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How Often Do You Really Need a Pap Smear? Updated Guidelines for 2025 and What to Expect

Posted on by Kimberly Wright

Pap smears are a vital part of women’s health, playing a crucial role in detecting cervical cancer and other potential abnormalities early. Whether you’re unsure about the recommended frequency for your screenings or want to know what to expect during the procedure, this guide offers all the essential information based on the latest 2025 guidelines.

Updated Pap Smear Guidelines for 2025

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has updated the Pap smear guidelines to help women make informed decisions about their health. Here’s a breakdown of the recommended screening intervals:

  • Ages 21-29: A Pap smear every yearGynecologist examines a patient laying on gynecological chair using medical vaginal speculum.
  • Ages 30-65: A Pap smear every year OR co-testing (Pap smear + HPV test) every 5 years.
  • Ages 65 and older: Pap smears may no longer be necessary if previous results have been consistently normal and you have low-risk factors.

Factors That May Affect Pap Smear Frequency

While these are general guidelines, your healthcare provider may recommend more frequent screenings based on your individual medical history. You may need more regular Pap smears if you:

  • Have a history of abnormal Pap smears or cervical issues.
  • Test positive for high-risk HPV strains.
  • Have a weakened immune system, such as from HIV or organ transplant.
  • Have a history of cervical cancer or precancerous lesions.

If you’re unsure about your personal screening schedule, talk to your provider at The Wright Center For Women’s Health. We will tailor a plan to meet your unique needs.

What to Expect During a Pap Smear: Step-by-Step Guide

A Pap smear is a quick, routine procedure that typically takes just a few minutes. If you’re due for your Pap smear or are having one for the first time, here’s what to expect:

  1. Step 1: The Speculum Insertion
    Your doctor will gently insert a speculum into the vagina to hold it open and view the cervix. This part of the procedure may cause mild discomfort, but it’s generally not painful.
  2. Step 2: Cell Collection
    A small brush or spatula is used to collect cells from your cervix. These cells are sent to a laboratory for analysis. You may feel slight pressure or a quick swabbing sensation during this part.
  3. Step 3: Completion
    The entire process typically takes less than 5 minutes. Most women experience minimal discomfort, although some may feel slight cramping afterward.

How to Prepare for a Pap Smear

To ensure the most accurate results, follow these simple tips before your appointment:

  • Timing: Avoid scheduling your Pap smear during your menstrual period for more reliable results.
  • Don’t Use Tampons or Vaginal Products: Refrain from using tampons, vaginal creams, or douching for 48 hours prior to the test.
  • Communicate: Let your doctor know if you have any concerns or symptoms, such as unusual discharge, pelvic pain, or bleeding.

What Happens After Your Pap Smear?

Once your Pap smear is complete, the results typically take 1-3 weeks to arrive. Our team will contact you with the results and explain the next steps if necessary.

  • Normal Results: If your results are normal, you can continue following the recommended screening intervals.
  • Abnormal Results: If your Pap smear shows abnormal cells, your doctor may suggest further testing, such as a colposcopy or HPV test.

Why Pap Smears Are Essential for Women’s Health

Pap smears are one of the most effective tools in the early detection of cervical cancer. By identifying abnormal cells early, doctors can intervene before cancer develops, significantly improving the chances of successful treatment. Regular screenings help prevent the progression of abnormal cells into cancer, protecting your long-term health.

Take Control of Your Health: Schedule Your Pap Smear Today

Understanding the updated guidelines and knowing what to expect during a Pap smear can make the process easier and less intimidating. Whether it’s time for your next screening or you have questions about the right schedule for you, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t wait—schedule your Pap smear appointment today and prioritize your health!

How Vitamin D Deficiency During Winter Affects Women’s Hormones and Well-Being

Posted on by Kimberly Wright

As winter approaches, shorter days and less sunlight make it easy to forget about your vitamin D levels. For women—especially those nearing menopause or experiencing hormonal changes—low vitamin D can significantly impact overall health and well-being. Understanding the link between vitamin D, hormones, and menopause is key to staying healthy, especially during the colder months when deficiency is most common.

How Vitamin D Supports Hormonal Balance in Women

Vitamin D, often called the “sunshine vitamin,” is essential for many aspects of your health. While it’s widely known for supporting bone strength, it also plays a critical role in regulating hormones.

