Navigating Your Mammogram: Essential FAQs from a Nurse Practitioner
OCT 16, 2025A Nurse Practitioner answers your essential mammogram questions. Understand timing, prep, the procedure, callbacks, and financial options.
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Many women assume the Pap test and pelvic physical exam go together, but that's not always the case. Both are important tools your provider uses to diagnose conditions and detect cancer, but they are not one and the same.
What: This physical exam checks for medical problems with your pelvis, vagina, and pelvic floor. It's helpful for detecting problems with bladder function, sexual function, or other issues with your pelvic anatomy.
What: This test screens for precancerous and cancerous changes of the cervix by taking a sample of cells from the cervix for lab testing.
The Pap test and pelvic exam are essential tools for keeping you healthy, so be sure to stay on schedule. If you are at all uncomfortable, tell your care provider. Steps can be taken to ease the process for you. Even if you do not need a pap or a pelvic exam every year, you should still see your provider every year for a physical.
Ask your provider whether you should have a pelvic physical exam - and talk with your provider about whether and when a Pap test is appropriate for you. Then be sure to follow up on any abnormalities in the pap test.
For additional questions or concerns, reach out to your OB/GYN provider.
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