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Pap Smear

Pap Smear Exam

Pap Smear Exam

The Pap test, also called a Pap smear, checks for changes in the cells of your cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) that opens into the birth canal. The Pap test can tell if you have an infection, unhealthy cervical cells, or cervical cancer.

Therefore, a Pap test can save your life. It can find the earliest signs of cervical cancer. If caught early, the chance of curing cervical cancer is very high. Pap tests also can find infections and abnormal cervical cells that can turn into cancer cells. Treatment can prevent most cases of cervical cancer from developing.

SPEAK WITH YOUR DOCTOR

Getting regular Pap tests is the best thing you can do to prevent cervical cancer. In fact, regular Pap tests have led to a major decline in the number of cervical cancer cases and deaths.

Make sure your doctor or nurse knows about all the medicines you are taking. Some birth control pills that contain estrogen or progestin may interfere with test results.

Also tell your doctor or nurse if you:

  • Have had an abnormal Pap smear
  • Might be pregnant

Avoid the following for 24 hours before the test:

  • Douching
  • Having intercourse
  • Taking a bath
  • Using tampons

WHEN SHOULD I HAVE A PAP SMEAR?

Avoid scheduling your Pap smear while you have your period (menstruation), because it may affect the accuracy of the Pap smear. Empty your bladder just before the test. A Pap smear may cause some discomfort, similar to menstrual cramps. You may also feel some pressure during the exam. You may bleed a little bit after the test.

The Pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer. Most cervical cancers can be detected early if a woman has routine Pap smears.

Screening should start at age 21. After the first test:

  • You should have a Pap smear every 2 years to check for cervical cancer
  • If you are over age 30 or your Pap smears have been negative 3 times in a row, your doctor may tell you that you only need a Pap smear every 3 years
  • If you or your sexual partner have other new partners, then you should have a Pap smear every 2 years

After age 65-70:

  • Most women can stop having Pap smears as long as they have had three negative tests within the past 10 years
  • If you have a new sexual partner after age 65, you should begin having Pap smear screening again

You may not need to have a Pap smear if you have had a total hysterectomy (uterus and cervix removed) and have not had an abnormal Pap smear, cervical cancer, or other pelvic cancer.

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Gerardo C. Perez, D.O​

Doctor

Born in Cuba, Dr. Perez immigrated to the United States as a young boy, settling in New Jersey with his family. He attended Long Island University and earned a Bachelor of Science, while majoring in both Biology and Chemistry. In 1984, Dr. Perez graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He completed his family practice residency at Southeastern Medical Center in Miami and received his board certification in Family Medicine. Shortly after starting his private practice in 1987, Dr. Perez qualified and passed his Geriatric Board exam, an area of medicine that had always interested him and one that he felt was under-represented in the community. His interest in treating the older patient population stems from the extensive size of his family and the many experiences he had as a young man with his older relatives. 

For the past 30 years, Dr. Perez has proudly served the Hialeah-Miami Lakes community with the best quality and personal care available. His approach remains the same, “Keep it simple, and don’t over medicate.” He is a strong believer in preventative care and feels that nutrition and exercise are the best forms of medication. He tries to set an example for his patients in the way he cares for his own health.

Dr. Perez has been married to his wife Madeline for 27 years and has three sons, whom he credits for keeping him young and on his toes. Dr. Perez has coached travel baseball for many years, loves to landscape and is a culinarian. His latest interest, and one that he says stimulates him both physically and mentally, is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Mayra Chanza

Administrator

Mayra has spent the last 12 years working alongside Dr. Perez and his team. As the office Administrator she oversees all day-to-day operations of the practice. From handling the coding and even being able to draw blood, Mayra ensures that proper patient care is met daily by all her staff.

When Mayra is not in the office, she loves being with her three children. They enjoy watching movies and TV shows together, as well as spending time at the beach. Her oldest daughter works as a Vet tech where they get to spend time with rescued animals at the clinic. Her youngest daughter is attending college and is studying to be a nurse. Her son is pursuing his passion of MMA fighting.

Yolanda Martinez

Patient Care Coordinator

Yolanda has spent the last seven years working with Dr. Perez and his team, but has over 11 years of experience in healthcare and the medical office setting. As a Patient Care Coordinator, Yolanda is the first person the patients see when they arrive to the office. In addition to dealing with patients in person and being the one to call all patients via phone, she serves as the liaison between her office and the hospitals and specialists. She is responsible for processing their insurance information, obtaining medical records when needed and making sure their medications are requested and filled.

Yolanda has been happily married for 35 years to the love of her life, Armando, and has two sons. She has a passion for cooking and gardening and loves to spend time with her family and their dog, Bella.

Jenniffer Farinas

Medical Assistant

Jenniffer is new to the team, but brings over 20 years medical experience to Dr. Perez and his office. As the Medical Assistant, she assists Dr. Perez with their patient’s vitals, handles all EKG’s and X-rays, but more importantly, she has mastered the art of phlebotomy, aka drawing blood, and is able to administer other doctor approved injections. Jenniffer is also responsible for contacting her patients with their lab and radiology appointments, as well as entering and maintaining up-to-date data on all patient demographics in the office’s medical records system. She also maintains all the office supplies and equipment that is needed to for patient care.

Jenniffer has been married for over 14 years. She has three children and one grandbaby. When she is not in the office, Jenniffer says running is her favorite daily cardio. She absolutely loves the ocean and enjoys boating and traveling to different islands.