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Pap smear
in Phoenix, AZ

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28 instant-book locations

3931 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 850183931 E Camelback Rd
Open until 7:00 pm
  • Mon 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tue 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wed 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thu 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Fri 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sat 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Sun 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
4.71(3.2k reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

NextCare Urgent Care, Camelback - 3931 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix
I have been battling pneumonia and Dr Eller took great care of me, got X-rays and even scheduled a follow up.

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4730 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 850184730 E Indian School Rd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
4.66(3.3k reviews)
NextCare Urgent Care, Phoenix (Arcadia) - 4730 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix
Provider and staff are always great and go above and beyond.

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5920 W McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 850355920 W McDowell Rd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
4.61(4.9k reviews)
NextCare Urgent Care, Phoenix (W McDowell Rd) - 5920 W McDowell Rd, Phoenix
First time and I was surprised by cleanliness. Staff not so friendly, it seemed they disliked their job

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8101 N 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 850218101 N 19th Ave
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
4.68(4.3k reviews)
NextCare Urgent Care, Phoenix (19th Avenue) - 8101 N 19th Ave, Phoenix
I was very happy with the provider who cared for me, she was so caring, polite and respectful I felt like she truly cared. I did not care for the younger receptionist who spoke Spanish and gave dirty looks she had a bad attitude rolling eyes very unprofessional talking like sge was at a park having a BBQ. The other receptionist was professional and courteous.

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3229 E Greenway Rd, Phoenix, AZ 850323229 E Greenway Rd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
4.6(3.4k reviews)
NextCare Urgent Care, Phoenix (E Greenway Rd) - 3229 E Greenway Rd, Phoenix
I’ve had a lot of providers but my PA Lauren Yanez has been the best. She was efficient, kind, thoughtful, and talked me through all the possible issues and scenarios with care.

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20950 N Tatum Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 8505020950 N Tatum Blvd
Open until 7:00 pm
  • Mon 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tue 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wed 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thu 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Fri 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sat 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Sun 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
4.69(7.1k reviews)
NextCare Urgent Care, Phoenix (N Tatum Blvd) - 20950 N Tatum Blvd, Phoenix
Happy with the provider and staff. Wait time was too long but realize very busy with the Holiday. Provider was very nice and apologetic. Appreciated that. Check in was very smooth and staff member very helpful.

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34640 N Vly Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 8508634640 N Vly Pkwy
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
4.68(4.3k reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their clean offices

Sparkling Clean

NextCare Urgent Care, Phoenix (Tramonto) - 34640 N Vly Pkwy
I love this Urgent Care. I can’t say enough good about everyone that works here. Especially, the doctors/NP’s they are so knowledgeable, and they truly care about the patients.  The clinic is always clean. I usually make appointments through solvhealth and I never have to wait.  Thank you!! It’s so hard to find amazing clinics like this, that are very consistent.  Yes, I’d recommend this provider. ❤️

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1701 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 850161701 E Thomas Rd
Open until11:59 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 11:59 pm
4.46(9.1k reviews)
NextCare Urgent Care, Phoenix (E Thomas Rd) - 1701 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix
Staff is very friendly and helpful, wait time wasn't too bad. Scheduling online was difficult.

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2122 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 852572122 N Scottsdale Rd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
4.5(4.9k reviews)
NextCare Urgent Care, Oak - 2122 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale
It was an overall great experience. Great communication prior to my appointment, text and email. Easy check in, not a bad wait. Staff was amazing, professional and very knowledgeable. Thank you to everyone here.

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10240 N 43rd Ave, Glendale, AZ 8530210240 N 43rd Ave
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
4.62(5.7k reviews)
NextCare Urgent Care, Glendale (N 43rd Ave) - 10240 N 43rd Ave, Glendale
Staff and provider were pleasant and professional. Would use again if needed.

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5410 W Thunderbird Rd, Glendale, AZ 853065410 W Thunderbird Rd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
4.63(4.9k reviews)
NextCare Urgent Care, Thunderbird - 5410 W Thunderbird Rd, Glendale
Smooth from beginning to end. I was pleasantly impressed.

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7425 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 852607425 E Shea Blvd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
4.58(5k reviews)
NextCare Urgent Care, Shea - 7425 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale
Fantastic as always, we love this place, it's fast, thorough, smart and easy!

