Should I get a pap smear or a pelvic exam?
Should I get a pap smear or a pelvic exam?To put things simply, you need both a pap smear and pelvic exam. Contrary to popular belief, they are different. When you go to your gynecologist for a pelvic exam, they may or may not do a pap smear if you are not due for one. However, if you are due for one at the time of your pelvic exam appointment, then your gynecologist may get both out of the way at the same time.
What does a pelvic exam consist of?
A pelvic exam is a routine check-up. This is where you will tell your doctor whether you have concerns such as abnormal bleeding or discharge. Your gynecologist will examine the exterior of your vagina, as well as the interior. The internal examination involves the use of a speculum. It is recommended that after 3 consecutive normal pelvic exams, a sexually active woman should have one done every 3 years.
Pelvic exam appointments are also a good opportunity to be screened for certain STDs.
At your doctor’s discretion, they may choose to do a bimanual exam right after the speculum exam. This involves inserting two fingers into the vagina and pressing down on your belly with the other hand. The reason for this is to check for things like abnormal bleeding or pain.
What makes a pap smear different?
The purpose of a cancer screening is to monitor your body for cancer cells before symptoms show up. A pap smear, in particular, not only screens for cervical cancer, but it also helps to detect cells that have a risk of changing into cancer later. What makes this different from a pelvic exam is that a pap smear involves scraping loose cells from the opening of the cervix. After that, it is packed up and sent to the lab for testing.
The recommended age for a pap smear is 21, and then every 3 years for a woman in her 20s. For a woman in her 30s, every 5 years will suffice, unless your doctor finds an abnormality.
Quick Recap:
Although not the same, a pelvic exam and a pap smear are both necessary components for a woman’s health, although not for the same reasons. A pelvic exam is more concerned with the health of your vagina and pelvis, while a pap smear looks for abnormal cell changes that may potentially lead to cervical cancer.
If you’re due for either of these exams, our team at New River Women’s Health can help. Request your appointment with us online today!
