Breast Exams in San Diego

A Pap smear is a routine test done in your primary care doctor’s office during a woman’s annual wellness exam. The test is performed using a brush or a swab to take a small sample of cells from your cervix. The test is completed quickly without much discomfort. The cells collected are then examined in a lab to look for abnormal cell changes. A Pap test is used to diagnose abnormal cervical cells that lead to cervical cancer and the human papillomavirus (HPV).

It is recommended that all women between 21-65 years of age should have a Pap smear done every three years. You may need more frequent Pap smears if you have certain risk factors such as…

• A previous diagnosis of cervical cancer
• A history of abnormal pap smears
• HIV infection
• A weakened immune system
• A history of smoking.

You can learn more about your specific risk factors for cervical cancer by speaking with your Primary Care Doctor in San Diego.

If your Pap results come back normal, no abnormal cervical cells were found. If you receive an abnormal result, that does not mean you have cervical cancer. In most cases, an abnormal result is due to cell changes caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that does not usually require any treatment. Depending on your test results, your Primary Care Doctor in San Diego will discuss with you if further testing is needed.

To schedule your pap smear or learn more about our Primary Care in San Diego, please click here or call us at 858-554-1212.