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About Pap Smear
Getting routine Pap smears can detect cervical cancer before it becomes a serious problem. At Rural Health Corporation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, with 12 offices in Nuremberg, Sullivan Trail Falls, Freeland, Hazelton, Monroe Township, Wilkes-Barre, Shickshinny, and Edwardsville, Pennsylvania, family medicine experts offer Pap smears during comprehensive women’s health exams. Call the office to schedule a Pap test or book an appointment online today.
"Every staff member in this clinic, from the receptionist to the doctor, are always so genuinely friendly, caring, and helpful..."
"They truly care about their patients and what they do."
"Everyone working there is always pleasant and courteous and make you feel at ease."
Pap Smear Q & A
What is a Pap smear?
A Pap smear is a routine screening test used to detect or rule out signs of cervical cancer in women. It involves taking a sample of cells from your cervix so that a lab can analyze it and detect potential problems with your gynecological health.
Why might I need a Pap smear?
Your Rural Health Corporation of Northeastern Pennsylvania provider might recommend you undergo a Pap smear if you’re sexually active or age 21 or older. You may need a Pap test every few years or each year if you’re at risk of developing cervical cancer.
A sexually transmitted disease called human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cervical cancer, so your specialist might recommend an HPV test as well. They let you know when to schedule Pap smears based on your personalized needs. Try not to schedule a Pap test during your menstrual period.
What happens during a Pap test?
Before undergoing a Pap test at Rural Health Corporation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, you get undressed from the waist down and wear a gown. Then, you lie down on a comfortable exam table and place your feet in stirrups.
Your provider inserts a device called a speculum into your vagina to hold it open, and they swab your cervix to obtain a sample of cells. The procedure takes just a few minutes, and it’s not painful. Your specialist might also complete a physical exam, including a breast and a pelvic exam, to assess the health of your reproductive organs.
What should I expect after the procedure?
There's no downtime after a Pap smear at Rural Health Corporation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, so you can resume your normal routine immediately. After a lab analysis of your cervical cells, experts at Rural Health Corporation of Northeastern Pennsylvania review the results with you.
If you have abnormal cervical cells, they might recommend additional diagnostic testing or removing affected tissues from your cervix. The earlier you get treated for cervical cancer, the better the outcome and the easier it is to treat.
To schedule your next Pap smear or find out if you need one, call the nearest Rural Health Corporation of Northeastern Pennsylvania office or book an appointment online today.