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9494 W Northern Ave, Glendale, AZ 853059494 W Northern Ave
Open until11:45 pm
  • Mon12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Tue12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Wed12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Thu12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Fri12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Sat12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Sun12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Mar 1912:00 am - 11:45 pm
4.56(16k reviews)
NextCare Urgent Care, Glendale (W NorThern Ave) - 9494 W Northern Ave, Glendale
Everything went orrery smooth for how busy it was. The front desk ladies were knocking em out left and right. When I was seen it went quickly and the NP was really cool.

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535 E McKellips Rd, Mesa, AZ 85203535 E McKellips Rd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
4.68(4.8k reviews)
NextCare Urgent Care, North Mesa - 535 E McKellips Rd, Mesa
What a difference between this visit and a telemed call I had last night. They were prompt when I arrived, I was taken in quickly, the man who saw me was kind and light hearted. I told him I was there for a strep throat test. He looked in my ears and throat and in 1 minute confirmed “yes, you have strep pretty bad.” He said he would prescribe me a z-pack and a steroid. (Funny… The lady last night said “we don’t use z-packs anymore for strep”. You can look up that review because she was a nightmare. ) anyway I was out the door quickly, he called in my prescriptions right away and I’m on the road to recovery! A++++ for this office!!!!!

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13075 W McDowell Rd, Avondale, AZ 8539213075 W McDowell Rd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
4.6(7.8k reviews)
NextCare Urgent Care, Avondale - 13075 W McDowell Rd, Avondale
I went to Nexcare in Avondale and had to wait an hour even though I had an appointment. When I approached the staff in the back about the wait, the lady she said it should be soon. The lady came back, checked my sons ears. She then said "appointments just hold your spot, not guarantee your time", and I told her "No, that's not true otherwise I would have just done a walk in". We've been here many times and never had this service. She then told me I can wait or leave to be discharged in a rude tone. I don't remember her name but she was a larger lady sitting in the back with blonde-ish hair. I do not appreciate her having an attitude when I am made an appt. The ladies at the front when you walk in were great.

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18589 N 59th Ave, Glendale, AZ 8530818589 N 59th Ave
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
4.72(9.8k reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

NextCare Urgent Care, Glendale (N 59th Ave) - 18589 N 59th Ave, Glendale
No waiting, friendly staff, thorough exam, just what you need when the chips are down.

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9745 W Bell Rd, Sun City, AZ 853519745 W Bell Rd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
4.86(6.9k reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

NextCare Urgent Care, Sun City - 9745 W Bell Rd, Sun City
The PA that helped us was amazing. She listened and provided us with information and care. I hope she is there if we ever need to go back again in the future!

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1155 W Ocotillo Rd, Chandler, AZ 852481155 W Ocotillo Rd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
4.61(4.7k reviews)
NextCare Urgent Care, Ocotillo - 1155 W Ocotillo Rd, Chandler
Great experience, I had been sick for 3 weeks with what I thought was a cold. Finally decided to see a doctor because my cough was getting worse . Called Sun Lakes Family Medicine which is where I go and because I had the audacity of not being sick for 4 years they said I was no longer an established patient and I would have to wait for a new patient appointment which they scheduled for 3 weeks later. I went to Urgent care and found out I had pneumonia, they gave me medicine and I started feeling better the next day.

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20470 N Lake Pleasant Rd, Peoria, AZ 8538220470 N Lake Pleasant Rd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
4.68(4.8k reviews)
NextCare Urgent Care, Peoria - 20470 N Lake Pleasant Rd, Peoria
Follow up appointment to remove sutures from a laceration. Staff was friendly, efficient. Scheduling online was easy and fast.

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17688 W Elliot Rd, Goodyear, AZ 8533817688 W Elliot Rd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
4.79(5.4k reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

NextCare Urgent Care, Estrella - 17688 W Elliot Rd, Goodyear
Everything was great except wait time but only one provider, Tammy, who was excellent. Very convenient and would go there again.

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1066 N Power Rd, Mesa, AZ 852051066 N Power Rd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
4.74(13k reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

NextCare Urgent Care, Mesa (N Power Rd) - 1066 N Power Rd, Mesa
Wait time was relatively short as compared to past visits and this was with a scheduled appointment.  Care was excellent.   Would urge an upgrade to waiting room furniture and decor.  You appear to be doing a landmark business and a small investment would be in order.

