In this article, we will discuss the urgent care pap smear test. A pap smear test is typically a procedure for screening cervical cancer. It is also called a pap smear, and it helps in testing for the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells on your cervix, which is the opening of the uterus. Cells from your cervix will be gently scraped away and examined during the daily process to determine abnormal growth. This procedure is performed at the doctor's office. Urgent care pap smear testing can be mildly uncomfortable but will not lead to any long-term pain. Keep reading this article to determine how the pap smear test works.
Preparation for Pap Smear Tests
Insurance plans mostly cover these tests though you might be needed to pay a copay. Suppose you are menstruating on the day of this test. You will be required to reschedule the test because the outcome will be inaccurate.
Mostly, it is safe to undergo this test in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. After that, the tests become more painful. You also need to wait for about 12 weeks after giving birth to undergo this test because it helps in increasing the accuracy of the outcome. If the body is relaxed, this test goes smoothly. Therefore, it is essential to stay calm and take deep breaths during the treatment.
How does Pap Smear Test work?
This procedure can be uncomfortable, but the test is very quick. During the treatment, you will have to lie on the examination table with your legs spread and feet resting in supports referred to as stirrups.
Slowly, the doctor will insert a speculum device into your vagina. This tool helps to keep the vaginal walls open and gives access to the cervix. The doctor will then scrape a little sample of cells from the cervix. The doctor will take these samples in a few ways;
Some doctors tend to use a device called a spatula
Others use a spatula and brush
Other doctors use a tool called cytobrush, which is a mixture of spatula and bush.
During the brief scraping, you might experience a slight push or irritation. The samples from this test will be preserved and then sent to the lab to determine the presence of abnormal cells. After the test, you might feel some mild discomforts from scraping or some cramping. Immediately after the tests, you might as well experience slight vaginal bleeding. If the discomfort or bleeding persists the day after the test, inform your doctor.
Conclusion
Urgent care pap smear test usually has two results. This is normal and abnormal. If the tests come back abnormal, this does not mean you have cancer. It means there are abnormal cells in your uterus. These could be precancerous. These tests are usually very accurate. Make sure to undergo regular pap screening to help reduce cervical cancer rate and mortality. The tests can be uncomfortable, but they help with your health.
