Pap smears detect irregular cell activity in the cervical area. These irregular cells may be cancerous or can become cancerous in the near future. Thus, the test helps detect precancerous and cancerous cells and prevents cervical cancer from growing. The timely diagnosis and treatment help them save their lives. A gynecologist performs this test on their patient to look for abnormal cell activity in their cervical area. Gynaecologists when performing this test may also perform an HPV test (human papillomavirus). This allows the doctor to look up the cells that may increase the chances of getting cervical cancer. If the test results aren’t clear or normal, then it can be an indication of another infection, cancer, or virus. A pap test near me may help you detect other problems like inflammation or disorders, etc.
When should you go to pap test near me?
Typically, pap test near me is done with a complete pelvic exam. Women are advised to take the test once they reach the age of 20. This is because a women’s pelvic development is completed at this stage. However, if you are suffering from its symptoms, you can have a Pap smear test before 20. There is no limit to it. After 20, you need to take this test every 3-5 years.
The risk of developing cervical cancer increases at the age of 30. Which is why it is advised to take this test. The test may be taken along with other tests known as the HPV test (human papillomavirus). It is a sexually transmitted disease, which, if not detected at its early stage, can lead to cervical cancer. How often you should take this test is usually decided by your doctor. Some women need to take this test more often.
Who should take the test more often?
Women with the following conditions are advised to take the test more often:
1. Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are advised to take this test more often. HIV attacks the natural defense system of the body and makes it so weak that it gets prone to many illnesses and diseases, and cervical cancer is one of them.
2. Cancer remission
Let’s create a scenario the doctor has done the test and discovered precancerous and cancerous cells, and you get the right treatment on time and recover from cervical cancer. Still, make sure you take this test more frequently to make sure of the health of your pelvic area. Taking precautions after such a situation is always a wise choice.
3. Weak immune system
Some women have a medical history that was pretty severe and extremely weakened their immune systems. Such diseases include; chemotherapy, HIV, etc. Weak immune systems can also occur due to genetic reasons. Such patients are required to get their Pap smear test more often as compared to others. Other than this, it is good to be sure of your health and have a piece of mind. You can be relaxed with the fact that you are doing great and don’t need to stress about false alarms and information.
When should you stop taking the test?
You should stop taking the test when your doctor advises you to. If you stay clear of cervical cancer throughout your life, then you can stop taking this test once you reach the age of 65. If you have a record of cervical cancer, then maybe you are required to take it lifelong.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
You should go for pap test near me if you have the following symptoms of cervical cancer:
- Bleeding after intercourse.
- Extreme pain during intimacy.
- Bleeding after menopause.
- More than usual pain and bleeding during menses.
- Bleeding without the dates of menses.
- More than usual vaginal discharge.
- Change of color, odor, and texture of vaginal discharge.
These are some of the signs that you may have developed cervical cancer. Look out for these symptoms and go to pap test near me to be sure of your health.
Things you should take care of before having the test
All of the following factors affect the results of the test. So make sure not to do them:
- Make sure that you are not on your dates (menses). One must stop wearing a tampon or pad at least a day before bearing the test.
- Don’t use many vaginal creams, jellies, or medication. Stop using them before taking the test.
- Don’t wash your cervical area right before the test.
- Don’t engage yourself in sexual intimacy.
How is the procedure performed?
As we spoke about, the procedure of pap test near me is performed by an OB/GYN or a gynaecologist in an outpatient facility. The facility provides privacy to the patient. The woman needs to remove her bottoms and lay on the examination table while stretching her legs apart. The doctor will then use a speculum to hold the walls of the vagina apart. By doing so, the doctor can take the sample easily out of your cervical walls.
The doctor will place the sample in a sample box and send it for testing. The sample is tested under powerful microscopes to see if there’s any irregular cell activity in it. If the test results are unclear, it may be an indication of other infections, etc. To be fully sure of the patient’s condition, more testing will be done.
Is the test safe for pregnant women?
Yes, the test is safe for pregnant women as well. We understand that pregnancy makes a woman more cautious about everything. Well, you don’t have to worry about this test because it won’t harm your unborn child. However, due to pregnancy, there may be some irregular cell activity going around in your cervical. These cells get washed away at the time of your delivery. So, if the test results turn out to be positive, the doctors will likely wait till your baby gets delivered and perform the test again. In very severe cases, they may start some medication before the delivery of your child.
Conclusion
Pap test near me detect irregular cell activity in the cervical walls and thus help you prevent cervical cancer. A pap smear is a medical examination to diagnose cervical cancer. It can detect cancerous and precancerous cells as well. You need to start taking the test after your twenties. You should watch for the symptoms of this type of cancer. The test is safe for women. The blog will help you explain all about the Pap smear test.
