Pap Smear Testing for Women’s Health in Newport News VA

Pap smear—a crucial screening test designed to detect precancerous changes and early signs of cervical cancer, often before any symptoms appear.

During a Pap smear, our compassionate providers gently collect a sample of cells from your cervix. These cells are then carefully examined to identify any abnormal or potentially cancerous changes. Early detection through regular Pap smears can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment and help prevent cervical cancer from developing or progressing.

Since cervical cancer often develops slowly and may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages, regular screening is especially important for women’s long-term health.

A Pap smear is a vital screening test that detects early changes in the cells of the cervix.

During your visit, our experienced healthcare providers will gently collect a small sample of cells from your cervix. This process is quick and generally well-tolerated. The collected sample is then examined in our trusted laboratory to check for any abnormalities.

The main goal of a Pap smear is to identify precancerous or cancerous changes in cervical cells before symptoms develop. Early detection through regular screenings at Oyster Point Family Practice allows for prompt intervention, significantly reducing the risk of cervical cancer.

If you’re scheduled for a Pap smear with us, here are some tips to help you prepare and ensure the most accurate results:

• Timing Your Appointment: Menstrual blood can affect the accuracy of your results. The ideal time is at least five days after your period ends.
• What to Avoid Before Your Visit: For about 48 hours before your Pap smear at Oyster Point Family Practice, please avoid vaginal intercourse, douching, and using any vaginal creams, suppositories, or medications (unless directed by your provider). These can interfere with the test’s ability to detect abnormal cells.
• Day of the Test: Feel free to eat and drink as you normally would; fasting is not required. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing that is easy to remove from the waist down, as you will need to undress for the procedure.
• Before the Procedure: Please let your provider know if you are pregnant, have any unusual symptoms (such as abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding), or have a history of abnormal Pap smears. If you are experiencing symptoms of a vaginal infection, let us know before your appointment, as this can affect the sample collection.
• During Your Visit: Try to relax—tension can make the procedure less comfortable. Taking deep breaths can help.

Pap smear is primarily used to detect precancerous changes and cancer of the cervix, helping us identify abnormal cells early—before they develop into something more serious.

During your visit, your provider will carefully collect cells from your cervix. These cells are then examined under a microscope to look for any abnormalities. The main goal is to find any precancerous or cancerous changes, but in some cases, a Pap smear can also reveal other concerns:

• Detection of Infections: Sometimes, signs of certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as trichomoniasis, may be seen. Inflammation or infection of the cervix can also be discovered, even though the Pap smear is not specifically designed to diagnose most STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea. 
• Other Conditions: Changes caused by conditions like vaginal atrophy (thinning of the vaginal walls, often due to lower estrogen levels) or the presence of yeast or bacterial infections can also be picked up during the test.

What a Pap Smear Won’t Detect

It’s important to know that a Pap smear is not a comprehensive test for all women’s health concerns. It does not detect ovarian or endometrial cancer, and most STIs will not show up on this test. That’s why it’s important to share any symptoms or concerns you have with your Oyster Point Family Practice provider, so we can recommend the right tests and care for you.

A Pap smear, sometimes called a Pap test, is a simple procedure that helps detect abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix—changes that could indicate precancerous conditions or cervical cancer. Regular Pap smears are highly effective in identifying issues early, greatly improving the chances of successful treatment and often preventing cervical cancer before it starts.

Our experienced medical team, led by Dr. Thomas N. Robeson, MD, is dedicated to making every patient feel at ease. We understand that gynecological exams can be stressful, and we take the time to explain the process, answer your questions, and ensure your comfort throughout your visit. During the Pap smear, a gentle sample of cervical cells is collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The procedure is quick, generally causes only mild discomfort, and is recommended as part of routine care for women ages 21 to 65.

In addition to screening for cervical cancer, Pap smears at Oyster Point Family Practice can also help identify infections and other cervical or reproductive health concerns. If your results require follow-up, Dr. Robeson and our team will guide you through the next steps with compassion and clarity, partnering with you to protect your health.

Your well-being is our priority. By offering Pap smear testing and comprehensive women’s health services, Oyster Point Family Practice empowers you to take charge of your health and provides the expert care you deserve. For more information, please contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 704 Thimble Shoals Blvd Suite 700, Newport News, VA 23606. We serve patients from Newport News VA, Grafton VA, Hampton VA, Poquoson VA, Seaford VA, Carrollton VA, and surrounding areas.