A pap smear is a basic routine part of women’s health care. However, what feels like the hardest part is the waiting period for results. If you’ve recently had a Pap smear, you’re probably wondering about how long you will have to wait to know your results. It’s understandable that you’re feeling anxious right now and in fact, many women experience the same sentiments. Let’s read this guide to figure out what to expect. This way, you can reduce the stress level to a great extent and get a clearer idea of the timeline, too. Before diving into how much time does it take to get pap smear results?, let’s quickly review what a Pap smear is and why it’s so important in Chicago.
What Is a Pap Smear & Why Do You Need One?
A Pap smear is a screening procedure that involves collecting cells from your cervix to check for abnormal changes that can later progress to cervical cancer. This simple procedure is done regularly during a routine gynecological exam but you can also get a Pap smear during periods.
You should have this test once in a while since it can detect precancerous cells before they develop into something more serious. You may need to have a Pap smear every 3-5 years after starting this test at age 21. Even so, it’s not a matter of your age as well as risk factors.
Typical Timeframe for Receiving Pap Smear Results
The waiting period is unpredictable and can change from person to person even if you’ve prepared for the Pap smear. Still, you can expect to get the results between 1 to 3 weeks on average. We know that this can somehow feel like a really long time. The reason for the wait is that your sample needs to be examined carefully by a laboratory professional to maximize your results accuracy.
What Affects the Timeline?
Like we said before, you may have to wait before receiving Pap smear results. Let’s have a look at a few reasons because of which you might not be able to get your results right away:
- Lab Processing Time: Once there is collection of your sample, it needs to be sent to a lab where a pathologist will examine the cells for the presence of any abnormalities. The point here is that the process can take a few days to a couple of weeks depending on the lab’s workload so you might have to wait till then.
- Further Testing: Sometimes, it happens that the pathologist finds something unusual or unclear in your sample. In that case, they may need to conduct additional tests. For example, they may need to check for herpes vs yeast infection, which is often associated with abnormal cell changes. That’s how additional testing can add to the timeline.
- Clinic Efficiency: This is really important as how quickly your doctor’s office processes and communicates with you can also affect the timing you receive your results. Some clinics may take a little longer to contact you and some way earlier.
What Happens After Your Pap Smear Results Are Ready?
Have you received your test results and are clueless about the next step? Well, you don’t have to worry about that as your healthcare provider will contact you to discuss them. Here’s what you can expect:
What Does a Normal Result Mean?
Let’s say your Pap smear results are normal. Then congratulations! Your cervix is healthy and there are no abnormal cells. In this case, your doctor will generally recommend that you have another Pap smear in the coming 3 to 5 years. Again, it’s not a strict rule and is subject to your specific age as well as health history.
The good news is that normal results don’t require any follow-up appointments or additional treatments. Your doctor may in fact simply schedule your next routine exam.
What If the Results Are Abnormal?
On the other hand, your results may show abnormal cells. Still, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer. The presence of abnormal results can point out that there are changes in your cervical cells that need closer examination. In such a scenario, it’s important to remember that most abnormal results are not cancerous and they can exist because of any reason like ovulation bleeding.
Additionally, your doctor may recommend a colposcopy for abnormal pap smear, which is a procedure where you’ll have a closer examination of your cervix. If any concerning areas are found, they may suggest a biopsy. No doubt, the word “abnormal” can be quite unsettling. However, it’s a sign that there is a requirement for further testing such as STD test or observation in most of the cases and this is just to ensure better health in the long run.
How to Cope With the Waiting Period
Waiting for Pap smear results can be extremely nerve-wracking and to be honest, it’s completely normal to feel anxious at this point. The good news is that this waiting time is short-lived. In fact, you can handle it more easily if you know more about the process.
Stay Informed and Ask Questions
You can have an uncertain feeling about anything during the waiting period. It can be either the process, the results, or even the next steps. If that’s so, you don’t need to hesitate to ask healthcare provider. They’ll guide you much better than you imagine regarding the process and the support.
Talk About Your Concerns
You may feel quite stressed out with this whole waiting period. In such case, it’s always better to talk to someone you trust. It can be your family member, a friend or even a therapist. This is because when you discuss your worries, it eases the emotional burden of waiting for results.
What to Do if Your Results Take Longer Than Expected
Sometimes, the results take longer than expected and they can surely add to your anxiety. It is possible that you haven’t received your results within 3 weeks. If that’s the scenario, you don’t have to hesitate. In fact, have a follow-up with your doctor’s office or the lab. Most of the time, there’s a simple explanation for the delay. For instance, they might tell you that they’re having a higher-than-usual volume of tests or you need further testing such as an ovarian cyst.
Let’s say that you still feel uneasy. For that situation as well, it’s perfectly okay to call and ask for an update. Your healthcare provider will acknowledge your concerns and can give you the information you need to ease your mind.
Final Thoughts
The waiting period for your Pap smear results can sometimes feel really long. However, it’s still important to stay calm and patient. You should know that the results are mostly normal. Even if anything does come up, early detection means you have plenty of treatment options available.
Haven’t had your Pap smear yet? Well, don’t delay anymore. Stay proactive with your health by scheduling a regular screening with Novamed Urgent Care in Chicago. Contact us in case you have any questions or visit our urgent care cneter for women’s health issues. Feel free to reach out to our professional healthcare provider because we believe that your health is worth it.
