An important part of a woman's overall health, the Pap smear needs to be done every 1-3 years, depending on a woman's age and her individual risk factors. Dr. Kompal Gadh as a woman herself, understands the importance of Pap smears. At the Advanced OBGYN Institute, women in Weston and Pembroke Pines, Florida, can have their annual exams handled by a team of doctors who are compassionate, caring, and gentle.
A Pap smear takes a small sample of tissue from the cervix to test for cancer or precancerous cells. The purpose is to prevent death from cervical cancer. In fact, the test is so effective at this that Pap smears have reduced the number of deaths from cervical cancer by 74 percent over the past 50 years.
When women come to the Advanced OBGYN Institute for their annual exam, Dr. Gadh will insert a speculum into the vagina to open it slightly so she can see the cervix. She will then use a small brush or spatula to take a sample of cells, which are then sent to a lab for examination.
Dr. Gadh are quite gentle in their approach, and while women may be uncomfortable or feel pressure during a Pap smear, it won't hurt.
Any woman who's sexually active, including anal or oral sex, needs regular Pap smears, regardless of sexual orientation. Women who aren't sexually active should start having Pap smears after the age of 18. In the past, a Pap smear was ordered as part of a woman's annual exam every year, but in 2012 the United States Preventive Services Task Force updated the recommendations to state that women between the ages of 21 and 65 should have a Pap smear every 3 years. Women who've had an abnormal Pap may need more frequent screenings. After age 65, most women don't need to have any more Pap smears.
If the Pap smear finds something unusual, Dr. Gadh will typically request further testing. Specifically, they'll request an HPV test. The HPV test identifies high-risk viruses, while the Pap smear tests for cervical cell abnormalities. Further testing may be needed to rule out cancer. Patients should know that an abnormal Pap doesn't necessarily mean a patient has cancer. Women who have further questions or are due to have their Pap smear can make an appointment with the Advanced OBGYN Institute to learn more.
At Advanced OB / GYN Institute, we accept most major insurance plans. Please contact our office if you do not see your provider listed.
"When we actually got to their office, we found their team to be very friendly and professional, and you can tell that they genuinely care and give their best."
"She truly loves what she does and It shows. She will take as much time with you as needed. I would recommend her all day."
"Dr. Gadh and her staff are very attentive to each patient. The one-to-one interaction between the doctor and the patient is second to none."
"Dr. Gadh is simply AMAZING!!! She made sure all our questions were answered and made sure we left happy."
"Her level of professionalism yet sensitivity and compassion was like nothing I have ever experienced with a doctor before."
"The staff are always professional, helpful and friendly. It's always a pleasure seeing them! "
"The staff, especially Tony, is very welcoming and comforting."
