Pap Smear

Boro Park OB/GYN

OB-GYNs & Midwives located in Brooklyn, NY

At Boro Park OB/GYN in Brooklyn, New York, Pap smear screening is one of the many essential diagnostic options available to ensure that every woman who entrusts her care to the Boro Park team receives the highest possible level of care. Pap smears are among the most powerful diagnostic tools in women’s health. This critical screening option is part of routine well-woman care and should never be avoided or feared. If you’re overdue for a Pap smear, schedule an appointment today. Online scheduling makes it easy to find an appointment time to fit your busy schedule.

Pap Smear Q&A

Why are Pap smears important?

A Pap smear is a simple and minimally invasive test to detect cervical cancer. In 2017, more than 12,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer, and an estimated 4,210 women died from this disease.

When detected in the early stages, cervical cancer treatment outcomes are positive (even you have invasive cancer). That’s why a routine Pap smear screening is a central component for maintaining your health.

What should I expect during a Pap smear?

Your gynecologist conducts Pap smear testing as part of routine pelvic exams. Schedule your exam for a day when you aren’t menstruating, as blood can reduce the accuracy of the exam.

To perform a Pap smear, your gynecologist begins by inserting a device called a speculum into your vagina, which opens your vaginal walls and allows access to your cervix.

Next, your gynecologist uses a small spatula or spatula/brush to collect a small number of cells from your cervix. You may feel some minor cramping during this brief portion of the exam.

After the exam, you may experience minor discomfort or cramping, but many women experience no lingering discomfort. The cells collected during the exam go to the lab for testing.

What if my Pap smear results are abnormal?

When your Pap smear results suggest the presence of abnormal cells, don’t panic. Your doctor evaluates the type of abnormality and determines the next diagnostic steps. In many cases, the best course of action after an abnormal Pap smear result is close monitoring and increasing the frequency of your Pap smears.

You may also be advised to have a colposcopy, a simple procedure to visually examine your cervical tissue -- or a biopsy -- when a small sample of tissue is collected and sent to the lab for additional testing.

When needed, Boro Park offers cryosurgery to treat tumors or cancerous cervical cells. During this procedure, liquid nitrogen creates a frigid temperature that freezes and kills the targeted cells.

Another tactic for removing abnormal cervical cells is a loop electrosurgical excision procedure. In this procedure, electric current heats a small wire loop removes the targeted cells.

If you’re overdue for a well-woman exam and Pap smear, schedule an appointment with Boro Park OB/GYN right away.

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