The Importance of Having an Annual Pap Smear

Background

The goal of an annual Pap smear is a test of a sample of the cervix using a swab or smear that is sent to a clinical lab for testing. The test looks for abnormal cells of the cervix that may be precancerous. If detection of precancerous cells occurs, then treatment can be done to minimize the progression to cancer. During a test a gynecologist will use a speculum to widen the walls of the vagina and the doctor will then swab the cervix with a long cotton swab that will be sent off to the lab to be analyzed by a pathologist.

The pathologist will view the slides of the smear and determine if any of the cells are atypical, indicate early stages or advanced stages of cancer, or if you may have any type of infection. It should be done annually, but some people may require more tests if there is something that needs to be treated.

Importance

The American Cancer Society recommends women undergo annual Pap smears once they turn 18 or if they are sexually active because some forms of cervical cancers emerge from sexually transmitted diseases, like HPV. Yearly Pap smears can detect cervical cancer in woman during the early stages of the disease. Like most cancers, cervical cancer treatment is more effective if it is caught early on.

Another benefit of going for an annual Pap smear is that you get to meet with a medical professional where you can discuss any other female issues you may have. Generally, during a Pap smear visit the doctor will ask you some assessment questions, take your weight and blood pressure, determine if you are pregnant, feel your breast for lumps, ask you about your menstrual cycle, prescribe medications or birth control, provide you with resources and information, and most importantly, check for other sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea and syphilis.

Pelvic Exam

A routine visit to the gynecologist to undergo a Pap smear should also include a pelvic exam; however, not all doctors do this. A pelvic exam is usually done right after or before the doctor conducts the Pap smear. The doctor will palpitate the abdomen to feel for atypical forms of the reproductive organs, the bladder, and the rectum. If some abnormality is detected, the doctor can refer further tests to determine the problem and recommend treatment, if necessary. Abnormal Pap smears and pelvic exams may not always mean cancer because everyone is different; however, it is still important to undergo a yearly gynecological visit to detect female problems early.