North Hills Pap Testing Services And Results

In 2020, an estimated 604,127 women got diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide, and about 341,831 women died from it. However, the death rate has declined yearly by less than 1% from 2018-2019 as more women went for screening. Going for a pap smear test North Hills can save your life as this helps detect any abnormal cells in the cervix. And the earlier your doctor finds them, the better, as he mitigates ASAP. 

Why you Need to Have a Pap Test

Have you been procrastinating on getting a pap smear screening? That delay could cost your life if you keep waiting. Generally, cervical cancer can be treatable if diagnosed early on but can also turn terminal if left untreated. Most patients don’t show symptoms, making it difficult to know if you have it or not unless they get regular screening.

While most women dread going for screening, pap smear tests North Hills are top-rated providers. They are warm and welcoming and offer quick and convenient services. 

An OB-GYN is mainly in charge of this test, as this is a person specializing in women’s reproductive system problems. He might also co-test for human papillomavirus (HPV) during a pap test. And this is a notorious virus transmitted sexually and known to cause cervical cancer. Both tests are ideal for women 30 years and above. So, these two tests assure the patient they are safe but must continue regular screening.

But if both test results come negative, you can come for your next screening after five years. 

Upon reaching 21 years old, a girl must get screened for cervix cancer every 2 to 3 years. However, your doctor may advise frequent screening if they find some risk factors such as:

• A previous diagnosis of precancerous cells or cervical cancer.
• A diagnosed patient with HIV infection.
• Having a weakened immune system. 
• Exposal to Des – diethylstilbestrol before birth

After a pap smear test North Hills results, if the doctor detects abnormal cells in your cervix, he takes immediate action to mitigate and address this before the precancerous cells develop into cancer.

How to Prep for Cervical Screening 

Before you go for a pap test, there are a few things you must observe that include the following: 

• Avoid having sexual intercourse two days before the procedure.
• If you douche, avoid this before your pap smear test.
• Avoid using a tampon.
• Avoid using creams, jelly, or birth control foams.
• Do not apply lotions or any medicine to your vagina. 

While doing these may seem okay, they interfere with the pap smear results. So, it’s best to adhere to these for your benefit. 

What to Expect?

Feel free to ask your doctor questions regarding the cervical screening test if it’s your first time. Your OB-GYN can be a male or female, but you can request a woman if it makes you feel comfortable. You might also want to relieve yourself as this will relax before commencing the procedure. 

So, you’ll get on a doctor’s bench and undress from the waist down as the doctor supports your legs with a stirrup. To better examine the patient’s cervix, the GYN will use a device (speculum) that helps to widen the vagina walls. 

As he accesses the cervix, he will collect some cell samples and take them to a lab for analysis. They will check if there are abnormal cells or normal cells. 

Test Results

You can always expect normal or abnormal results after a pap smear test North Hills. But it doesn’t always indicate you have cancer cells. In case of abnormal cell detection, the doctor will guide you on the best way forward. After a few weeks, the facility will call you to deliver the results.  

A normal cell indicates a patient is not at risk of cervical cancer. Your doctor will advise you for the next screening, which can be after a few years, which he will specify. 

If the test results show abnormal cells that might be precancerous, he will suggest immediate treatment to prevent them from developing into cancer. But you should be calm and avoid panicking since this is treatable; the earlier you do it, the better chance of curing it. So, it’s critical to cooperate with your doctor, and you’ll get the help needed. 

In Conclusion

Despite some discomfort during a cervical screening, this is the most effective procedure that protects you against cervical cancer. However, it might be better if you went to the best providers, such as pap smear test North Hills who ensure a seamless process. They have many years of experience and are reputable medical practitioners, making them credible and some of the best to work with.