For women, vitamin D helps balance key hormones like estrogen and progesterone—which are essential for reproductive health and mood stability. Low vitamin D levels can lead to hormonal imbalances, triggering symptoms such as:young woman taking vitamin pill at home.

  • Mood swings and irritability
  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Irregular menstrual cycles
  • Sleep disturbances

The Link Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Menopause Symptoms

During menopause, a woman’s body naturally produces less estrogen, which can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, weight gain, and bone loss. Ensuring sufficient vitamin D intake becomes even more critical during this time because it supports:

  • Bone Health: As estrogen declines, the risk of osteoporosis increases. Vitamin D aids calcium absorption, keeping bones strong and reducing the risk of fractures.
  • Mood Regulation: Both low estrogen and vitamin D deficiency can contribute to mood changes, irritability, and depression. Supplementing vitamin D can help stabilize your mood.
  • Immune Function: Estrogen supports immune health, and vitamin D plays a role in strengthening your immune system. This is especially important in winter when colds and flu are more prevalent.

Why Women Are More at Risk for Vitamin D Deficiency in Winter

Winter brings colder weather, shorter days, and less sunlight exposure, which reduces the body’s ability to produce vitamin D naturally. Women in colder climates, those over 50, and anyone spending significant time indoors are at higher risk of deficiency.

Common signs of vitamin D deficiency include:

  • Persistent fatigue
  • Muscle weakness or aches
  • Mood changes, such as feeling down or depressed
  • Bone pain

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to have your vitamin D levels checked.

How to Maintain Healthy Vitamin D Levels

Supporting your vitamin D levels doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are simple ways to ensure you get enough:

  • Get Tested: A quick blood test can determine your vitamin D levels. The team at The Wright Center can recommend supplements if needed.
  • Take Vitamin D3 Supplements: Many women benefit from vitamin D3 supplements, especially in winter when sunlight is limited.
  • Eat Vitamin D-Rich Foods: Include foods like fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), egg yolks, mushrooms, and fortified dairy products in your diet.
  • Maximize Sunlight Exposure: Even in winter, try to spend time outdoors during daylight hours. Aim for 10-30 minutes of midday sun a few times per week to help your body produce vitamin D naturally.

We value Vitamin D so much at The Wright Center that we include it routinely in our annual lab tests, ensuring our patients have the information they need to stay healthy year-round.

Don’t Let Vitamin D Deficiency Impact Your Health

Vitamin D plays a vital role in hormone balance, bone health, and immune function—especially during menopause and the winter months. If you’re feeling unusually fatigued, experiencing mood changes, or concerned about bone health, now is the time to act.

At The Wright Center For Women’s Health, our team is here to help you. Schedule an appointment today to check your vitamin D levels and take control of your hormonal health this winter.

Understanding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Posted on by Kimberly Wright

Understanding polycystic syndrome (PCOS) is complicated. It affects your menstrual cycle and has some strange symptoms. Many women actually have PCOS, yet have never been diagnosed. It’s possible one of them could be you.

What Is PCOS

The first thing about understanding polycystic ovary syndrome is how a syndrome is defined. A syndrome is a group of symptoms that consistently occur together. In this case, it affects a woman’s ovaries and ovulation. PCOS is a hormonal problem women develop during their childbearing years. As high as 27% of women may have PCOS, but many don’t realize it.female doctor talking to patient.

A woman’s reproductive organs, or the ovaries, produce both estrogen and progesterone, which help to regulate the menstrual cycle. The ovaries also produce a small amount of male hormones known as androgens.

There are three fundamental features of PCOS: cysts in the ovaries, a higher-than-normal amount of male hormones, and irregular or skipped periods.

When a woman has PCOS, she has multiple fluid-filled sacs each with an immature egg, but they never mature enough to trigger ovulation. This lack of ovulation affects all the hormones causing fewer female ones and more male ones. The extra male hormones in turn disrupt the menstrual cycle if you have PCOS, and you get fewer periods than normal.

At The Wright Center for Women’s Health, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Through our Comprehensive Health Assessment (CHA), routine ultrasounds can help detect PCOS by providing a clear view of the ovaries. In addition, the lab tests we conduct can indicate hormonal imbalances commonly associated with PCOS, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis and personalized care plan.

