Pap Smears

A pap smear is the most trusted test for effectively screening for precancerous and cancerous cells in your cervix. If you are due for a pap smear or have any additional questions, schedule an appointment with us at Howard Center with locations throughout Georgia. You can request an appointment using the online tool, or you can call the nearest office nearest to you.

Why do I need a Pap smear? 

Cervical cancer used to be a more common issue for women. But with routine pap smears, cervical cancer is often caught early — and thus treated early — so the cancer doesn’t progress. A Pap Smear is a quick and simple in-office test performed by one of our providers. You generally need a pap smear if you:

• Are over the age of 21
• Previously had an abnormal Pap smear
• Had a hysterectomy but still have your cervix 

At the Howard Center, we ask our patients over 21 to come in every year to get their Pap smear done during their annual exam (also known as a well-woman exam). Our bodies can change throughout the year, so having tests done annually is very important to maintain your health and well-being. 

What happens during a Pap smear?

When you visit The Howard Center for a Pap smear, your dedicated OB/GYN first sits and talks with you about your health history. They will spend some time reviewing your chart and learning about your family health history.

During the Pap smear, your OB/GYN uses a swabbing tool to gently collect a few cells from your cervix. They place your specimen into a tube to be sent to a lab for testing, and your Pap smear is complete. 

How often should I get a Pap smear?

Pap smears are important for women over the age of 21, even if they’re not sexually active. Generally, the OB/GYN team at The Howard Center recommends getting a Pap test every year years until you reach age 65, or until you have your cervix removed.

Your OB/GYN at Howard Center may recommend more frequent testing depending on your previous Pap smear results. For instance, you might need a follow-up Pap smear within a few months if you had abnormal Pap results. 

Request your Pap smear at Howard Center using the online booking tool. You can also call the office nearest you to set up an appointment.