When Should you get a Pap Smear?

When Should you get a Pap Smear?

August 17, 2020
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Building a comprehensive picture of your health care involves more than just doctor’s visits and birth control. Wellness visits that include standard diagnostic tests and screenings help your healthcare practitioner build a baseline of health and provide the foundations for noticing and diagnosing changes early on.

Women’s health includes several screening tests that check for changes in the reproductive system. The most common of these is a pap smear, also called a pap test. The test results can detect precancerous cells, cervical cancer, and HPV.

Your healthcare provider can go over the process and reasons for pap smears as well as offer advice for how often to receive one and whether to use a combination pap smear with HPV testing for certain individuals.

When should I start pap smear tests?

In most cases, pap smears begin to happen regularly once you turn 21. Whether you’re sexually active or not, your reproductive system has matured, and pap smears help your NYC Gynecologist understand your comprehensive health status and notice any changes that may happen over time.

Tests happen every three years until the age of 30, provided each test comes back normal. Abnormal results or high-risk patients may work with a healthcare practitioner to coordinate tests on a different schedule to ensure an accurate medical history.

How often should I get a pap smear?

Pap smear routines depend on two things — age and risk. General advice may not apply to your situation, or your circumstances may change over time, so it’s essential to work closely with your healthcare practitioner to find your personalized solution based on your health needs.

Age-related factors

Women who turn 21 should begin regular pap screenings every three years, as long as the test results return normal. Once they reach age 30, many practitioners recommend combining pap tests with HPV testing for a five-year rotation until the age of 65.

Women who are 65 and older don’t usually need pap smears any more if they’ve had a history of regular testing with no recent abnormal pap smears. This advice continues throughout the remainder of life.

Risk-related factors

On top of age recommendations, your health practitioner will also look at your risk factors to determine the scheduling. If you’re high risk, you may begin regular pap smears sooner than the age of 21 or receive more frequent pap tests.

If you have abnormal results that result in a diagnosis, you may move to that high-risk category at any point in your life. You may also begin co-testing sooner than expected to monitor cell changes or receive tests more often than the recommended five year period.

Abnormal swabs could mean a variety of different things, so working with your healthcare provider to begin an alternate plan is a part of ensuring you have a complete medical history. The sample of cells could be compromised, but they may point to developing conditions your gynecologist wants to watch.

If you’ve had a total hysterectomy for reasons other than cervical cancer and no longer have a cervix, your risk factors are incredibly low — low enough to negate the need for further pap smears. However, if you have other risk factors, you may still receive regular pap smears.

What happens if my test results are abnormal?

Changes in your cervical cells can mean a variety of things, and not all of those are bad news. If you receive an abnormal pap smear result, your gynecologist will likely order diagnostic test.

You may receive additional cervical cancer screenings looking for abnormal cells or further test such as a colposcopy, in which a gynecologist carefully examines the cervix, vulva, and vagina for signs of disease or infection.

Combined HPV testing after the age of 30 can help look for Human papillomavirus strains directly related to certain cancers. These screening guidelines provide a foundation of health and wellness and give you the chance to make decisions based on changes in health information as early as possible.

Pap Smears and Women’s Health

Working with your gynecologist and healthcare practitioner for regular screening tests helps you make the best decisions for health and wellbeing. These checkup tests offer a unique insight into biological changes that happen as you age. With a history of regular testing, your healthcare expert has a better chance of catching and diagnosing any conditions early.

Early diagnosis at your doctor’s office means a better chance of success in treatments plus a broader range of choices. Your risk factors and your health situation is unique; allow the gynecology experts at Great City Medical help you build a lifelong plan for comprehensive health.

We can examine all your risk factors, age, and medical history to create a plan, and give you the best chance at a long, healthy life. Contact us to schedule your health screenings and put your medical foundation in place.