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14800 W Mountain View Blvd, Surprise, AZ 8537414800 W Mountain View Blvd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
4.7(4.6k reviews)
NextCare Urgent Care, Surprise - 14800 W Mountain View Blvd
I was a walk in! I won’t make that mistake again. But the gentleman at the desk was very kind.

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6343 S Higley Rd, Gilbert, AZ 852986343 S Higley Rd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
4.53(4.9k reviews)
NextCare Urgent Care, Higley - 6343 S Higley Rd, Gilbert
Great clinic! Highly recommend. Friendly, clean, efficient and I love the Dr! Wish he could be my primary care. He was so good with my 2 year old, and very thorough and helpful. So glad I have this urgent care close to home.

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2080 W Southern Ave, Apache Junction, AZ 851202080 W Southern Ave
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
4.6(6k reviews)
NextCare Urgent Care, Apache Junction - 2080 W Southern Ave, Apache Junction
Everyone was awesome and I thanked them dearly for being open

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95 S Idaho Rd, Apache Junction, AZ 8511995 S Idaho Rd
Open until 6:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
4.82(633 reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

Heavens Urgent Care - 95 S Idaho Rd
I went there with flu symptoms. Everyone was very nice. Waited around fifty minutes before I saw the Doctor. I’m sure it’s pretty common in a urgent care. I would go back, this location is very convenient for us.

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9897 W McDowell Rd, Tolleson, AZ 853539897 W McDowell Rd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
4.53(1.6k reviews)
Alliance Urgent Care, Tolleson - 9897 W McDowell Rd, Tolleson
It was easy to schedule online and my practitioner was informative and nice.
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8422 W Thunderbird Rd, Peoria, AZ 853818422 W Thunderbird Rd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
4.7(2k reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

Alliance Urgent Care, Peoria - 8422 W Thunderbird Rd
Booked an appointment. Got in right away. Doctor was caring, answered all my questions and didn't rush me even though it was closing time!
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21582 S Ellsworth Lp Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 8514221582 S Ellsworth Lp Rd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
4.7(3.6k reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

Alliance Urgent Care, Queen Creek - 21582 S Ellsworth Lp Rd, Queen Creek
PA was good. Dr that read X-ray did not read it accurately. Thus injury left untreated could lead to major foot issue in the future
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Pap Smear FAQs

  • What is a Pap smear?

    A Pap smear is a routine cervical cancer screening test recommended for women between the ages of 21 and 65. It involves checking the cells in your cervix for signs of precancerous cells and abnormalities, reports DHHS.

  • Why do you need a Pap smear?

    According to DHHS, a Pap smear can help you avoid cervical cancer by catching it in its precancerous stages so it can be effectively treated.

  • Who should have a Pap smear?

    The DHHS recommends having a Pap smear if you are a woman between the ages of 21 and 65 years.

  • How often should a Pap smear be repeated?

    You should have a Pap smear test every three years if you are between the ages of 21 and 29 years. If you are between the ages of 30 and 65, the DHHS recommends having a Pap test every three years, or once every five years if you combine your Pap test with an HPV test.

  • Where can I get a Pap smear in Phoenix?

    You can get a Pap smear from your doctor during a well-woman exam or at an urgent care center that offers this service. Type “pap smear near me” into your Internet browser to find a nearby provider, or use Solv to locate quality, top-rated providers in your area that offer a Pap smear test.

  • How long do Pap smear results take?

    Pap smear results usually come back within one to three weeks, says the DHHS. It recommends contacting your doctor’s office for results if you haven’t heard back within three weeks.

  • How do I prepare for a Pap smear in Phoenix?

    A Pap smear test requires very little preparation, according to the NLM. The NLM says that the best way to prepare for your Pap test is to refrain from using tampons, douche products, vaginal creams, and birth control foams two to three days before your test. It also recommends not having sex during this time, and rescheduling your appointment for another day if you are on your period.

  • Does a Pap smear test for HPV?

    According to the NLM, a Pap smear does not test for HPV. However, you can combine your Pap smear with an HPV test, and have this co-test done every five years. Consult with your doctor regarding when you should have an HPV test based on your age and screening history.

