Pap Smear

Obstetrics and Gynecologist located in Beverly Hills and South Bay, Redondo Beach, CA

Pap Smear services offered in Beverly Hills and South Bay, Redondo Beach, CA

The Pap smear is a routine screening test for cervical cancer. Before Pap smears, cervical cancer was the leading cause of cancer death in women. At Women’s Care of Beverly Hills, the team helps you take a proactive approach to your health, including performing Pap smears during annual pelvic exams. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Beverly Hills or Redondo Beach, California, or book online today.

Pap Smear Q&A

What is a Pap smear?

A Pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer. For the test, your provider at Women's Care of Beverly Hills collects cells from your cervix and sends them to a pathology lab for evaluation.

The pathology lab looks for cancerous cells or cells that look like they may turn into cancer. Finding abnormal cells or cancerous cells during the early stages increases your chances of a full recovery.

When do I need a Pap smear?

The team at Women's Care of Beverly Hills determines when you need a Pap smear. Women start Pap smears at age 21. The frequency of your Pap smears depends on your age and health risks.It is important to understand that even if you don't need or want a pap test every year, we recommend that you still come in for an annual visit to review other screening, concerns and issues.

From age 21 to 29, you need a Pap smear every three years. At age 30, the team may perform a human papillomavirus (HPV) test along with your Pap smear.

HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that puts women at greater risk of developing cervical cancer. When you combine the Pap smear with the HPV test, you need screenings every five years up until age 65. If you only get the Pap smear, you continue screenings every three years until age 65.

However, the team may recommend more frequent screenings if your Pap smear or HPV results come back positive.

What happens during a Pap smear?

Your provider at Women's Care of Beverly Hills performs your Pap smear at the office. The test only takes a few minutes.

While you lie on the exam table, your provider inserts a speculum into your vagina to open the walls and improve access to your cervix. They use a cotton swab or soft brush to collect cells from your cervix.

You may feel some pressure during a Pap smear but no pain. You may have some spotting following the screening test, but there’s no need for any downtime.

What happens if I have a positive Pap smear?

If your Pap smear results return positive, it doesn’t mean you have cervical cancer. For a positive test, the team has you return to the office for a colposcopy, an in-office procedure that allows them to examine your cervix closely.

They may take additional tissue samples and make recommendations based on their findings.

Call Women's Care of Beverly Hills or schedule your Pap smear online today.