If you are due for a cervical cancer screening, you might be wondering when to get it, how to prepare, and what the results really mean. At Walnut Creek OB/GYN, we focus on clear guidance and a gentle touch so you feel informed and comfortable at every step. Here is your guide to Pap smears, HPV co-testing, insurance coverage, and how to schedule with our team.
What a Routine Pap Smear Includes
A Pap smear is a screening test that looks for precancerous and cancerous changes on the cervix. During a routine exam, your clinician will:
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Review your health history, menstrual patterns, and any symptoms.
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Perform an external and internal pelvic exam to assess the vulva, vagina, cervix, and uterus.
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Gently insert a speculum to visualize the cervix and collect cells with a soft brush. The sample is sent to a lab.
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When appropriate by age and history, add high-risk HPV testing from the same sample, called HPV co-testing.
The actual collection takes less than a minute. Most patients describe it as pressure with brief mild cramping. You can ask us to explain each step before it happens so nothing feels unexpected.
When to Screen and How Often
Screening timing depends on age, prior results, and medical history. General guidance for average-risk patients:
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Ages 21 to 29: Pap smear every 3 years.
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Ages 30 to 65: One of three options, Pap smear every 3 years, HPV testing alone every 5 years, or HPV co-testing every 5 years.
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After 65: Some patients can stop screening if they have had adequate prior negative results and no history of significant cervical changes. Your clinician will confirm your situation.
If you have a history of abnormal results, a weakened immune system, or prior treatment for cervical changes, you may need a different schedule. We will tailor a plan for you.
HPV Co-Testing, What It Is and Why It Matters
Human papillomavirus, especially high-risk types, can cause changes in cervical cells that lead to cancer over time. HPV co-testing checks for these high-risk strains from the same sample used for your Pap. A negative HPV test lowers your short term risk and often lets you space screening to every 5 years with co-testing. A positive HPV test does not mean you have cancer. It simply means we will follow you more closely, sometimes with repeat testing or a closer look at the cervix called colposcopy.
How to Prepare and What to Avoid Before a Pap Smear
A little preparation can make your visit smoother and your results clearer.
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Try to schedule when you are not on your period. Light spotting is usually fine. If you have heavy bleeding, call us to ask whether to keep or move your appointment.
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Avoid vaginal intercourse, douching, and vaginal medicines or lubricants for 24 to 48 hours before your test, unless you have been told to use a prescribed treatment. These can wash away or obscure cells.
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Take an over the counter pain reliever like ibuprofen 30 to 60 minutes before if you are prone to cramping, unless your clinician has advised against it.
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Use the restroom beforehand and let us know if you have anxiety about exams. We can go slowly, use a smaller speculum, and walk you through each step.
Comfort Matters, How We Minimize Discomfort
Your comfort is a priority. At our Walnut Creek office, we:
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Offer smaller speculums and warm, water based lubricant sparingly so it does not affect results.
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Encourage slow deep breathing and pausing if you need a break.
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Maintain clear communication so you know what to expect and how long each step will take.
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Keep appointments on time to reduce stress in the waiting room, a point our patients consistently highlight in reviews.
If you had a difficult exam in the past, tell us. We will personalize the approach to your body and your pace.
Understanding Your Results
Your report may include:
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Negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy, often called a normal Pap.
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ASC-US, minor cell changes that often clear on their own, follow up depends on HPV results.
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LSIL or HSIL, low grade or high grade changes, which call for closer evaluation.
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Unsatisfactory, which means not enough cells were collected, usually repeated in a few months.
If HPV testing is included, it will show negative or positive for high risk types. We combine your Pap and HPV results to decide next steps. Many abnormal results do not mean cancer. They call for observation or targeted follow up to keep you safe.
Insurance Basics, Preventive Care and Coverage
Is a Pap smear considered preventive care? Yes. For most patients, cervical cancer screening is preventive care. Are Pap smears fully covered by insurance? Many plans cover preventive screening at 100 percent when performed on schedule and coded as preventive. Coverage can vary by plan details, network status, and whether additional diagnostics are needed. Our team can help verify your benefits and answer questions before your visit.
No insurance? Ask us about transparent pricing for self pay visits and labs, and community resources. We will help you understand options so cost is clear up front.
What Happens if Your Results Are Abnormal
If results are abnormal, we contact you quickly, explain what the terms mean, and outline next steps. Common paths include:
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Repeat Pap and or HPV testing after a set interval to see if changes resolve.
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Colposcopy, a closer look at the cervix in the office with a special microscope. If needed, we take tiny biopsies that feel like brief pinches.
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Treatment for high grade changes to remove or destroy abnormal cells, followed by surveillance.
You will not navigate this alone. Our gynecology team provides step by step guidance and follow up, with clear timelines and reminders.
Step by Step, How to Schedule With Us
Where do I schedule a Pap smear? You can call our team at (925) 935 6952, or visit our website to request an appointment. We are accepting new patients at our Walnut Creek location and offer convenient scheduling with minimal wait times.
Here is a quick roadmap:
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Call or request online, let us know you are scheduling cervical cancer screening.
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Share your last Pap and HPV dates if you have them. We can request records for you.
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Ask our staff to check your insurance benefits and confirm any expected lab billing.
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Choose a time that avoids heavy menstrual days if possible.
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Arrive a few minutes early for forms and questions.
Searching for an established local team, you can schedule a routine pap smear walnut creek directly through our site, and our staff can guide you through next steps and records.
Frequently Asked, Quick Answers
What is included in a routine Pap smear?
History review, pelvic exam, cervical cell collection, and, when indicated, HPV co-testing.
What should I avoid before a Pap smear?
Vaginal intercourse, douching, and vaginal medicines or lubricants for 24 to 48 hours, unless prescribed.
Is a Pap smear considered preventive care?
Yes, it is a core preventive screening for cervical cancer.
Why Choose Walnut Creek OB/GYN
Our clinicians provide compassionate, evidence based care with clear communication. Patients often note our calm approach and on time visits. We serve the East Bay from a convenient Walnut Creek office and coordinate hospital based care at John Muir when needed. If you prefer a local team with deep roots in the community, you can schedule care with an Ob-Gyn Walnut Creek practice that is welcoming new patients and focused on your comfort.
Summary, Your Next Step
Cervical cancer screening is simple, fast, and highly effective at preventing cancer when done on schedule. Prepare by avoiding vaginal products and intercourse for 24 to 48 hours beforehand, let us know how we can make you more comfortable, and ask our staff to confirm your preventive coverage. If results are abnormal, we will guide you through follow up and keep you informed at every step. Ready to book, contact us at (925) 935 6952 or schedule your routine pap smear at Walnut Creek today. We are here to help you stay well, with care that is personal, respectful, and up to date.