Pap Smear in Washington, DC
A Pap smear or Pap test is a routine procedure used to screen women for cervical cancer. The examination is simple, as it only requires a swab of cells from the woman’s cervix for testing.
If you’re seeking a pap smear in the DC area, contact Capital Women’s Care DC today to schedule an appointment. Call us at (202) 331-9293 or request an appointment through our secure online form.
Does Every Woman Need a Pap Smear?
Women should begin receiving regular Pap smears starting at 21 years of age. These tests can occur every three years. Some providers may recommend performing pap smears more frequently based on certain risk factors such as:
- A prior diagnosis of cervical cancer or a related precancerous condition of the cervix
- Confirmed cases of HIV infection
- Those with a weakened immune system, usually due to chemotherapy, frequent use of corticosteroids, or an organ transplant
- A history of smoking
- Or based on shared decision-making between you and your provider
Some women also prefer to complete Pap smears more often than every three years for reassurance regarding their health, though this is unnecessary. You will be responsible for communicating with your doctor about what is best for you moving forward with Pap smear testing.
Healthcare providers no longer recommend regular pap smears in a few situations. These cases include women who have undergone a hysterectomy for a noncancerous condition, as well as women who are over the age of 65.
Women in this age range are usually exempt from Pap smears if they have received them regularly throughout their lifetime and have never had one of these tests return with abnormal results. However, you should discuss other potential risk factors with your gynecologist before suddenly stopping your recommended Pap smears.
How it Works
There is not much that goes into preparing for a Pap smear. However, you should avoid scheduling your test during your menstrual cycle, in addition to avoiding intercourse or using any substances that may enter the vagina (jellies, douches, etc.) for 24 hours. All of these activities are best to refrain from because they may alter the cells of the cervix, which could lead to incorrect Pap smear results.
The entire procedure will occur in Capital Women’s Care’s office. It will begin by laying down on your back with your feet resting in the stirrups. Once in position, your gynecologist will use a speculum to open the vaginal walls and insert a spatula to gather cells from the cervix. The cells are then sent to a laboratory to check for any abnormalities.
Schedule a Pap Smear
Contact Capital Women’s Care DC today to schedule your routine pap smear. Call us at (202) 331-9293 to get started, or request an appointment through our secure online form.
