At Well Woven, we do pap smear differently:
Pap smears are one of those things most women and genderqueer individuals with cervixes don't look forward to. They involve a pelvic exam to screen for HPV and cervical cancer, and for many women they've traditionally meant lying on your back with your feet in stirrups while someone inserts a speculum. It's not exactly anyone's favorite appointment nor does it feel humane.
That said, Pap smears save lives. Since cervical cancer screening became routine, deaths from cervical cancer have plumpeted. Most women only need screening every 3–5 years, depending on age.
At Well Woven, we try to make Pap smears more patient-centered and trauma-informed. We are stirrup-free. You lie on your back with your feet together and knees apart. We ask for consent before each step, explain what we're doing, and move at your pace. For some patients, it can help to be more involved in the process, including helping guide the speculum themselves.
We also know that for some people, past experiences, anxiety, or trauma can make pelvic exams especially difficult. Our goal is to create an environment where you feel respected, heard, and in control.
There is also emerging technology that allows for self-collected HPV testing. This involves using a large swab yourself to check for HPV, the virus that causes most cervical cancers. While it does not provide all the information of a traditional Pap smear and cannot directly look for abnormal cervical cells, it may be a reasonable option for some patients who otherwise would not be screened.
Because the best Pap smear is the one that actually gets done. And we believe screening should be effective, but also compassionate.
Pap smears are included in your membership and the pathology is billed through your insurance. Schedule a meet and greet today with Dr. Lok
