A pap test, or a pap smear, is a procedure to test to detect cervical cancer in women. It’s important to talk with your healthcare provider about how often you should have a pap test.
PVC Family Practice, a trusted family clinic in Garland, Texas, offers health services for women. We believe that a holistic approach to women’s healthcare involves both a curative and preventive approach. Our preventive care services are focused on helping women manage their health through constant monitoring and health checkups.
A Pap smear is an important part of a woman’s health routine since they can help find abnormal cells that can lead to cervical cancer. Our clinic in Texas can find most cancers of the cervix early if you have regular tests and pelvic exams. Cancer of the cervix is more likely to be successfully treated if it is found early.
Typically, our healthcare professionals will use a pap test to identify the following conditions:
- Inflammation
- Infection
- Abnormal cells
- Precancerous cells
- Cancer
After your pap smear, rest for a few minutes before going home since scraping the cervix may cause a small amount of bleeding. You may want to wear a sanitary pad for any spotting that may occur.
As a preventive measure, observe your vagina as the days go by. See if you are experiencing any of the following and inform our medical experts immediately.
- Bleeding
- Foul-smelling drainage from your vagina
- Fever or chills
- Severe abdominal pain
Other than that, a professionally done pap test will not garner any side effects like the ones mentioned above.
If you are looking forward to getting a pap test, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our clinic today!