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Dr. Jennifer Butt's collaboration with wikiHow on answering some of the commonly asked questions about women's care and pregnancy. The information on this page is meant for educational purposes only and does not substitute for actual medical treatment. If you are experiencing pain or symptoms, please speak to your doctor or call our office to schedule an appointment.

How should I prepare before getting a pap smear?

A pap smear is a routine screening test that checks for cancers or pre-cancerous cells in your cervix, which is the bottom part of your uterus. Most doctors recommend that women or people who were assigned female at birth get a pap smear once every 3-5 years, starting at age 21. It’s natural to be a bit nervous about getting a pap smear done, but this simple procedure is easy to prepare for, quick, and usually only a little uncomfortable. If you’re worried or not sure what to expect, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or nurse any questions you might have!

What are some common myths about trying to conceive?

When you've decided you're ready to start a family, you want the process to be as easy and stress-free as possible. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to speed everything along. When you take measures to improve your fertility, time your ovulation cycle, and have intercourse effectively, you could be preparing for your bundle of joy in no time.

What should I do to increase my chances of getting pregnant?

If you and your partner want to get pregnant, you might be wondering what you can do to help. While most methods of improving fertility tend to focus on tracking a woman's cycle, as a man, you can take steps that may improve your sperm count. There's no way to guarantee that you and your partner will conceive, but there are things you can do to increase the odds!

What are some early signs that I may be pregnant?

During the first two weeks of pregnancy, it can be difficult to determine whether you're pregnant. Signs may be subtle. However, if you notice any unusual changes, you may be pregnant. Taking a home pregnancy test may confirm your suspicions, but the surest way to know is to see a doctor.

What are some common myths of signs you're pregnant?

If you think you might be pregnant, it's important to take a home pregnancy test and schedule an appointment with your doctor to find out -- this is the only way you'll know for sure. Before you do that, though, you may be able to notice several telltale signs. Some of these signs begin within a week of conception, so you may be able to tell fairly early on when you get pregnant. Every woman's body is different, and you may experience all, none, or only some of these symptoms. See your doctor to determine whether you're pregnant.