Symptoms Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

There are many signs of PCOS including the following:

  • Irregular, infrequent, or prolonged periods is the main sign
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Extra male hormones can cause excess facial and body hair
  • Oily skin leading to severe breakouts on the face, chest, and upper back
  • Male pattern baldness
  • Weight gain —80% of women with PCOS are obese or overweight
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty getting pregnant

Other Complications And Risk Factors From PCOS

PCOS can lead to the development of metabolic syndrome, which consists of high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high LDL or bad cholesterol, and low HDL or good cholesterol.

Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.

Other risk factors include sleep apnea, depression, and endometrial cancer.

If you suspect you may be suffering from PCOS, contact The Wright Center for Women’s Health at (630) 687-9595 for an evaluation at our Naperville, IL office to learn more about treatment options, along with lifestyle changes that can help.

All About HPV and the Importance of the Gardasil 9 Vaccine

Posted on by Kimberly Wright

Whether you are a parent or a young adult, you should understand the significant dangers of the HPV virus and how it is spread.

As a parent, you do everything in your power to protect your children from harm. You may have seen ads on the television about getting a vaccine but didn’t quite understand if you should be concerned. Not only should you be concerned, but you should learn all about HPV and the importance of the Gardasil 9 vaccine in order to protect your children and yourself.

What Is HPV and Why the Concern?

HPV, which stands for Human Papillomavirus, is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) . There are 80 million Americans currently infected with HPV and 14 million new cases are reported each year, according to the CDC. There are 40 different strains of HPV, many of which cause warts, but others can cause cancer. Not every infection leads to cancer, but nevertheless, you need to understand the severe consequences of ignoring this serious disease.Woman with bandage after receiving vaccine.

Most people have no symptoms and are not aware they have been infected with HPV.  Later in life, they can develop risk factors for 6 types of cancer.

  • 13 strains can cause cervical cancer in women
  • 1 strain can cause cancer of the penis
  • Other strains can cause cancer of the vagina and vulva, the anus, plus cancers in the back of the throat, the base of the tongue, and of the tonsils in both men and women.

Warts often develop as a result of HPV, including genital warts, common warts on fingers, hands, and elbows, plantar warts on the feet, and flat lesions in children and adolescents on the face, neck, and other scratched areas. These can be treated by The Wright Center Providers if they are diagnosed as HPV.

How HPV Is Transmitted

Although designated as a sexually transmitted disease, a person does not have to have sex to be infected with Human Papillomavirus. This is a crucial piece of information to remember since any skin-to-skin contact can lead to the spreading of the virus, including open-mouth kissing with an infected person.  Most commonly the virus is transmitted through vaginal, oral, and anal sex and can even be transmitted to infants during birth.

Thus, virtually any sexually active person can get HPV.

Protecting Your Children and Yourself from HPV

There are a number of ways to protect yourself and those you love from Human Papillomavirus.

Women should get regular pap tests to spot any issues of the cervix, and they can concurrently be tested for HPV during this regular gynecological exam. Women can also be tested separately for the HPV virus. In addition, there is a DNA test to detect the high-risk strains for women age 30 and older, and this test can also be given to females age 25 and older without a pap smear.

Men should look for any warts in their genital area and report any abnormal symptoms to their physician immediately.

The Gardasil 9 vaccine is the ultimate protection from HPV.  The best age for the vaccine is prior to any sexual experience. Children aged 11 and 12 can be vaccinated using two doses that are required six months apart from one another. Adolescents aged 15 and older who have not had the vaccine will need three doses. The CDC now allows children to receive the Gardasil 9 vaccine as early as age 9.

Quite recently, the CDC expanded the use of Gardasil 9 for adults ages 27 through 45. Ask The Wright Center Providers about the new changes, and don’t delay in getting your vaccination. There is no cure if you have the virus, but you can protect yourself and your children before they are infected.

Almost 34 thousand people are diagnosed with cancer caused by the HPV virus every year.  Almost 90% of those cancers can be prevented with the vaccine.

Contact The Wright Center for Women’s Health in Naperville, IL to have your children and/or yourself vaccinated from the HPV virus as soon as possible! Call us today at (630) 687-9595.

Understanding BioTE: How HRT Benefits Both Men And Women

Posted on by Kimberly Wright

Aging is an inevitable part of life, but maintaining health and minimizing issues can make the process smoother. Both men and women can experience significant challenges due to hormone imbalances. Even small fluctuations in hormone levels can impact your body and mind. Optimizing your hormones as you age can lead to substantial improvements in overall well-being.

