Protecting your long-term health through prevention and early detection is one of the most important parts of gynecologic care. At MORE901, we believe women deserve clear guidance, compassionate support, and personalized care when it comes to cervical health and routine wellness screenings.
Pap smears remain one of the most effective tools for identifying abnormal or precancerous cervical cell changes before they develop into cervical cancer. Combined with HPV (human papillomavirus) testing, these screenings allow us to detect concerns early, monitor changes closely, and create a proactive treatment plan when needed. Early detection can make a significant difference, which is why routine gynecologic care is so important.
At MORE901 in Memphis, Tennessee, Susan Lacy, MD, FACOG, and our team provide comprehensive annual exams designed to support your overall reproductive and wellness health. Your visit may include a Pap smear, HPV testing, breast exam, contraceptive counseling, hormone and menopause discussions, STI testing, and personalized recommendations based on your age, medical history, symptoms, and risk factors. We take time to listen, answer questions, and ensure you feel informed and comfortable throughout your care experience.
We also understand that cervical cancer screening recommendations have changed over the years, and the evolving guidelines can feel confusing. Depending on your age, previous Pap smear results, HPV status, medical history, and risk factors, the timing of screenings may vary from person to person. Some patients may need annual testing, while others may safely wait longer between screenings. Our goal is to help you understand what is recommended for your body and why, so you can feel confident in your care plan.
Beyond screenings, our team is here to support every stage of your reproductive and gynecologic health journey. Whether you need help choosing or maintaining contraception, managing irregular cycles, addressing pelvic concerns, navigating menopause, or simply staying proactive about your wellness, we provide patient-centered care tailored to your individual goals and lifestyle.
At MORE901, we believe healthcare should feel approachable, empowering, and collaborative. We are committed to creating a welcoming environment where patients feel heard, respected, and supported while receiving modern, evidence-based gynecologic care.
All Your Questions Answered
A Pap smear is a quick and straightforward procedure that checks for abnormal cells on your cervix. The test is relatively painless, although some patients may experience slight discomfort or find the whole process mentally uncomfortable. Dr. Lacy has been performing Pap smears for over two decades and is not only gentle but does her best to help you feel as comfortable as possible throughout your exam.
While you lie on your back with your feet in stirrups, Dr. Lacy places a speculum into your vagina to hold it open. Then, she uses a slender device that looks like a mascara brush to gently collect cells from your cervix. As soon as she completes the procedure and puts the cell sample into sterile packaging for testing, she removes the speculum. The whole process takes less than five minutes.
You should start to have Pap smears when you turn 21 or become sexually active. In general, women aged 21-65 should have Pap smears every three years. If you’re over the age of 30, Dr. Lacy might recommend having a combined Pap smear and HPV test every five years.
However, if you’ve had abnormal Pap smears in the past or have an elevated risk of cervical cancer, Dr. Lacy might recommend more frequent testing.
If you have abnormal Pap smear results, don’t panic. Often, when a Pap smear has abnormal results it’s because the technician wasn’t able to analyze the sample properly and the results are inconclusive.
If you have abnormal results, Dr. Lacy will develop a treatment plan for you. This may require having another pap smear in the next 3 to 6 months or having a more comprehensive evaluation. In some cases, Dr. Lacy might recommend a colposcopy. A colposcope is a type of microscope that allows her to examine your cervix in more detail.
During a colposcopy, you recline as you do for a Pap smear and Dr. Lacy places a speculum in your vagina to hold it open. She brushes a solution over your cervix that makes abnormal cells look white and stand out against the healthy tissue. The colposcope stays outside of your body, and Dr. Lacy looks through it for a magnified view of your cervix. If necessary, she can take a biopsy of your cervical cells for further testing.
If you do have precancerous or cancerous cells, in most cases Dr. Lacy can remove them with a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP).
