Hello, I'm a 39 year old healthy mother of five boys. My last pap smear was done in 2005 by my obgyn a few months after the birth of my son. I'm looking to schedule a pap smear appointment. Who should I make the appointment with an OBGYN or a general family doctor? Withc is betther? Thanks!
pap smear
- Thread starter jason
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pippa
Cathlete
You might be able to do whichever you prefer. I see my GYN for pap smears but my general doctor does them too. I know my mother(who is 58) only has her general doc do them since she had a hysterectomy and post-menopausal. Some general doctors don't do them so, if that is your preference, you might need to check.
debbydarestobefit
Cathlete
I'm not sure the issue is which is better to see. It's a simple straight forward test that a nurse practioner or physician's assitant can do readily -- it's the lab they use that's does the reading. I think the issue to look at is which do you feel more comfortable doing the procedure. I use my primary doc (she specializes in family med.). I'm confident that if the lab detected anything, she'd be doing referrals to the appropriate specialist(s). I just find it more convenient to have everything done under one roof with one visit. Deb
maddiesmum
Cathlete
A family doc/PCP whom you feel comfortable with is totally used to doing this kind of proceedure. For them, it's an every day thing. I prefer to see my PCP because I have an annual health check up and take care of all health issues at the same time rather than having to make separate appts with different docs and paying more copays.
Another reason to see your family doc/PCP is that you will soon be 40 and will then need an annual mammogram. Your doctor can write out the requests for this and help you set up appts with radiology.
Clare
Another reason to see your family doc/PCP is that you will soon be 40 and will then need an annual mammogram. Your doctor can write out the requests for this and help you set up appts with radiology.
Clare
dorothyrd
Cathlete
About 5 years ago I switched from seeing my OB/GYN to her nurse practioner. It was much easier to get in to see her, plus she was not always late because she was delivering a baby. She is quite knowledgable.
You should really try to go once a year. Starting next year they will probably want a baseline mammogram as well. I know it is hard with kids to fit this in, but it is important to have done.
You should really try to go once a year. Starting next year they will probably want a baseline mammogram as well. I know it is hard with kids to fit this in, but it is important to have done.
angie_nrs
Cathlete
Just had mine done Tuesday. Done for another year!! My DS asked me why I went in to have a physical. I told him that I did it so that small problems can be caught early and not become big problems most of the time and explained a bit about how cancer grows.
It just reminded me that I do it for my family and not so much for me. That might help motivate you to make sure it is a yearly event.
But to your question.....both Docs do these procedures on a daily basis so IMO they should be equally competent to do the procedure. Go to the Doc you feel most comfortable with or whichever one is most convenient for you.
Angie
It just reminded me that I do it for my family and not so much for me. That might help motivate you to make sure it is a yearly event.
But to your question.....both Docs do these procedures on a daily basis so IMO they should be equally competent to do the procedure. Go to the Doc you feel most comfortable with or whichever one is most convenient for you.
Angie
materialsgirl
Cathlete
For a pap smear, it really doesn't matter. It's not a difficult procedure, and the smear is analyzed in a 3rd party lab regardless of what kind of doctor you go to. I don't even have an OB/GYN (can't find one that I like), so I just go to my family doc for my girlie exams. 
Beavs
Cathlete
I think it depends on your comfort level and you may simply prefer to see your PCP as a good OB/GYN can be hard to find. However, in my experience the OB/GYN is a better bet. Not only will they be able to get through the exam in a blink of an eye (because they do them all day) they will be able to address any potential problems without referring you on as a PCP likely would.
I see a nurse practitioner who specializes in women's health. She does my annual exams, refers for my mammos, treats my asthma, etc - one stop shopping. Check with your insurance because sometimes they won't cover blood work and other preventative stuff if done by an OB.
good luck
good luck
lina9496
Cathlete
>Hello, I'm a 39 year old healthy mother of five boys. My
>last pap smear was done in 2005 by my obgyn a few months after
>the birth of my son. I'm looking to schedule a pap smear
>appointment. Who should I make the appointment with an OBGYN
>or a general family doctor? Withc is betther? Thanks!
Hi, If your insurance permits, you should go to your ob/gyn. They have all your records and if you develop an abnormality on your pap smear, your primary will only send you back to your ob/gyn.
I prefer going to a doctor or nurse practitioner that does pelvis exams all day long. They are more likely to pick up an abnormality than someone who doesn't do them as often. Just my thoughts . . you should do what you feel most comfortable
Good Luck
>last pap smear was done in 2005 by my obgyn a few months after
>the birth of my son. I'm looking to schedule a pap smear
>appointment. Who should I make the appointment with an OBGYN
>or a general family doctor? Withc is betther? Thanks!
Hi, If your insurance permits, you should go to your ob/gyn. They have all your records and if you develop an abnormality on your pap smear, your primary will only send you back to your ob/gyn.
I prefer going to a doctor or nurse practitioner that does pelvis exams all day long. They are more likely to pick up an abnormality than someone who doesn't do them as often. Just my thoughts . . you should do what you feel most comfortable
Good Luck
