Private Smear Test ( PAP Test ) in London

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of female deaths all over the world. It is especially common in older women. The exact cause of cervical cancer is somewhat linked to HPV and the growth of abnormal cells in the cervix.

Due to medical and technological advancements, the cervical smear test was introduced, and so far, it has been very helpful in controlling and preventing cervical cancer.

What Is Cervical Smear Test?

A cervical smear test is a medical procedure that is conducted to check for abnormalities in the cells of the cervix. It is also called a PAP test or PAP smear test, and these terms are often used interchangeably. This test picks up abnormalities in the cells of the cervix. It is these abnormalities that develop into cancer cells in the future. After the PAP test, if any abnormal signs are detected in the cells, they are treated.

Who Needs A Cervical Smear Test?

Every woman between the age of 25 -64 is advised to get a cervical smear test. The number of times you get tested is dependent on your age. For women within the age bracket of 25 - 49, you will have to take the test every three years. However, once you get to the age of 50, the test will have to be taken every five years. It will be so much easier if you are registered with a gynaecology clinic, like Gynae clinic in London.

PAP smear test is not usually recommended for women younger than 25 years of age. This is because, although some abnormalities may be discovered, it is completely normal, and they tend to go away on their own without treatment. Treating someone under the age of 25, as a precaution against cervical cancer is unnecessary, and may end up causing problems for such a person in future.

We already know that women within a certain age range should get the PAP test. However, other factors can determine whether or not you need to get the smear test. For instance, women who have had hysterectomy do not need a smear test, unless their cervix is still intact. Also, women who have had sex in the past should get a smear test, even if they are not sexually active anymore.

How Do I Get Tested?

PAP smear tests can be conducted in any gynaecology clinic here in London. However, you would want to be very careful in the GP clinic you walk into. For better results and overall better service, you should visit our clinic for your smear test in London. The Gynae clinic is known for reliable and professional delivery of various gynaecology services and tests.

For your convenience and comfort, you can also opt for a private smear test in our clinic. We are known for offering one of the best private smear test in London for our customers who desire to be discreet. Call us today for confidential service.

What About Pregnant Women?

Usually, smear tests are not recommended for pregnant women, especially if they have had a normal test result earlier. You will have to wait for about three months after delivery before you can be screened again.

However, if you have been screened earlier, before pregnancy, and your result was abnormal, you might need to undergo further tests, especially if you have become pregnant. The best thing to do would be to consult your doctor or midwife about what to do.

Smear Test: How Important Is It?

Although it is vital to get a PAP smear test once you are above 25 years of age, you still have the option of choosing to get screened or not. This is mostly the case when you are a virgin because the risk of getting cervical cancer is low for virgins. But all the same, knowing the benefits and vices of the PAP test might help you decide whether or not to get screened.

Benefits Of Pap Test

• Getting a smear test in London is the easiest and most acceptable way of preventing cancer or the factors that lead to it.
• Smear test aids in detecting changes in the cells of the cervix that end up being cancerous in future

Vices Of Pap Test

It is a well-known fact that the PAP smear test is very helpful when it comes to detecting changes in cells that end up being cancerous in future. But have we thought of the possibility of this test being wrong.

Despite its importance, a PAP smear test can be detrimental as well in the following ways

• Not detecting some abnormalities in cells: This is outrightly dangerous because the abnormal cells that were missed during the smear test will eventually end up being cancerous. This way, cervical cancer is inevitable. This is called a false-negative result.
• Detecting changes in the cells of the cervix that are not harmful: This is called a false-positive result. The abnormalities picked up during the screening may not necessarily be potential cancer cells, and may even end up going away on their own. As a result, the patient will be placed under treatment that she doesn't need.

Taking The Test: How It Is Done

Preparation

Whether you are having a normal PAP test or a private smear test in London, you must have consulted with your gynaecologist and it has been established that you are ready for the test. However, there are still a few pointers to note before you are screened.

At Gynae Clinic London, we make it our priority that every of our client is in good health before the screening process. We advise that our clients make appointments with us when they are not on their monthly period. The flow can cloud the sample taken, so the whole process will have to be repeated. The screening should be done halfway between one monthly flow and the next for a better view.

Also, we advise you not to have sexual intercourse for at least 24 hours before the PAP smear test. This is because the results of the tests can be influenced by the chemicals in spermicide creams or condoms.

PROCEDURE

The entire screening procedure shouldn't last more than 10 minutes. But bear in mind that the doctor or nurse who would collect the sample will make you as comfortable as possible. For your convenience, you can ask for a private smear test as well. We equally have those available at The Gynae clinic in London.

To begin, you will be asked to undress only from the waist down. After that, you will lie down on your back, with the knees bent and legs open. For people who might not be comfortable in this position, you can lie on your side. A speculum will be used to open up the vagina so that the cervix will be visible, and then the samples of cells in the cervix will be collected using a small brush. These samples are then taken to the lab for tests and analysis.

It is normal if you find this uncomfortable. However, it shouldn't cause pain. If there is pain during the procedure, then you should inform the doctor or nurse. They will try to make you more comfortable, and most times, it usually requires you to relax.

AFTERMATH

There might be very little bleeding after the PAP smear test. However, it should stop in no time. If you bleed heavily after the test, then do not hesitate to inform your gynaecologist. Otherwise, you should go right back to your normal activities immediately.

RESULTS

The results of the test should be ready within two weeks after the screening, and will be sent to you as well as the clinic where you got tested. If it exceeds 5 or 6 weeks, then you should let your gynaecologist know. Your results can take any of the reports as;

Abnormal

Although this may not be good, it is not a death sentence. It only means you have dyskaryosis, and this means that there are abnormalities or changes in the cells of your cervix. You will have to be treated in other to prevent it from becoming cancer cells in the future. For some people, however, they go away on their own.

Normal

This makes up about 90% of most smear tests in London. It is the most expected result, and simply means that there are no abnormal cells detected. You will have to undergo routine tests every three or five years, depending on your age range.

Inadequate

This happens when the samples collected were not enough for screening, or the view of the cells was not clear enough. Anyhow, the test will have to be repeated in about three months.

Borderline or mild

This means that the cells have mild or borderline changes to them. It is unlikely that they will develop into cancer cells in the future; however they still need to be further checked. Sometimes, they even go away on their own.

Moderate Or Severe

This is more serious than borderline. However, it doesn't mean that you have cancer already. Simply put, it means that the cells are less likely to revert to normal on their own. At this point, treatment must be considered.

TREATMENT OF DYSKARYOSIS

The treatment to be adopted depends on the level of abnormality detected form the PAP smear test . Whether it is mild, moderate or severe, further tests will have to be carried out, like a colposcopy, to view the cervix in detail and take biopsies. This will set the pace for treatment to begin.

Having an abnormal test result can be devastating, although this doesn't mean you have cancer. With us at The Gynae clinic London, you are assured of remarkable service and comfort, even if you wish for a private smear test. Call us today on 02071831049 to book an appointment, or you can visit our clinic for more information.

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