Before the Pap Smear
Women should have a Pap smear test done at least once per year. A doctor, physician assistant, nurse midwife or nurse practitioner administers the exam. Women are asked to remove their clothing or at least undress from the waist down and cover up with a paper or cotton gown. In preparation for the exam the patient lies down on an exam table and slides toward the edge. Her buttocks will be at the very end of the table, and her heels resting in stirrups. Before the Pap smear is collected, the health-care provider does a visual exam of the vagina, vaginal folds and anus.
Pap Smear
The medical professional will take a medical device called a speculum and insert it into the vagina. The speculum blades are pushed open with the handle of the device. The examiner can then use a screw mechanism to hold the blades open so his hands are free to perform the exam. The device is harmless when used properly. It opens the vagina enough so the examiner can see the cervix. Before swabbing the area, the examiner will survey the cervix for any abnormalities. A thin, long collection device is then inserted into the vagina. The device may look like a tongue depressor or a tiny brush, according to McGill Student Health Service. Once it is inserted into the vagina, the medical professional will gently scrape the cervix to retrieve cells for analysis. This specimen is "smeared" onto a glass slide and sent to a laboratory for review.
After the Pap Smear
The examiner will complete the pelvic exam by inserting two gloved fingers into the woman's vagina while pushing on her abdomen. This allows him to evaluate the size, shape and consistency of the uterus, ovaries, vagina and Fallopian tubes, according to Ehealthmd.com. There may be discomfort during and after the exam. A woman may see slight spotting and have mild cramping.
The slide is examined in a laboratory using a microscope. The laboratory technologist will look for abnormal cells, such as pre-cancerous or cancerous cells. If there are abnormal cells detected, a follow-up visit will be arranged and further screenings will be conducted.
