What is a pap smear?
A pap smear is a diagnostic test that is done during an annual pelvic examination with the team at Columbus Women’s Care. Our doctors are focused on ensuring women are healthy, and part of the process is monitoring changes that may occur in the cervix. The cervix is located at the narrow, lower end of the uterus and opens into the vagina. Covering the cervix is a thin layer of tissues. When samples are taken from this area of the cervix, it will allow a doctor to determine if there are any abnormalities present.
What can a pap smear diagnose?
With a pap smear, a doctor can check for many different conditions, including:
- Cervicitis
- Polyps (benign growths)
- Genital warts
- HPV (human papillomavirus)
- Dysplasia
- Cervical cancer
All of these conditions can impact one’s reproductive health.
Why are pap smears important?
By performing a pap smear during routine evaluations, a doctor can get a proper diagnosis and discuss with patients the best treatment option to address the condition properly. Many of these conditions cannot be diagnosed by just physically examining the patient, so it can be a conclusive test that ensures early intervention of common or concerning problems.
Who can have a pap smear performed?
Women who visit their gynecologist or women’s health clinic to have a pelvic exam can ask for a pap smear to be performed. While it is typical of most routine annual examinations, it is essential that a patient ask if it is being completed during their visit to ensure they are monitoring for common reproductive health problems with a proactive approach.
Schedule your pap smear today
Call Columbus Women’s Care at (614) 755-4200 today to schedule your pap smear and full reproductive health evaluation with our team. We are conveniently located in Suites 205 and 260 of 7901 Diley Road. Women in and around the community of Canal Winchester, OH are welcome in our practice.