Imbalance Symptoms

Symptoms of hormone imbalances in women include but are not limited to:woman getting a hot flash.

  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Mood swings
  • Night sweats
  • Weight gain
  • Hot flashes
  • Decreased sex drive
  • Difficulty sleeping

These hormonal imbalance symptoms begin to affect women during menopause.

Symptoms of hormonal imbalances in men include:

  • Body fat in the waist
  • Low sex drive
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Fatigue
  • High cholesterol
  • High blood sugar
  • Reduced mental focus
  • Muscle mass and strength

It is believed low testosterone causes most of these symptoms.

Ask The Wright Center for Women’s Health About Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

BHRT is a bioidentical way of balancing your hormones. This therapy is different from traditional HRT as it comes in the form of subcutaneous pellets. As little as two per year can alter your symptoms and provide relief.

Each dose is customized for you containing bioidentical estrogen or testosterone. Four million pellets have been inserted by certified providers like Dr. Wright at the Wright Center for Women’s Health since its inception in 2012.

How Hormone Replacement Therapy Benefits Women

Decrease In Menopausal Symptoms
Say goodbye to hot flashes, night sweats, a reduced libido, vaginal dryness, and other symptoms of menopause.

A Stabilized Mood
Irritability and mood swings will virtually disappear when your hormones are in balance. Enjoy a more normal emotional life.

Increase In Bone Density
When you lose certain hormones, your bone health suffers. You will reduce the chance of developing osteoporosis and fractures after menopause with optimized hormonal balance.

Heart Health And Better Sleep
Hormonal balance decreases the risk of heart disease as well as helping you find more restful sleep.

How Hormone Replacement Therapy Benefits Men

Restores Testosterone
Having balanced testosterone restores energy, mood, and a feeling of well-being.

Weight Control
With balanced hormones, men can regain control of their weight.

Muscle Mass And Strength
Regain any lost muscle mass and strength to increase physical performance.

Improved Cognitive Function
Balancing hormones can improve mental clarity, fatigue, and memory loss.

Schedule a BioTE Consultation in Naperville, IL

Learn more about BioTE and how hormone replacement therapy can benefit both men and women by contacting the Wright Center for Women’s Health for a consultation.

Fibroids: Myths vs Facts

Posted on by Kimberly Wright

There are many misconceptions about fibroids making it difficult to distinguish fact from fiction. Let’s start with the facts. One half of American women will develop fibroids by age 50. You are 3 times more likely to develop fibroids if your mother or grandmother had them. African American women are 3 times more likely to get them versus Caucasian women. Now let’s debunk myths you may have heard.

MYTH: Fibroids increase the likelihood of developing cancer

This is a myth and totally false.

Because fibroids are usually described as tumors, many people think they are cancerous or precancerous tumors. They are actually benign tumors. In fact, less than 1 in 1000 fibroids ever develop into cancer.

MYTH: If you have fibroids you will have heavy and painful periods

This is not true for all women.

Some women will have symptoms that include painful heavy periods, but other women can have fibroids with no symptoms at all. Some symptoms can overlap with other types of conditions, so if you have backaches, constipation, or painful intercourse, visit the Wright Center for Women’s Health for a full evaluation in Naperville.

MYTH: Women with fibroids are infertile

Yes, this is partially true.

A woman with fibroids may find it difficult to conceive and carry a baby to term, however NOT ALL fibroids affect fertility. Many women can carry a baby to full term and still have fibroids.

It depends on the size, location, and number of fibroids. If they block the entrance to the uterus or are where the baby needs to develop, this can affect pregnancy. Visit the Wright Center for Women’s Health to determine if infertility will be a problem for you.

MYTH: If you don’t have severe symptoms, don’t worry about your fibroids

If you have no symptoms with your fibroids, there is no need for treatment or removal. It is important however, to visit the Wright Center for Women’s Health on a regular basis to track their growth or any changes.

MYTH: The treatment for fibroids is a hysterectomy

This is false, and an outdated myth.

Although many women opt for a hysterectomy, this is not the only one available to you. There are several non-surgical and less invasive procedures to remove or shrink your fibroids. Speak with a provider at the Wright Center for Women’s Health about other fibroid treatment options including myomectomy and uterine fibroid embolization.

