Procedures

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A Pap smear is an essential screening test used to detect early signs of cervical cancer. Costa Mesa Medical Clinic provides this quick and simple exam for women at our family practice and urgent care location. Our bilingual medical team (English and Spanish) is committed to delivering high–quality care at an affordable price. Call our office or schedule your appointment online today.

What is the purpose of a Pap smear?
A Pap smear involves collecting a small sample of cells from the cervix — the opening of the uterus. These cells are carefully examined under a microscope to look for abnormal changes often caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
These early cell changes, sometimes called “precancerous” cells, can progress to cervical cancer if not addressed. The benefit of a Pap smear is that it detects these abnormalities early, giving you the chance to treat or monitor them before they become serious.
Pap smears are quick, simple, and usually painless. They are a standard part of routine pelvic exams for most women.

Do I need a Pap smear every year?
How often you need a Pap smear depends on your age, medical history, and your provider’s recommendations. Most women who are sexually active should begin screening at age 21.
Annual Pap smears are common because they help monitor reproductive health and ensure that any abnormal findings are addressed promptly.
At Costa Mesa Medical Clinic, we offer affordable wellness packages that may include yearly Pap smears, glucose testing, cholesterol checks, and other preventive screenings. These options help ensure that vital care remains accessible to the community.

I had an abnormal Pap smear. What should I do next?
If your Pap smear results come back abnormal, Costa Mesa Medical Clinic will review the findings with you at a follow-up visit. In many cases, abnormal cells resolve on their own and only require monitoring, which may include a repeat Pap smear within a few months.
Sometimes, additional testing such as a colposcopy may be recommended. A colposcopy is a minor procedure where the provider closely examines the cervix and may collect another sample of cells for further analysis.
It’s important to remember that most abnormal Pap smears do not mean you have cervical cancer. With regular screening and prompt follow-up care, the vast majority of women stay healthy and avoid complications.
Costa Mesa Medical Clinic is dedicated to offering comprehensive, affordable women’s health services and increasing access to essential screenings like Pap smears. You can book an appointment online, call our office, or visit us as a walk-in..

A bandage alone may not stop bleeding if you have a deep cut or a large wound. At Costa Mesa Medical Clinic, our experienced medical team, including providers skilled in urgent care, offers immediate treatment and uses sutures to properly close wounds. Our family practice and urgent care clinic is open seven days a week and welcomes walk-ins for laceration care. Call the nearest office or schedule your appointment online today.

What should I know about sutures?
Sutures, also known as stitches, are used to bring the edges of a wound or surgical incision together, allowing it to heal and reducing the risk of infection. At Costa Mesa Medical Clinic, our providers are trained in various suturing techniques to repair cuts and lacerations safely. Our clinics serve a diverse community with bilingual staff (English and Spanish) at all locations.

How do I know if I need sutures?
Minor cuts can often be treated at home with a bandage. However, you may need sutures if your wound is:

• Deep or large
   
• Longer than half an inch
   
• On the face
   
• Jagged or irregular
   
• Bleeding for more than 10 minutes despite pressure
   

Additionally, cuts caused by dog bites should always be evaluated at a clinic due to a higher risk of infection. People with diabetes should also seek prompt care for wounds, as healing may be slower and infection risk is higher.

What types of sutures are used?
Our clinic uses different methods depending on the type and location of the wound:

• Interrupted sutures: Single stitches used for simple, small cuts.
   
• Continuous sutures: A single thread used to close longer lacerations efficiently.
   
• Buried sutures: Dissolvable stitches tied beneath the skin, ideal for larger wounds.
   
• Staples: Used for wounds that are contaminated or require drainage.
   
• Adhesive strips: Bandages that hold the edges of small, even cuts together.
   
• Tissue adhesive: Medical glue used for clean, minor wounds.
   

Accidents happen, and some injuries require professional attention. For prompt urgent care and suturing from providers who prioritize your health, visit Costa Mesa Medical Clinic. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can use our online booking system to schedule a visit.