Preventing Cervical Cancer

A Pap smear can save your life because it can detect the early signs of cervical cancer — and when cervical cancer is caught early, it greatly increases your chance of having successful treatment. 

Modern Women's Health Gynecology & Aesthetics

What Happens During a Pap Smear?

A Pap smear will check for abnormalities in your cells. Once you arrive at our clinic and are shown to the exam room, you will be left alone to undress and put on a gown so that we can more easily examine you.

Once you’ve put on the gown and are comfortable lying down on the exam table, the doctor will return to the room. She will pull out stirrups from under the medical table for you to put your heels in. You will slide down so that you are at a good placement for your exam. Once you’re in place, the exam will begin. The doctor will use a plastic or metal instrument called a speculum to get a good look at your cervix.

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This is done by placing the speculum inside the vaginal opening and then slightly opening the speculum so that we can see your cervix at the end. The speculum does not hurt. Lubricant can be applied to it to help it go inside more easily. You will feel a little discomfort.

Some patients feel some pressure, but it shouldn’t hurt. With the speculum still in place, a small brush will be used to collect cells off of the cervix. These will be placed into a container and sent to a lab to screen for abnormalities. After this, the Pap smear is complete.

What is an Abnormal Pap Smear?

An abnormal Pap smear may indicate a wide variety of things, and is no cause for alarm. Abnormal Pap smears can mean a simple infection or inflammation; herpes; dysplasia (abnormal cells that can be pre-cancerous); trichomoniasis; recent sexual activity, or genital warts. An abnormal Pap smear means that you will need further testing, but does not automatically mean that you have cervical cancer.

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FAQ

How often do I need to get a Pap smear?

Does a Pap smear report STDs?

How often do I need to get a Pap smear?

The answer to this will depend on how old you are and your medical history. If you think it may be time to get a Pap smear, we encourage you to contact our office.

Does a Pap smear report STDs?

A regular Pap smear doesn’t automatically report STDs, but you can request an STD test during the same exam.

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Dr. Lisa Jukes BOARD-CERTIFIED OB/GYN, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

Overall Wellness at Modern Women’s Health

Founded by board-certified gynecologist Dr. Lisa Jukes, we take care of all aspects of our patients’ health — all the way from adolescence through menopause. Our mission is to take a 360-degree approach to patient care, providing comprehensive health services for women and their families all under one roof. Patients of any age can get exceptional services for their gynecological needs, aesthetic treatments, and general wellness concerns. As one of the top gynecology and women’s practices in Texas, we develop warm, professional relationships and provide outstanding patient-centric care.

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