Pap Smear Testing & Women’s Health in Austell, GA

At Cobb Women’s Health, we are committed to providing our patients with the most effective screening tools to protect their cervical health. Two essential tests we offer are the Pap smear and the HPV test. While both are critical for early detection of cervical issues, it’s important to understand how they differ.

An HPV test and a Pap smear are different tests, though they are often related. A Pap smear is a screening procedure where cells are collected from the cervix to detect any abnormal changes that might indicate precancerous conditions or cervical cancer. It focuses on identifying changes in the cervical cells themselves.

An HPV test, on the other hand, checks for the presence of high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cervical cancer. While the Pap smear looks for abnormal cells, the HPV test helps identify whether a woman has an infection with the strains of HPV that can lead to cervical cancer. The two tests can be performed together, especially in women over 30 or those with abnormal Pap smear results.

At Cobb Women’s Health, both the Pap smear and HPV test are essential services we offer to monitor and protect your cervical health. These tests work together to detect any abnormal cell changes and identify high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to cervical cancer. Regular screenings are key to early detection and prevention, ensuring your overall well-being.

Your health is our first concern at Cobb Women’s Health. One of the most important preventive services we offer is the Pap smear (Pap test), a routine screening that checks for early signs of cervical cancer or precancerous changes in the cells of your cervix.

During a Pap smear, you will be asked to lie on an exam table with your feet in stirrups while your provider gently inserts a speculum into your vagina to hold it open. They can see your cervix as a result. A sample of cells is then taken from the cervix using a tiny brush or spatula. This step may feel slightly uncomfortable, but it is typically brief, lasting only a few seconds.

After the sample is collected, the speculum is removed, and you can sit up. You may experience mild cramping or light spotting afterward, but these symptoms are typically temporary and resolve quickly. The procedure is quick and routine, with results typically available in a few days to a week. If you have any concerns or feel anxious, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your healthcare provider—they are there to make the process as comfortable as possible for you.

Dr. Nandita Mainthia, MD, FACOG, and Dr. Hitendra Hansalia, MD, FACOG, at Cobb Women’s Health are committed to answering all your questions and making your visit as comfortable as possible. We understand that medical exams can cause anxiety. If you have concerns before or during your Pap smear, please let us know—we’re here to support you every step of the way.

We want to ensure you have the best experience and the most accurate results from your Pap smear. Before your consultation, you can do the following easy steps:

1. Timing: Schedule your Pap smear when you’re not menstruating. Menstrual blood can sometimes interfere with test results. If you have light spotting, it’s best to call your provider to check if you should still proceed or reschedule.

2. What to Avoid: For two to three days before the exam, avoid sexual intercourse, using tampons, douching, or applying vaginal creams or sprays. These can obscure abnormal cells and affect test accuracy.

3. Hygiene: There’s no special preparation needed other than a normal shower or bath before your appointment. This helps you feel clean and comfortable.

Preparing for your Pap smear is a simple yet important step in taking charge of your health. Should you have any questions or require guidance on how to best prepare for your upcoming appointment, our team at Cobb Women’s Health is ready to assist you. We are committed to giving you the information and assistance you require to feel secure and at ease during the procedure.

You can technically get a Pap smear while you are on your period, but it is generally recommended to reschedule the appointment for a time when you are not menstruating. The presence of a heavy menstrual flow can interfere with the cell sample, making it difficult for the provider to get a clear and accurate reading. This may lead to an unsatisfactory test result, which would require you to come back for a repeat test.

However, if your menstrual flow is very light, a doctor may still decide to proceed. It is always a good idea to call your doctor’s office before your scheduled appointment if your period starts unexpectedly. They can advise you on whether it’s best to keep the appointment or reschedule. The most important thing is not to skip this crucial health screening, so it’s often better to have the test done with a light flow than to miss it entirely.

At Cobb Women’s Health, your comfort and health are our top priorities. If you have any questions about Pap smears or need to discuss the timing of your appointment, our staff is available to provide guidance. We’re here to help guide you every step of the way. For more information contact us today or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1810 Mulkey Rd SW, Suite 102, Austell, GA 30106! We serve patients from Austell GA, Lithia Springs GA, Mableton GA, Powder Springs GA, Fair Oaks GA, Hiram GA, Clarkdale GA, Smyrna GA, Marietta GA and surrounding areas.