When women need a Pap smear, they often come with questions and anxieties, especially when it’s their first time. Information isn’t always easy to access, or it can be difficult to understand, but that’s why this blog exists.
To ease your anxieties and prepare you for your next—or first—Pap smear in Winter Garden, read this article.
What Is a Pap Smear?
A Pap smear is a cervical cancer screening that involves collecting cells from your cervix and testing them for abnormalities. The screening doesn’t just detect cervical cancer itself but also if certain cells have the potential to become cancerous. This makes a Pap smear a preventative service that’s necessary for every person with a vagina.
In addition to cervical cancer, a Pap smear also checks for human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can increase your risk of cervical cancer.
What Age Should I Start Getting Pap Smears?
Individuals with a cervix should begin Pap smears at 21 and repeat them every 3 years. Once you’re 30, you can schedule Pap smears every 5 years until you turn 65.
Before the age of 21 and after the age of 65, your risk of cervical cancer is lower, so they may not be required for most patients unless they have a personal or family history of cervical cancer. This recommendation aims to optimize the benefits of screening while minimizing unnecessary procedures for individuals in these age groups.
Does a Pap Smear Hurt?
While a Pap smear may be uncomfortable, it shouldn’t hurt. Our board-certified gynecologist takes extra care to put you at ease by explaining each step of the process, ensuring that you feel informed, relaxed, and in control throughout your Pap smear in Winter Garden.
How Should I Prepare for a Pap Smear?
Before your Pap smear, please follow these instructions:
- Avoid vaginal sex for two days before your appointment.
- Refrain from using tampons, vaginal creams, or lubricants two days prior to your pap smear.
- Schedule the appointment after your period ends.
Come as you are! You don’t need to shave or wax the area before a pap smear, as it does not affect the cell sample results.
What Can I Expect After My Pap Smear?
There is no downtime for a Pap smear, but please be aware that you may experience some light bleeding afterward. This is normal and should not be a cause for concern.
Once we get the results back from your Pap smear, we’ll call you and let you know what we find. If it’s abnormal, we schedule a follow-up appointment to do another Pap smear or perform another test to decide the best treatment plan for you.
Is a Pap Smear Covered by Insurance?
Yes, most Pap smears are covered by insurance, as this is the gold standard screening tool and a life-saving service. At Horizons OBGYN, we accept the following types of insurance:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Aetna
- Cigna
- Ambetter
- Oscar
- United Healthcare
- UMR
- EHN
- Orlando Health Disney Cast Advantage
- Orlando Health Team Member Health Plan
- AdventHealth Employee Health Plan
- AMPS
- Centivo
- Health First Health Plans
- Disney/Cigna
If you don’t have insurance, we offer flexible financing plans through CareCredit and Cherry as well to make our care more affordable for everyone.
Schedule Your Pap Smear
Call our office to schedule your Pap smear in Winter Garden. As soon as you do it, you won’t have to worry about it again for another 3 to 5 years.
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