How Often Should Someone Get a Pap Smear?

Pap Smear Manassas, VA

Are you looking for information about pap smear tests? This important procedure is a must for all women as it is able to detect any cell changes within the cervix and uterus that can lead to a cervical cancer diagnosis. The sooner any precancerous cells are found, the higher one’s chances of experiencing success when being treated for cancer.

The procedure takes between five and 10 minutes to perform and while it may cause a little bit of discomfort, there is no pain involved.

What exactly is a Pap smear?

A Pap smear test is performed by a medical professional with a goal of finding abnormal cells. The cells are removed from the cervix using a special tool and are sent to a laboratory for testing. In order to access the cells, a woman will lie down on a special table that includes a place to place her feet. The medical professional will gently insert a speculum into the vagina, which allows them to see the cervix so that they can remove the cells with the specialized tool.

How often should someone get a Pap smear?

The following guidelines on how often women need to have a Pap smear performed were created by the American Cancer Society. The time to perform a woman’s first Pap test is by the time they reach the age of 21.

Ages 21 to 65

Women between the ages of 21 and 65 should have a Pap smear performed every three years. If a Pap smear is combined with an HPV test then women between these ages can elect to have the test performed every five years.

Over 65

Women over the age of 65 no longer need to have Pap smears performed if the results of their last three Pap smears have come back as normal, which essentially means within the last 10 years. It is still necessary for women over the age of 65 to make regular appointments with their gynecologist to ensure that they are in overall good general health.

When Pap smears are needed more often

There are certain instances when women will need to have a Pap smear performed more often. This includes but is not limited to previously having one or more abnormal Pap smears, being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, undergoing an organ transplant and those who were born to mothers who took DES (a synthetic female hormone ) while they were pregnant.

Is it time to schedule a Pap smear appointment?

Now that you understand how often you need to get a Pap smear, is it time for you to schedule your next Pap smear? The entire procedure is one that does not take long to perform, which means you can be in and out within about an hour. If you happen to have any questions we can answer for you, please do not hesitate to call our office today so we can schedule a consultation for you.

Request an appointment here: https://hoadly.millenniummedicalcare.com or call Millennium Medical Care Manassas at (703) 673-1558 for an appointment in our Manassas office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Pap Smear in Manassas, VA.

Recent Posts

Benefits Of Going To A Walk-in Clinic For Immediate Care

A walk-in clinic provides outpatient medical services on a first-come, first-served basis. These clinics are valuable resources for those without a regular doctor or needing immediate care. They can diagnose and treat sudden illness or injury with professional treatment methods.As the name suggests, walk-in clinics provide basic healthcare services without an appointment. They cater to…

5 Reasons You May Need Internal Medicine

Internal medicine physicians provide a foundation for lifelong health. They are trained to manage acute and chronic conditions while addressing the full spectrum of an adult patient’s healthcare needs. Thus, choosing an internal medicine physician for your urgent care or primary care needs can be a proactive step toward better overall health.A defining aspect of…

What To Know Before Heading To An Urgent Care

Urgent care centers treat non-emergency medical issues that still require immediate medical attention. Understanding what to expect and preparing for your visit can make the experience smoother and more efficient. Below are key things to consider before visiting one of these facilities.Urgent care centers fill the niche between hospital emergency rooms and primary care doctors…

Benefits Of Receiving A Flu Shot

The flu shot is an effective, easy way to prevent the seasonal flu. For maximum protection, urgent care and primary care providers recommend these vaccinations before flu season starts in October. Many patients are unaware of how impactful this vaccine can be, which is why learning about its benefits is an excellent first step in…

Recent Posts

Benefits Of Going To A Walk In Clinic For Immediate Care

Benefits Of Going To A Walk-in Clinic For Immediate Care

A walk-in clinic provides outpatient medical services on a first-come, first-served basis. These clinics are valuable resources for those without a regular doctor or needing immediate care. They can diagnose and treat sudden illness or injury with professional treatment methods.As the name suggests, walk-in clinics provide basic healthcare services without an appointment. They cater to…

Reasons You May Need Internal Medicine

5 Reasons You May Need Internal Medicine

Internal medicine physicians provide a foundation for lifelong health. They are trained to manage acute and chronic conditions while addressing the full spectrum of an adult patient’s healthcare needs. Thus, choosing an internal medicine physician for your urgent care or primary care needs can be a proactive step toward better overall health.A defining aspect of…