Women's Health

Alpharetta Roswell Family Practice provides a source of primary care for women. Along with general medical services for women, we also provide Pap smears.

Pap smear, also known as a Pap test, is an important procedure done to test for cervical cancer in women. The Pap smear test involves collecting cells from the cervix. The cells are analyzed in a lab and results are assessed accordingly. Pap Smears are used to screen for cervical cancer and are done in conjunction with a pelvic exam.

In general, it is recommended to begin Pap testing at the age of 21. It is recommended to repeat the test every 3 years for women between 21 and 65 years of age.

Doctors may recommend more frequent Pap smears if the following risk factors are present:

-A previous diagnosis of cervical cancer or a Pap smear that showed precancerous cells
-Exposure to diethylstilbestrol before birth
-HIV infection
-Immune system deficiencies
-History of Smoking

In certain situations, it is accepted that Pap smears are no longer needed. Examples are after total hysterectomy and in older age above 65 in which the previous tests for cervical cancer have all been negative.

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