At Englewood, Colorado-based Cherry Hills Midwifery, Obstetrics, & Gynecology, Our providers have tested many women who live in Denver for cervical cancer. Lots of the patients they’ve tested regard the providers as some of the leading Pap smear and HPV specialists in Denver.

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What Exactly Is a Pap Smear?

A Pap smear is a test that’s used to screen for cervical cancer. The test checks the cervix for both cancerous and precancerous cells and for the presence of HPV.

The test is named in honor of Dr. Papanikolaou who demonstrated that this test is a reliable way of screening women for cervical cancer.

What Is Done If a Pap Smear’s Results Are Abnormal?

If the results from a Pap smear come back abnormal, a medical provider will often perform an HPV test on the sample and if necessary recommend a colposcopy which is looking at the cervix with a telescope.

What Precisely Is HPV?

HPV is a common viral infection that can be contracted through skin-to-skin and sexual contact. In women, the virus can cause a pre-cancerous change which can be easily treated when detected at an early stage.  It usually does not cause these changes but should be checked for and ruled out.

Who Should Get a Pap Smear?

All women starting at the age of 21 or who are sexually active should have a Pap smear or cervical cultures done regularly.  Precisely how frequently women need tested depends on how many partners they have, whether their partners have been tested, and other factors. Women should see a gynecologist for a precise recommendation as to how often they should come in for testing.

All women should have a Pap smear done to make sure they don’t have any signs of cervical cancer. Because HPV is so common, some gynecologists include HPV testing as a standard part of their well woman care.

How Long Does a Pap Smear Take?

A Pap smear is simple and takes just a few minutes. It’s easy to schedule a test around other obligations if it’s not already performed as part of a well-woman visit, and women can go right back to their usual activities after the test is over.