Bookmark and Share

Pap Smears and HPV

http://www.labcorp.com/patientinfo

We are excited to be able to offer to our patients a convenient way to obtain their Pap smear results. When you come in for your visit the nurse will give you a card providing you with a phone number and instructions on how to obtain results. You may go to www.LabCorp.com/patientinfo or call 1-888-567-8723, 10 or more business days after your Pap specimen has been collected. Both options are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Carefully follow the system prompt. When prompted enter your nine-digit Social Security number. Then it will prompt you to enter your date of birth. Please follow the specific instructions by using mm/dd/yyyy online or mm/dd/yy if by phone. You will then be prompted to enter the date your Pap specimen was collected. The system will then respond with the status of your Pap. This will either be your results, tell you to try again in 24 hours or it will instruct you to contact our office during normal business hours. Our hope is that this system is more efficient and an added benefit to our patients.

Pap Smears

A Pap smear is a screening test done to detect cervical cancer. The most recent recommendation is that your 1st Pap smear be done 3 years after your first sexual intercourse, but no later than 21 years of age. The most common abnormalities are discussed below. For complete information, visit the National Cancer Institute's web page concerning Pap smears.

Abnormal Pap Smears

Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer

Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening, Treatment and Counseling

Sexually transmitted infections are very common. However, some people incorrectly classify this as a moral issue. The resulting discomfort and shame associated with sexually transmitted infections can defy common sense and prevent proper care for yourself and your partner. We urge you to practice safer sex, get annual sexual-health checkups and, although many people find it very difficult to talk about their sexual health, speak frankly and openly with your clinician about your sex life and your sexual health concerns.

Remember, testing, examination, and treatment for sexually transmitted infections are always confidential. We offer testing for sexually transmitted infections during your annual checkup regardless of marital status and sexual preference.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and its risks

HPV is a common virus. In 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that 20 million people in the United States had this virus. There are many different types of HPV; some cause no harm. Others can cause diseases of the genital area. For most people the virus goes away on its own. When the virus does not go away it can develop into cervical cancer, precancerous lesions, or genital warts, depending on the HPV type.

In 2005, the CDC estimated that at least 50% of sexually active people catch HPV during their lifetime. A male or female of any age who takes part in any kind of sexual activity that involves genital contact is at risk. Many people who have HPV may not show any signs or symptoms. This means that they can pass on the virus to others and not know it.