Pap Smear Specialist

Plainsboro Princeton Medical Associates PC -  - Internist

Plainsboro Princeton Medical Associates PC

Internist & Aesthetic Specialist located in Plainsboro Township, NJ

More than 12,000 women get diagnosed with cervical cancer annually. At Plainsboro Princeton Medical Associates PC, Dr. Aruna Chakrala and Dr. Sangeeta Buddala provide Pap smears to check for cervical cancer right from their Plainsboro Township and Monroe Township offices. This simple but critical women’s health screening detects cervical cancer early — when it’s easier to treat successfully. If it’s time for your next Pap smear, call or use the online booking tool and make an appointment today.

Pap Smear Q & A

What is a Pap Smear?

A Pap smear, sometimes called a Pap test, is a procedure to screen for cervical cancer. Pap smears test for precancerous and cancerous cells in your cervix, the opening of your uterus.

All women should get Pap smears, usually starting around age 21. Dr. Chakrala and Dr. Buddala provide Pap smears at both of the practice’s office locations.

What can I expect during a Pap Smear?

Pap smears are a part of a woman’s routine check-ups. During a pap smear, Dr. Chakrala or Dr. Buddala scrapes cells from your cervix for inspection. The procedure may be mildly uncomfortable for a few seconds while they extract the cell samples. An abnormal pap smear result may spur additional testing.

Most cervical cancers stem from infections, like sexually transmitted infections or the human papillomavirus (HPV), so Dr. Chakrala and Dr. Buddala usually recommend full panel STD testing and HPV screening when you come in for a Pap smear. HPV can lay dormant for years, so regular tests are important.

If you have HPV, you have an increased risk of cervical cancer.

How often do I need to get a Pap Smear?

Women in a monogamous relationship require regular Pap smears, too. When you’re between the ages of 21 and 29, Dr. Chakrala and Dr. Buddala typically recommend getting a Pap smear once every three years. Generally, between the ages of 30 and 65, you need this test every five years.

You may require more frequent pap smears if you have a weak immune system or a history of cervical problems. Dr. Chakrala or Dr. Buddala review your medical history and assess your health as part of your routine visits and tell you if you require Pap smears more frequently than recommended.

To schedule your Pap smear with a caring health professional, call or use the online booking tool to set up an appointment with either Dr. Chakrala or Dr. Buddala today.