Ocala Regional: Pap Smear Services And More

Pap smears are a routine procedure used to screen women for cervical cancer. Women are advised to start receiving regular pap smears at the age of 21, and these tests usually occur every 3 years. In Ocala, Florida, there are several options for women seeking a pap smear. The Florida Department of Health in Marion County - Ocala Facility provides free or low-cost pap smears to women who meet the income and insurance requirements. Additionally, there are several highly-rated doctors who perform pap smears at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, including Dr. Rivera-Flores, Dr. Bharwani, Dr. Nardandrea Jr, Dr. Fusco, and Dr. Rockower. Florida Women's Health, LLC, is another option for women in Ocala seeking a pap smear, with OBGYN Poorti Riley, MD, having extensive experience performing the procedure.

Where to get a Pap smear in Ocala, Florida

A Pap smear is a routine procedure used to screen women for cervical cancer. It is recommended that women begin receiving regular Pap smears at the age of 21, and continue to do so every three years. Women over the age of 30 may opt to combine their Pap smears with HPV screenings, as HPV is a major risk factor for cervical cancer.

If you are looking to book a Pap smear in Ocala, Florida, here are some options:

Florida Women's Health, LLC

OBGYN Poorti Riley, MD, has extensive experience performing Pap smears. You can contact Florida Women's Health to schedule an appointment by calling (352) 820-4392. They see patients from Ocala, the Villages, Bellview, and the surrounding areas. Their address is West Marion Medical Plaza 4600 S.W. 46th Court, Suite 150 Ocala, FL 34474.

M DelCharco Jr., MD, LLC

M DelCharco Jr., MD, LLC, serves the Ocala, FL area and provides Pap smear tests for cervical cancer screening. You can call their office to schedule an appointment. They accept most insurances.

HCA Florida Ocala Hospital

Several doctors at this hospital perform Pap smears, including Dr. Nardandrea Jr., Dr. Fusco, Dr. Rockower, Dr. Rivera-Flores, Dr. Crespo, Dr. Roman, and Dr. Nelson. You can book an appointment with these doctors through Healthgrades.

Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health

This clinic provides Pap smear testing for women of all ages as part of their preventive care services. They have a team of male and female providers across several locations, and appointments can often be scheduled at short notice.

It is important to note that while Pap smears are an important aspect of maintaining reproductive health, there are certain situations in which they may no longer be recommended, such as for women who have had a hysterectomy for a noncancerous condition or those over the age of 65 who have consistently received negative results.

How to prepare for a Pap smear

While Pap smears are a routine procedure, it is completely normal to feel apprehensive about the process. Here is a list of ways to prepare for your Pap smear to ensure you feel as comfortable as possible:

Scheduling your appointment

Firstly, it is important to schedule your appointment at a time when you are not menstruating, as the presence of blood may alter the results of the test. It is also advised to avoid intercourse, vaginal medication, lubricants, and douching at least 24 hours before your test. These activities may alter the cells of the cervix, leading to incorrect results.

What to expect

During the test, you will be asked to lie on your back with your feet rested in stirrups. The doctor will then gently insert a speculum into the vagina to collect a sample of cells from the cervix. This may be done using a spatula, a soft brush, or a scraping device. The procedure is usually quick and painless, but you may experience some discomfort.

What to bring

Before your appointment, prepare any relevant information your healthcare provider may need, such as your medical history and any medications you are currently taking. It is also important to bring any insurance information, as different offices accept different types of insurance.

After your appointment

It typically takes about a week to get the results of your Pap smear. During this time, try to relax and distract yourself from any worries. Remember that Pap smears are an essential tool for detecting cervical cancer and that you have taken a proactive step towards maintaining your reproductive health.

Additional notes

Please note that there are certain situations in which regular Pap smears are no longer recommended, such as for women who have had a hysterectomy for a noncancerous condition or who are over the age of 65 and have consistently received negative results throughout their lifetime. However, it is important to discuss your individual risk factors with your doctor before deciding to stop regular Pap smears.

I hope this information helps you feel more prepared for your Pap smear. Is there anything else you would like to know or any other procedures you would like me to provide preparation tips for?

How often to get a Pap smear

A Pap smear is a routine procedure used to screen women for cervical cancer. The test can detect abnormal cells in the cervix before they become cancerous. During the test, a doctor or nurse will use a swab, a small brush, or a spatula to collect a sample of cells from the cervix. These cells are then sent to a lab to be reviewed for signs of cancerous activity. The whole procedure is quite simple and usually involves little to no discomfort.

