How to Prepare for a First Pap Smear

Overview

A Pap smear, the common term for a Papanicolaou test, is used to test for cancerous cells on the cervix. According to Harvard Medical School, women who are at least 21 years old should have a Pap smear every 1 to 3 years. Additionally, women younger than 21 who are sexually active should also have Pap smears following those same guidelines. Understanding what will happen and how to prepare your Pap smear can make your first Pap smear easier.

Step 1

Schedule your Pap smear for a day when you won't be on your period.

Step 2

Refrain from having intercourse, using douche, inserting tampons or using any type of vaginal medications for at least 48 hours prior to your Pap smear, recommends the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Step 3

Know that the doctor or nurse will explain everything that is going on, according to Student Health Services, Texas A&M University. Be sure to ask any questions you have.

Step 4

Understand the way the test will be performed. You will be placed on your back with your legs bent; sometimes, your feet will be in stirrups. Your doctor may perform a manual pelvic exam. For the Pap smear, a speculum will be inserted into your vagina. The doctor will then get samples of the cells on your cervix using a special tool. You may feel some pressure, but it won't hurt.

Step 5

Expect some light cramping and possibly some spotting after the procedure. However, the bleeding should not be heavy and you should be able to return to regular activities immediately following your Pap smear.

Step 6

Wait for the results of the test. According to Harvard Medical School, test results are usually available in 1 to 2 weeks following the Pap smear. However, the Centers for Disease Control reports that it may take up to 3 weeks to get results. When you get the results, the CDC reports that even if your test comes back as abnormal, you may not develop cervical cancer, but it is vital that you follow up with your doctor if your test comes back abnormal.