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Ralph M.
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I had a good experience here. Everyone was courteous and friendly. I liked the lady at the front desk who attended to me, although I didn’t catch her name. She actually remembered my name the second time I went in. They have good attention to details.The doctor was also kind and friendly..just as any doctor should be.
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uzoezi G.
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Una atención muy buena, gracias por su ayuda, en especial a Antony , me aclaro todas las dudas. Muy buena atención
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Martha Echeverri I.
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La doctora y todos los que me atendieron muy amables y educados
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virginia F.
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Siempre están para uno ! El personal es muy amable y servicial y mi Doctora siempre dispuesta ayudarme , gracias Marly grana por siempre estar ahí para mi 🙏
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I J
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I’ve been using Great City Medical for more than 5 years now. I use their services because their staff is professional, and Drs Grana and Axelrud are caring, compassionate, thorough and take their time. The facility is spotless and clean. They follow up and make referrals when necessary. There are always patients but never overcrowed or long wait times. What more do you need? They’ve got it all!! I highly recommend them.
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Been going to Dr. Yelena Tsyba for my Reproductive health for years, I see her and/or other medical staff/NPs who are just as wonderful and attentive as her I feel comfortable with them all. Im grateful to have found Great City Medical and wont change them for the world. They take great care of me, their clinic is clean and cozy, and their bedside manner and staff is exceptional!
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Excelente atención
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I think Dr. Akselrud’s bedside manner is exceptional. It mimics the hospitality depicted in movie, s yet rarely experienced in actual life. As such, I appreciate his expertise and welcome his opinion regarding my health and well-being.I consider him to be a Grade A physician without question!
latia H.
latia H.
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aggie U.
aggie U.
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The place is very clean and nice and staff is very professional the doctors are Great I have been going there for few years now all is good
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Escelente
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Excelente servicio
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These team of professionals are the best, so happy they are taking care of me.
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They are very professional and treat with care.
Uptothe T.
Uptothe T.
19:31 05 Dec 22
I saw Dr. Yelena Tysba and she was very professional and courteous. She took her time with me and listened to my concerns. In addition, she was very gentle during my procedure and was very knowledgeable on various gynecological conditions. The ultrasound tech, Pat, was also very professional. During my ultrasound she was very kind, patient, and gentle. The two receptionist at the front desk and the nurse were also very professional while making my follow up appointment. I have been to this doctor’s office before and her diagnosis was accurate. I would recommend the GYN office to my family and friends.
Mary S.
Mary S.
22:09 01 Dec 22
Excellent service it’s a lot better than what it used to be and I am grateful for that.. doctor is wonderful.. and the PCA’s that work there are the best all of the women are caring and patient.. they make you feel welcomed..🙇‍♂️
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22:30 28 Nov 22
Awesome service & very professional staff. I highly recommended this place.Specially Patrisha she is so helpful.Thank you so much!!
K K
K K
21:43 28 Nov 22
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16:36 23 Nov 22
It was a great visit.
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18:57 17 Nov 22
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19:55 09 Sep 22
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iren H.
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19:28 08 Sep 22
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21:30 06 Sep 22
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Yaneth P.
15:40 02 Sep 22
Great service. The intake with the nurse was pleasant and fun. The time with the doctor was very comfortable, she listened very attentivet all my concerns, she was very gentle and professional.They have late afternoon appointments wich is a plus.The final step was the scheduling of the next appointment wich was fast!My mom was right to recommend her and I recommend them as well.
Juana G.
Juana G.
22:07 30 Aug 22
Nice, quick, and ON TIME attention.Very clean; excellent and very kind staff.Special thanks to Patricia and to theDr. Grena.Highly recommended.
H. O. L.
H. O. L.
19:59 22 Aug 22
Muy bueno
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jose T.
07:18 20 Aug 22
Best plce
Mimi O.
Mimi O.
19:33 18 Aug 22
Starting from front desk very professional ladies Excellent thenTiffany very sweet I had so much anxiety & after I spoke w her I took a few deep breaths & I felt very comfortable she actually made me feel so comfortable thanks TiffanyThen Doctor Tsyba wow I couldn’t believe I didn’t feel a thing I was relaxed & she was great & then Patty sonogram very professional they all answered all my questions they’re great then I went to do blood work & the lady (I didn’t get her name) very professional.. when I encounter a place w such professionalism it makes me wanna Bragg to all females in my life Want great care, professionalism & feel comfy go to GREAT CITY MEDICAL these ladies do their job w a smile can’t wait to go back THANK YOU LADIES FOR ALL YOUR EXCELLENT WORK🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹MARY DIAZ
Ivy Deborah D.
Ivy Deborah D.
00:59 18 Aug 22
Great Place for immigration exams
Kyle S.
Kyle S.
18:07 08 Aug 22
Excelente atención desde secretarias enfermeras y doctora, el tiempo de espera fue largo ,pero el trabajo excelente, estoy muy satisfecha
Jose R.
Jose R.
23:58 28 Jul 22
Buen trato y buen servicio
Clsa 0.
Clsa 0.
08:43 28 Jul 22
Dr Grana is an amazing doctor! Facility is clean and some of the staff members are super friendly.
Shaula Neekasky (.
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18:02 18 Jul 22
👍👍👍
Jann D
Jann D
19:22 15 Jul 22
Always ❤️ Love the care I get at Great City Medical the staff and my doctor are caring and attentive to my medical issues or concerns. We work as a team to make sure I understand my results and are happy with the outcome.
M I
M I
17:53 14 Jul 22
I’ve been going to this office for primary and gyn care for 3 or 4 years now and have had an outstanding experience every time. The staff and practioners are always super welcoming, helpful, and efficient. Thank you all for everything you do! 🖤
Sarah K.
Sarah K.
22:50 13 Jul 22
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20:44 13 Jul 22
Professional staff, nice atmosphere. Recommend
Yelena C.
Yelena C.
21:49 08 Jul 22
Muyyyyyy buena soy una de las primera paciente hace más de 5 años y no voy de hay hasta que dios quiera excelente servicio amabilidad y profecionalismo sigan así
Escarlet C.
Escarlet C.
16:01 06 Jul 22
Dr Yelena was amazing, she really made my visit easy and comfortable. Loved her, highly recommend!
Valentina M.
Valentina M.
18:12 24 Jun 22
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Looking for a primary care provider in New York City that you can depend on? Make your appointment with the physicians at Great City Medical by calling (212) 281-8600

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Phone: (212) 281-8600

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