PATIENT PORTAL

Pap Smear Info

Posted on by alyse.mitten@gmail.com

A Pap smear screens for cervical cancer, and it’s one of the best early detection and prevention tools available to women today. At Seasons of Life Obstetrics & Gynecology in Allentown, Pennsylvania, the experienced OB/GYNs are dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain optimal health, so call the office or book your appointment through the online scheduler today.

 

Pap Smear Q & A

What is a Pap smear?

A Pap smear is a cervical cancer test. During your Pap smear, your OB/GYN at Seasons of Life Obstetrics & Gynecology gently opens the entrance to your uterus, the cervix, with a speculum to collect a small sample of cells for testing. The Pap smear checks your cell sample for abnormal changes that could indicate cervical cancer or potential cervical cancer.

When should I have Pap smears?

Your Seasons of Life Obstetrics & Gynecology OB/GYN will recommend a Pap smear schedule based on your specific situation. Common recommendations include:

From age 21-29: Pap smear every three years

From age 30-65: Pap smear every five years with co-testing for the HPV virus

After age 65: no further Pap smears, if your most recent tests were negative

Whatever your age, a Pap test is a great way to get the jump early on potentially serious conditions.

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What if my Pap smear is abnormal?

An abnormal Pap smear isn’t an automatic indicator of cervical cancer. There are several possible abnormal Pap smear results, with most being mild abnormalities that rarely turn into cancer. If you have a mild abnormality, your OB/GYN may recommend a repeat test in 6-12 months.

If your Pap smear reveals severe abnormalities, your OB/GYN may recommend a colposcopy. During a colposcopy, your OB/GYN examines your cervix through a colposcope, a specialized tool that lights and magnifies for a greatly enhanced view.

If your OB/GYN observes abnormal cells during your colposcopy, she may do a biopsy at that time. During the biopsy, your OB/GYN removes a tiny amount of tissue from your cervix. That tissue is then tested for cancer.

If you’re diagnosed with cervical cancer, your Seasons of Life Obstetrics & Gynecology can create a personalized treatment plan for you right away. One of the biggest benefits of Pap smear testing is that it alerts you to problems early so you can get effective treatment promptly.

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Use the online scheduler or call Seasons of Life Obstetrics & Gynecology to make your appointment with the best OB/GYNs in the entire Allentown area.

© Seasons of Life Obstetrics & Gynecology, PC - Located in Allentown PA | Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania’s Premier All-Female Private OB/GYN Practice
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Seasons of Life Obstetrics & Gynecology is the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania’s premier all-female private OB/GYN practice. Located in Allentown PA, the practice offers more than 30 total years of experience in obstetrics and gynecology. Our team is dedicated to providing health care for women, by women. We treat women starting from adolescence gynocology services through menopause. Family planning, childbirth services and chilbirth advice as well as high-risk pregnancys, and routine wellness exams are all apart of our practice. We are OB/GYN board-certified and Fellows of the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FACOOG). Professional and informative exams in our relaxed office are what we are all about. Contact them with any questions about womens health services. We are located at 1611 Pond Rd #102, Allentown, PA 18104, you can call us at 610-366-7444, and use the patient portal for questions. You can also find us on Google. Love us? Leave a review! We appreciate it.