MYTH: Fibroids disappear after menopause

This is not true.

We may wish this were true, but fibroids can increase or grow after menopause in some cases and women may need treatment.

Contact the Wright Center for Women’s Health at (630) 687-9595 for additional ways to help you discern myths vs facts about fibroids or to learn more about treatments that may be right for you.

Join Us in Welcoming Jamie Back to the Wright Center for Women’s Health Team

Posted on by Kimberly Wright

Meet Jamie

Hey Hey Everyone!

I am thrilled to return to The Wright Center after a long medical hiatus. It is amazing to see the positive growth and be part of the extraordinary team once again!

I have been in healthcare roughly 30 years (15 years specifically in concierge medicine). My education from Benedictine University includes a BS in Biology/Pre-med, Masters in Business Administration, Masters in Public Health and Certificate in Disaster Management.

Outside of work, I enjoy DIY projects on my historic home and walking around with my large rescue dog.

I look forward to seeing all of you soon!!

Jamie.

Join Us in Welcoming Josh Seago to the Wright Center for Women’s Health Team

Posted on by Kimberly Wright

Meet Josh

Josh Seago is an accomplished business professional with extensive experience in strategic management and executive leadership. As the Operations Manager at the Wright Center for Women’s Health, Josh plays a pivotal role in enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring the delivery of high-quality healthcare services. In his role, Josh utilizes his keen understanding of today’s dynamic marketplace to guide sustainable success. Josh’s collaborative approach ensures that he works closely with employees at all levels to develop tailored strategies that drive long-term growth and improve patient care.

Josh’s professional journey is marked by a strong commitment to continuous learning and development. Prior to joining the Wright Center, he served as the General Manager at Burger Consulting Group, where he drove company growth and success through strategic thinking and leadership acumen. He also has over 10 years of collegiate teaching experience as an Assistant Professor of Management at North Central College. With a bachelor’s degree in economics and a Master of Business Administration, Josh remains at the forefront of emerging trends and technologies, ensuring that the Wright Center stays ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.

Josh Seago.

Josh Seago’s management and leadership expertise have positioned him as a respected figure in the business community. Through his role as Operations Manager at the Wright Center for Women’s Health, he continues to make a significant impact, helping the organization navigate complexities, achieve operational excellence, and drive sustainable growth. With his unwavering dedication to organizational success and his ability to inspire teams, Josh is a valuable member of the Wright Center for Women’s Health team.

 

Help Us Welcome Michelle to the Team!

Posted on by Kimberly Wright

Hello! My name is Michelle and I am very excited to join the Wright Center’s team. I have been working in women’s health care for over 25 years, as a registered nurse. I am enjoying my transition with the Wright Center. I look forward to continuing my career providing the best possible care to all of the guests at our center. In my spare time I am busy with my four children, husband and our pets.

Irene Bernal

 

 

The Wright Center for Women’s Health x Emerge

Posted on by Kimberly Wright

At the Wright Center for Women’s Health, we believe in nurturing a workplace culture that not only promotes professional excellence but also fosters a sense of satisfaction and well-being among our dedicated team. In our continuous pursuit of improvement, we recently conducted an internal survey to gauge the pulse of our staff and gain valuable insights into their experiences within the company.

This survey delves into various aspects of our organizational culture, aiming to celebrate our strengths and identify areas for enhancement. The candid feedback from our team members serves as a compass guiding us toward a workplace that not only meets their expectations but exceeds them—fostering a positive and supportive environment for all.

When asked what the pros were of working at the Wright Center for Women’s Health, the team ranked People as #1, followed by culture, advancement, and learning opportunities. The team felt the benefits provided were good and a large majority of the team indicated that they saw themselves staying at the Wright Center for Women’s Health for a very long time.

We also asked the team a few open-ended questions to allow for more candid feedback. You can view our team’s responses below; the darker the box, the more staff members who had a similar statement.

employee satisfaction survey

employee satisfaction survey

employee satisfaction survey

employee satisfaction survey

The positive work atmosphere we have cultivated at the Wright Center for Women’s Health has a direct impact on the caliber of patient care we provide. When our staff members genuinely love their work and their workplace, that passion translates into a higher quality of care for our patients. The enthusiasm and dedication of our team create a ripple effect, ensuring that each patient receives not only medical expertise but also a compassionate and supportive environment that contributes to their overall well-being.