Pap smears & gynecological exams

Aurora Health Care gynecologists offer the preventive services you need to stay healthy – now and for the rest of your life. When your needs go beyond screening and prevention, you can count on us for comprehensive care, including:

• Birth control
• Gynecologic cancer care
• Pregnancy care
• Incontinence treatment

Are you at risk for breast cancer?

Knowing your chances of developing breast cancer can help you plan a routine screening schedule – a critical first step in a battle against the disease. Our breast health quiz estimates your five-year and lifetime risks and gives you an idea what to do next based on your results.

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Yearly gynecological examination

Getting a routine gynecological exam is one of the best ways to protect your health. During the exam, your doctor may provide vaccinations, perform a gynecological cancer screening, as well as provide education about staying healthy. They’ll also answer any questions you may have about gynecological issues, reproduction, fertility questions, menstruation and menopause.

Routine gynecological exams may include testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other tests such as:

• Pap smear: This test detects abnormalities that can lead to cervical cancer.
• Breast exams: Your health professional performs a physical examination of your breasts to check for lumps.
• Pelvic Exam: Examine the vagina and cervix to ensure organs are healthy.

An annual examination and screening usually takes about 10 to 20 minutes to complete. A little time goes a long way toward preventing future fertility issues or cancer.

Pap smear screening

Pap smears, also called Pap tests, are cervical screenings used to identify abnormal cells in your cervix, the narrow end of the uterus that connects to the vagina. A Pap smear can also help detect infections, such as an HPV infection, plus abnormalities and precancerous cells, which all are potential causes of cervical cancer.

During a Pap smear, your doctor will insert a small plastic spatula or brush into your vagina to collect cervical cells for testing. You may experience mild discomfort when the doctor collects cells during this cervical cancer screening test. Your sample is then checked in a lab for HPV infection and abnormal cells. Ask your provider if you have any questions about your cervical screening test results.

Cervical cancer screening recommendations

While you should have a gynecological examination every year, the American Cancer Society, American College of OBGYN and other national organizations put together screening guidelines to help identify and diagnose abnormal cell growth or HPV infection as soon as possible:

• Women between the ages of 21 and 29 should have a Pap smear every three years.
• Women from 30 to 64 should get a Pap smear and an HPV (human papillomavirus) test every five years.
• If you’re 65 or older, you should ask your doctor if you need to continue Pap smear screenings.

Some women may need to get Pap smears more frequently. If you have had abnormal Pap smears in the past, or have HPV or precancerous cells, talk to your doctor about getting tested more frequently.

Specialty care for women’s health

Your gynecologist may recommend additional testing after your gynecological exam or if you have an abnormal Pap smear. These tests could include:

• Mammography depending on age and family history to look for breast cancer
• Cervical biopsy if your Pap test is abnormal to collect tissue from the surface of the cervix to look for abnormal cells, which may cause cervical cancer
• Pelvic ultrasound to look for uterine cancer or ovarian cancer

When you need it, you can find specialized women’s care offerings, such as mammograms or endocrinology services, at:

• Aurora Sinai Women’s Health
• Aurora Women’s Pavilion
• Women’s Center Aurora BayCare