The medical professionals from Women’s Wellness Center of New York are passionate about two things: providing high-quality care to women in New York City and spreading valuable health and wellness information for women everywhere. In an effort to raise awareness about the importance of pap smears and women’s health issues, they’ve created this helpful Q&A guide:

• Why do I need a pap smear? Pap smears are a highly effective way to screen for cervical cancer. Like with most cancers, cervical cancer is the easiest to treat in its early stages, so regular pap smears are encouraged.

• How often do I need to get a pap smear? Most doctors recommend that women age 21 to 29 get pap tests every three years. Women between the ages of 30 and 65 should get them every five years (as well as HPV tests), and women over 65 should follow their doctor’s recommendations. Typically, if you are over 65, have no history of cervical cancer or dysplasia, and have had three negative pap tests in a row, you can stop getting pap smears for good.
• What does it mean if I have an abnormal pap smear? If your results are abnormal, your doctor will most likely recommend more evaluations and possibly a colonoscopy to confirm that the abnormal reading was warranted and identify the reason for it.

A recent study shows a possible increase in the rates of cervical cancer in certain populations of women. Dr. Shirazian discusses the results with the hosts of CBS This Morning here. Remember, an abnormal pap smear is not necessarily a cancer diagnosis. Abnormal pap smears can be the result of many different issues, including HPV, which can increase the risk of cervical cancer but doesn’t necessarily lead to it. If you’re due for a pap test and an HPV test, or if you’re experiencing unusual pelvic pain, call Dr. Tara Shirazian at Women’s Wellness Center of New York at (646) 754-3300 to schedule an appointment today, or visit her  profile to learn more.