  • When should I get a Pap smear?

    According to DHHS, you should have a Pap smear every three years after you turn 21 or once every five years after you turn 30 and want to combine your Pap smear with an HPV test.

About Phoenix Pap Smears

A Pap smear is a commonly-used medical test that screens for cervical cancer in women.Knowing more about Pap smears and where to find one can help you prevent or detect cervical cancer early on so you can receive treatment.

Pap smear overview

A Pap smear is a cervical cancer screening test for women. According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), this test involves collecting a sample of cells from the cervix and checking them for signs of cancer. Women with precancerous cells on their cervix can work with their doctors to prevent or treat cervical cancer. A Pap smear is also known as a Papanicolaou test or Pap smear test, adds the NLM.

Pap smear (Pap test): What to expect

The purpose of a Pap smear is to look for the presence of cervical cancer and precancerous cells in the cervix. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) reports that precancers in the cervix are usually caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Pap tests are generally recommended for women between the ages of 21 and 65 years, adds the DHHS. Women should get a Pap smear every three to five years based on their age or as often as recommended by their healthcare providers.

A Pap test usually takes place during a pelvic exam or well-woman exam at your doctor’s office. According to the University of Utah, your doctor will usually ask you to remove your clothing from the waist down, lie on an exam table, and place your feet in stirrups. Then, your doctor will use a long cotton swab to collect a sample of cells from your cervix. Your cell sample will be sent to the lab where it is analyzed for signs of precancers and cervical cancer, noted the University of Utah.

Who needs a Pap smear?

The DHHS recommends a Pap smear for most women between the ages of 21 and 65 years. It suggests that women should still have regular Pap tests even if they are not sexually active, have had the HPV vaccine, or have already gone through menopause.

How often do you need a Pap smear?

If you are between the ages of 21 and 29, the DHHS recommends getting a Pap smear test once every three years. If you are between the ages of 30 and 65, you should have either a Pap smear once every three years or a Pap and HPV co-test once every five years, notes the DHHS.

The DHHS also recommends having a Pap test if you are older than 65 and have never been tested, or if you have not been tested since you turned 60.

How to prepare for a Pap smear

The NLM recommends against using tampons, having sex, douching, and using vaginal creams or birth control foams two to three days before your Pap smear. It also recommends scheduling a Pap smear on a day that you are not having your period. Aside from taking these steps, no other preparation is needed for a Pap smear, according the the NLM.

What happens during a Pap smear?

First, your doctor will ask you to remove your clothing from the waist down and lie on an exam table. Then, according to the University of Utah, your doctor will open the walls of your vagina using an instrument called a speculum, which provides your doctor with a clear view of your cervix.

Your doctor will then insert a long swab into your vagina and gently swipe it against your cervix to collect a sample of cells. Your cell sample will be sent to a lab where it is observed and analyzed for the presence of precancerous cells and cervical cancer, states the University of Utah.

The NLM says a Pap smear causes little to no discomfort for most women, though some women may feel some pressure and mild discomfort that feels similar to menstrual cramps. It adds that some women may also experience some spotting or bleeding afterward, which is completely normal.

What do the results of a Pap smear mean?

Pap smear results can come back normal or abnormal. Notes the NLMl. Your doctor will contact you to discuss your results after they are ready.

Normal Pap smear

A normal Pap result means that the cells in your cervix were found to be normal and that no signs of precancers or cervical cancer were found, notes the NLM. Your doctor will usually recommend coming back in three to five years for another routine checkup.

Abnormal Pap smear

An abnormal Pap result means there were abnormalities detected in your cervical cell sample, reports the NLM. This does not necessarily mean you have cervical cancer. The NLM adds that your doctor may recommend follow-up testing or treatments that can prevent your cell abnormalities from developing into cancer.

How accurate are the results?

The NLM states that the Pap test is not 100% accurate, and that cervical cancer may be missed in a small number of cases. It also recommends making sure you avoid having this test while on your period, as blood can make results less accurate.

Does a Pap smear test for HPV?

According to DHHS, a Pap smear test does not check for the presence of HPV. However, it does check for the presence of abnormal cervical cells, which may be caused by HPV. The DHHS recommends having a routine HPV test if you are aged 30 years or older.

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