4 Signs You Should Seek Help for Your PMS
Did you know that more than 90% of women experience some form of premenstrual syndrome? Many are mild cases, but some women truly struggle with PMS and could benefit from seeking treatment.
Why a Pap Smear Is So Important for Your Health
When was the last time you thought about your cervical health? It's easy to push routine screenings to the back of your mind when you're feeling fine, but a Pap smear is one of the most effective ways for women to stay ahead of serious health issues.
At Kinwest OBGYN in Dallas and Irving, Texas, we’re dedicated to providing comfortable, expert care that keeps you informed and healthy. Dr. Jose F. De Leon and our team want you to understand that staying on top of your screenings is a powerful way to protect your health.
A Pap smear, or Pap test, is a simple procedure that collects cells from your cervix to look for changes that could lead to cervical cancer. It's not just about finding cancer; it's about finding precancerous cells so you can get treatment before they ever become a problem. By catching cellular changes early, we can often prevent cancer from developing at all.
How often do you really need a Pap smear?
Most women should undergo this screening every three years starting at age 21, though the schedule changes as you get older. Women between ages 30 and 65 have more options, including an HPV test every five years or a combination of both tests known as co-testing.
The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG) this year released updated guidance on cervical cancer screening. Here's a quick breakdown of the standard screening protocol for most patients:
- Ages 21 to 29: Get a Pap test every three years to monitor for cellular changes
- Ages 30 to 65: Choose a Pap test every three years, an HPV test every five years, or a co-test every five years
- Over 65: Stop screening if your previous tests have been consistently normal and you aren't at high risk
We don’t recommend routine cervical cancer screening for women who’ve had a hysterectomy with removal of the cervix and who don’t have a history of cervical cancer.
How to prepare for your Pap smear
To get the most accurate results from your screening, follow a few simple steps in the 48 hours leading up to your appointment.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2023) recommends avoiding intercourse, douching, or using vaginal medicines and spermicides for two days before the test. These substances can wash away or hide abnormal cells, making it more difficult for us to collect a clear sample.
It's also best to schedule your appointment when you aren't on your period, as blood can sometimes interfere with the cell sample. If you're unsure about the timing, just give our office a call, and we can help you find the right window for your visit.
What if your Pap smear results are abnormal?
If we call you with an abnormal result, don't panic — it doesn't mean you have cancer. An abnormal result simply means that the cells we collected didn't look exactly the way they should, and it's a sign that our early-warning system is working perfectly.
In many cases, these changes are minor and will go away on their own as your body naturally clears a transient infection. We simply monitor you more closely or perform a follow-up test to see if further action is needed.
Catching these microscopic changes years before they can develop into something serious is exactly why Pap smears are so important and why we prioritize them as part of your regular wellness routine.
Whether you're due for your first test or it's been a few years since your last visit, our team at Kinwest OBGYN is here to provide the best gynecology support. Contact our office in Dallas or Irving today to schedule your next wellness exam.
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