Yes, Davie OBGYN performs Pap smears and HPV testing in our Davie office. Rahil Malik, MD, FACOG, a board-certified OB/GYN, does your cervical cancer screening during a well-woman visit, usually in a few minutes. New patients are welcome, and we verify your insurance before your visit.
What Is a Pap Smear?
A Pap smear (Pap test) collects a small sample of cells from the cervix to look for changes that could turn into cancer over time. An HPV test looks for the high-risk types of human papillomavirus that cause almost all cervical cancers. The two tests can be done from the same sample.
Screening finds changes early, when they are easy to treat and before cancer develops.
How Often Do You Need One?
For people with a cervix who are at average risk, national guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend:
- Under 21: no screening needed.
- Age 21–29: a Pap test every 3 years.
- Age 30–65: an HPV test every 5 years, a Pap plus HPV co-test every 5 years, or a Pap test alone every 3 years.
- Over 65: screening can usually stop if your past results have been normal. We review your history with you.
You may need more frequent testing if you have had abnormal results or precancer, have HIV or a weakened immune system, or were exposed to DES before birth. ACOG: Cervical cancer screening.
Don’t wait for your next screening if you have bleeding after sex, bleeding between periods or after menopause, or unusual discharge. Call us for a visit.
What to Expect at Your Visit
- Review your history: past Pap and HPV results, periods, pregnancy plans, and any symptoms.
- The test: you lie on the exam table, a speculum is gently placed, and a small brush collects cells from the cervix. It takes a minute or two.
- The rest of your visit: we can also address birth control, STI testing, breast health, and other screenings.
- Results: we contact you with your results and explain any next steps. You can also see them in the patient portal.
How to prepare
- For 2 days before the test, avoid douching, tampons, vaginal medicines or creams, and sex.
- If you can, schedule for a day when you do not have a heavy period.
- Bring a copy of past results if you are new to our practice.
Understanding Your Results
Normal (negative): no further testing until your next scheduled screening.
Abnormal: this is common and usually caused by HPV, not cancer. Depending on the result and your age, we may repeat the test or recommend a colposcopy, a closer look at the cervix with a magnifying instrument. Learn more about abnormal Pap results, colposcopy, and LEEP.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need a Pap smear?
It depends on your age and history. For most people with a cervix and average risk: age 21–29, a Pap test every 3 years; age 30–65, an HPV test every 5 years, a Pap plus HPV co-test every 5 years, or a Pap test alone every 3 years. People with certain risk factors need testing more often.
Do I need a Pap smear every year?
Most people do not. A yearly well-woman visit is still recommended, but the Pap or HPV test itself is usually needed only every 3 to 5 years if prior results were normal.
Does a Pap smear hurt?
Most patients feel brief pressure or mild discomfort for a minute or two. Tell us if you are anxious or have had painful exams before; we can go slowly and use a smaller speculum.
How should I prepare for a Pap smear?
For 2 days before the test, avoid douching, vaginal medicines or creams, and sex. If possible, schedule the test for a day when you are not having a heavy period.
What does an abnormal Pap result mean?
Most abnormal results are caused by HPV and do not mean cancer. Depending on the result, the next step may be repeat testing or a colposcopy to look at the cervix more closely.
Do I still need Pap smears after the HPV vaccine or a hysterectomy?
Yes after the HPV vaccine: the vaccine does not protect against every cancer-causing HPV type. After a hysterectomy that removed the cervix for a non-cancer reason, with no history of high-grade precancer, screening usually stops. Ask us about your situation.
Is a Pap smear covered by insurance?
Routine cervical cancer screening is a preventive service that most health plans cover. We verify your coverage before your appointment.
Pap Smears Near You in Davie, FL
Davie OBGYN is at 5599 S University Drive, Suite 305, Davie, FL 33328, near HCA Florida University Hospital. We see patients from Davie, Cooper City, Weston, Plantation, Southwest Ranches, and Pembroke Pines. Office hours are Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM.
For an emergency, call 911. Not sure what you need? See our patient resource center.
Written and medically reviewed by Rahil Malik, MD, FACOG, board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist. Last updated: . This page is general information and does not replace a visit with your doctor.