Getting your first Pap smear test can be daunting. Many aspects of gynecology can be scary to think about, especially if you are afraid of developing health issues or afraid of the doctor’s office in general.

The reality is that check-ups with your gynecologist are extremely important, and the examinations you’ll receive are not as painful, long, and arduous as they may seem. We believe there’s strength in knowledge, so here’s everything you need to know about Pap smear tests and gynecology to give you peace of mind.

What is a Pap Smear Test?

Yearly gynecologic examinations should be performed to ensure your body is healthy and functioning correctly. Women should have their first Pap smear test done at 21 or three years after becoming sexually active. After your first exam at Dr. Susan Fox’s Center for Women, our skilled medical examiners will be able to determine how often you should return for a check-up. However, the typically recommended time period is within a year. Your annual well-woman exam includes your Pap smear test.

Some women may feel nervous and anxious when scheduling a gynecology appointment. Many fear that the process will be uncomfortable or even painful. At Dr. Susan Fox’s Center for Women, we recognize that many women feel this way, and it is our goal to ensure that each and every patient that walks into our clinic feels comfortable, safe, and at ease. Our professionals take special care in performing quick and effective examinations that will be both informative and helpful.

A Pap smear test is a typical part of a gynecological examination. This test is performed to search for any early signs of serious abnormalities such as cervical cancer. The results of a pap smear will allow our experts to address the issue in its early stages and could potentially prove to be life-saving.

The best time to have a Pap smear test done is within 10 to 20 days after your menstrual cycle, avoiding the use of vaginal products, douching, and sexual activity during the days before the appointment. Once you are properly situated and the procedure has begun, our professionals will examine the surrounding genital regions, such as the urethra, to ensure that everything looks normal.

A speculum will then be inserted into the birth canal to look into the vagina and cervix closely. A cervical brush is then utilized to scrape certain areas and collect an endocervical and ectocervical sample. These samples are sent to a lab for testing and evaluation.

After your Pap smear test, your gynecologist will perform a pelvic exam. After being directed to position yourself correctly, our doctor and nurse staff will examine the external areas surrounding the vagina, such as the vulva folds, for any signs of abnormal discharge, cysts, inflammation, or genital warts. To perform the pelvic exam, your health care professional will have to insert two gloved fingers into the vagina, placing a hand on the lower abdomen to search for any tenderness, swelling, or enlargement of the uterus. Any existing cysts or tumors can also be found during this process.

Why is Gynecology Important?

Gynecologists focus on the non-pregnancy aspects of a woman’s reproductive health, which are vast in number. Women often begin seeing a gynecologist when they become sexually active or at the onset of puberty if needed.

Many women also choose to visit their gynecologist if they are interested in birth control, if they have menstruation issues, or if they are struggling with the symptoms of menopause. Even if you do not have these concerns, seeing a gynecologist is key to preventing reproductive cancers, as gynecologists can administer the proper cancer screenings to you annually.

Regular gynecological exams are essential for a woman’s health. Gynecologists perform standard examinations, such as Pap smears and pelvic exams. They may also be seen for diagnosis and treatment of a variety of conditions, including:

• Cancer of the ovaries, uterus, cervix, vagina, or fallopian tubes
• Prolapse: a condition in which the pelvic organs slip forward or downward within the body, often after menopause in women
• Yeast or bacterial infections
• Painful intercourse
• Irregular menstruation or pain during menstruation.
• Other menopause-related diseases
• Endometriosis: a painful condition in which uterine tissue grows outside the uterus
• Cervical and vaginal polyps
• Fibroids: compact tumors that develop in the uterus
• Ovarian cysts

In addition, a gynecologist can perform surgical procedures on reproductive organs for several reasons, including medical conditions, permanently preventing pregnancy, and even for cosmetic reasons. Some of the most common procedures include:

• Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus
• Oophorectomy: Removal of the ovaries
• Salpingectomy: Removal of the fallopian tubes
• Tubal ligation: Permanent birth control surgery
• Cone biopsy: Removal of precancerous cells from the cervix after a Pap test
• Labiaplasty: Surgical reshaping of external genitalia

Many practices choose to combine the obstetrician and gynecologist specialties to provide more comprehensive women’s care. Both gynecologists and obstetricians complete four years of medical school and a four-year residency program. They learn about pregnancy, fertility, genetics, adolescent gynecological care, and adult gynecological care.

Gynecology, Pap Smear Test in Miami | Dr. Susan Fox’s Center for Women in Miami

Dr. Susan Fox’s Center for Women strives to make each patient feel welcomed and secure.

Backed by our medical professionals team, Dr. Susan Fox is an OB/GYN ready to provide the best gynecological care for women with various unique needs in the Miami area.

Dr. Fox’s years of experience in the field have allowed her to construct a devoted group of professionals who will go the extra mile to ensure their patients are completely satisfied after each appointment.

Our team never hesitates to answer any questions a patient may have as thoroughly as possible and work with each patient to find solutions to any issues they may be experiencing.

Dr. Fox holds memberships with renowned organizations such as the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, the American Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology, and the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health.

Her dedication to obstetrics and gynecology and preventative healthcare practices shines through, as Dr. Fox was among the first Obstetricians/Gynecologists to be trained in using the Implanon birth control method.

Whether you are searching for a dependable obstetrics and gynecology specialist for routine gynecological care or a knowledgeable practitioner to perform pelvic reconstructive surgery, Dr. Susan Fox’s Center for Women is your most secure option.

Your wellness is of the utmost importance to us, and we will do everything within our power to keep our patients happy and healthy.

Contact Dr. Susan Fox’s Center for Women today to be treated by one of the top Obstetrician/Gynecologists in Miami during your first exam!