take up to 20 minutes to perform, the Pap smear itself usually takes just a couple of minutes.
How quickly will I get results back?
It’s typical to get your results within one week after your test, but your OBGYN will let you know when results will be available to you.
Do abnormal or inconclusive results mean that I have cervical cancer?
Not typically. An inconclusive test just means that the sample that we collected wasn’t useable. This can happen if you’ve been sexually active or used tampons with two days before your test. Your doctor will usually recommend repeating the test.
Abnormal results, while stressful, could be due to inflammation, infections, trichomoniasis, HPV or herpes. If your tests are abnormal your doctor will discuss further testing with you or provide you with proper medication if an infection is found.
If you still have questions about Pap smears, don’t hesitate to call your OBGYN. We are here to make sure that you fully understand any and all care you receive at our office.

Office Hours

Monday
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

Testimonial

  • Dr Zandomeni delivered my twins two years ago. I was so scared my whole pregnancy thinking I could miscarry at anytime due to being multiples and she always made me feel better. She gave me peace of mind and made sure I always felt very comfortable with everything that had to do with my pregnancy. Every time I had a scared she would make sure my pregnancy was still going good and would talk to me with such a sweet voice that would really calm me down! I would highly recommend her

    ...
    Show More - Maribel

  • Dr. Zandomeni is the absolute best! She delivered my baby almost 7 years and I have not gone anywhere else for all my women needs. She truly cares about her patients. The office is so clean and beautiful.

    - Megan

  • Dr.Z just delivered my second baby via induction. I was terrified the whole time and she made me feel so at ease. My delivery was fast and painless, I am so grateful she was my delivery doctor. Appt wait times aren’t excessive and she follows up with you which I feel so many drs don’t these days. You can definitely tell this is her passion. I highly recommend working with dr Zandomeni and can’t recommend her enough.

    ...
    Show More - J Cap

Contact Us

!
!
!

Please do not submit any Protected Health Information (PHI).

Our Location

Find us on the map

--mi

Crossroads Women's Health

Address

6740 Horizon Road
Heath, TX 75032, United States of America

Contact Information

(214) 771-9910 6740 Horizon Road, Heath, TX 75032

Crossroads Women's Health PLLC