Rays Women's Clinic offers Pap smear testing, HPV testing, and colposcopy as part of routine women's health care.
Screening Options
- Pap smear — checks for abnormal cervical cells
- HPV testing — checks for the virus most commonly linked to cervical cancer
- Colposcopy — a closer examination when screening results need further evaluation
Why Regular Screening Matters
Cervical cancer develops slowly, often over 10–15 years, which is what makes regular screening so effective — most cases are preventable when changes are caught early.
- Detection window — abnormal cell changes are usually detectable years before they could develop into cancer
- Risk increases with age — screening becomes more important through your 30s, 40s, and beyond, even without symptoms
- A normal result still matters — it confirms your current risk is low and sets your next screening interval
- HPV is common and often clears on its own — a positive HPV test doesn't mean cancer, but it does mean closer monitoring is needed
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should I start cervical cancer screening?
Screening typically starts around age 21, or once a woman becomes sexually active, whichever your doctor recommends based on your individual history. Dr. Indumathi will advise the right starting point and interval for you.
How often should I get a Pap smear?
This depends on your age and health history — generally every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s, though your doctor may recommend a different interval based on your specific situation.
Is a Pap smear painful?
Most women experience only brief mild discomfort, not pain. The test itself takes just a few minutes.
What happens if my results are abnormal?
An abnormal result doesn't mean cancer — it usually means further evaluation, such as a colposcopy, is recommended to understand the cause.