Vim & Vigor - Fall 2017 - Gwinnett Medical Center - 55

COMPLETE CARE FOR EVERY
STAGE OF A WOMAN'S LIFE
The experts of Gwinnett Physicians Group OB/GYN are dedicated to fulfilling the
unique medical needs of women. With an extensive range of comprehensive women's
health services, you will receive personalized care through every stage of life.
Our approach to care is one that actively includes the patient. We believe that
understanding and involvement are keys to achieving and maintaining lasting health.
Whether you need an appointment for health maintenance during pregnancy,
a routine Pap test or treatment for a UTI, scheduling an appointment has never
been easier. From the comfort of your own home, you can use online scheduling to
make an appointment with any of the trusted Gwinnett Physicians Group OB/GYN
providers. Learn more at gwinnettphysiciansgroupobgyn.com.

does a Pap
1 What
test check?

is a pelvic
4 What
exam?

What can cause
2
abnormal Pap test
results (and what

often should I
5 How
have a pelvic exam?

PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

Also called a Pap smear, this test
involves collecting a few cells off the
wall of the cervix. These cells are sent
to a lab, where the test looks for any
abnormal cells.

For many women,
an annual checkup
with a gynecologist
is nothing more
than routine. With
samples collected,
thorough exams
completed and
diagnostics done,
Thaddeus
you may not think
Lancaster, MD
twice about what
your OB-GYN is doing. But what if
your test results are abnormal? Would
you know what that means? Thaddeus
Lancaster, MD, an obstetrician and
gynecologist with Gwinnett Physicians
Group OB/GYN, answers some of the
most common questions you may have
always wanted to ask, but haven't.

does an abnormal
result mean)?

If the Pap test comes back negative,
that means there were no abnormal
cells. If the test comes back positive,
that means the lab detected the
presence of abnormal cells. This can
indicate slight inflammation, minor
cell changes, precancerous conditions
or cancer. If there are abnormal cells
present, the Pap test may be repeated,
or further testing may be advised.

often should I
3 How
have a Pap test?

The short answer is that it depends
on your health history and your
physician's recommendations. For
most women between the ages of 21
and 64, a Pap test is recommended
every three years.

During a pelvic exam, your health
care provider checks your external
and internal reproductive organs for
infections and other signs of disease
or abnormal cells.

Depending on your health history and
physician's recommendations, a pelvic
exam is recommended every three years
for most women between the ages of 21
and 64.

Can the Pap test
6
and pelvic exam
be performed during
my period?

It's preferable to have the Pap test and
pelvic exam done on a day in which
you aren't menstruating. The presence
of menstrual cells in the Pap test, in
particular, may lead to inconclusive
results and retesting. If you have an
appointment and your period starts,
call your health care provider and ask
the provider's preference. ■

FALL 2017

55
http://www.gwinnettphysiciansgroupobgyn.com
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Fall 2017 - Gwinnett Medical Center