It is advised that women begin receiving regular Pap smears starting at the age of 21. This is because the likelihood of someone younger than 21 getting cervical cancer is very low. From ages 21 to 29, women should get a Pap test every three years. Women in this age group can also consider HPV testing alone, but Pap tests are preferred.

Between the ages of 30 and 65, women should get a Pap smear every five years. Women in this age group have three options for testing. They can have a Pap test and an HPV test every five years, a Pap test alone every three years, or an HPV test alone every five years.

It is important to note that the frequency of Pap smears may vary depending on certain risk factors, such as a prior diagnosis of cervical cancer or a weakened immune system. Additionally, women who have had a hysterectomy for a noncancerous condition or who are over the age of 65 may no longer need regular Pap smears, especially if they have received consistently negative results throughout their lifetime.

In terms of preparation, it is recommended to avoid scheduling a Pap smear during your menstrual cycle, as well as refraining from intercourse or using any substances that may enter the vagina for at least 24 hours before the test.

In Ocala, Florida, there are several medical professionals who perform Pap smears, including Dr. Poorti Riley of Florida Women's Health and Dr. Nardandrea Jr, Dr. Fusco, and Dr. Rivera-Flores, who are on staff at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital. These doctors have received positive reviews from patients, with ratings ranging from 4.6 to 5.0 out of 5 stars.

Best doctors for Pap smears in Ocala

A Pap smear is a routine procedure used to screen women for cervical cancer. The test involves swabbing cells from a woman's cervix for testing. It is recommended that women start receiving regular Pap smears at the age of 21.

There are several doctors in Ocala, Florida, who perform Pap smears. Here is a list of some of the best doctors for Pap smears in Ocala, based on patient ratings and reviews:

• Dr. Rivera-Flores: On staff at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 79 ratings.
• Dr. Rockower: On staff at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, with a perfect rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars from 48 ratings.
• Dr. Bharwani: On staff at AdventHealth, with a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 96 ratings. Dr. Bharwani believes in a compassionate and empathetic approach to medicine and strives to build strong relationships with patients.
• Dr. Fusco: On staff at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, with a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 70 ratings.
• Dr. Nardandrea Jr: On staff at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 136 ratings.
• Dr. Crespo: On staff at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, with an impressive rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 111 ratings.
• Dr. Roman: On staff at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, with a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 41 ratings.
• Dr. Nelson: On staff at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, with a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 141 ratings.
• Dr. Poorti Riley: Based at Florida Women's Health, Dr. Riley has extensive experience performing Pap smears.
• M. DelCharco Jr., MD, LLC: A trusted Pap smear specialist serving the Ocala area.

You can find more information about these doctors and their practices by visiting the websites of HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, AdventHealth, and the individual practices mentioned. It is important to choose a doctor who makes you feel comfortable and meets your individual needs.

What happens during a Pap smear

A Pap smear is a test to screen for cervical cancer. It is recommended that women start getting Pap smears at the age of 21 and continue getting tested every three years until the age of 65. The frequency of testing may vary depending on factors such as medical history, previous test results, and risk factors.

During a Pap smear, a doctor or nurse will insert a metal or plastic speculum into the vagina to separate the vaginal walls and access the cervix. A small sampler, such as a spatula or brush, is then used to gently collect cells from the cervix. The sampler may cause a light scratching sensation as it gathers cells. The collected cells are then smeared onto a glass slide and sent to a lab for analysis. In the lab, the cells are examined under a microscope for any signs of abnormality or cancerous activity. The test typically takes a few minutes and may cause some discomfort or pressure, but it should not be painful.

The results of a Pap smear can be negative or positive. A negative result indicates that no abnormal cell changes were found in the cervix. On the other hand, a positive result means that abnormal cells were detected, and further tests or treatments may be recommended, such as an HPV test, a colposcopy, or a follow-up Pap test.

It is advised to avoid scheduling a Pap smear during your menstrual period, and to refrain from intercourse, tampons, and douching at least 24 hours before the test. These precautions help ensure that the cervix is not altered, which could lead to inaccurate test results.

In Ocala, Florida, there are several medical professionals who perform Pap smears, including Dr. Poorti Riley of Florida Women's Health and Dr. M. DelCharco Jr. of M. DelCharco Jr., MD, LLC. HCA Florida Ocala Hospital also has multiple doctors who are experienced in performing Pap smears, including Dr. Rivera-Flores, Dr. Bharwani, Dr. Nardandrea Jr., Dr. Fusco, and Dr. Rockower. These doctors are rated highly by patients and are committed to providing quality healthcare.

Frequently asked questions