The Pap smear test, a way for doctors to check for signs of cervical cancer, is a routine part of most gynecological annual exams. Since the Pap smear test began to be implemented 50 years ago, it has greatly reduced the cases of cervical cancer in the United States, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
How is a Pap smear done?
The doctor uses an instrument called a speculum to open your vagina. Although this may be a bit uncomfortable, it should not be painful. Once your vagina is opened, your doctor will use a cotton swab to clean the cervix and then gently scrape the side of the cervix with a small brush or cotton swab to collect the cells. The doctor places the cells on a glass side so they can be sent to the lab for testing. The speculum is then removed and the procedure is complete. The entire procedure typically only takes a couple minutes.
Why is getting a Pap smear important?
Identifying potentially cancerous cells in the cervix allows for early intervention and treatment. When intervention occurs early, cervical cancer is not life-threatening, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Therefore, it is important to take this test regularly in order to reduce the risks of developing cervical cancer.
When should I start getting a Pap smear?
You should start getting a Pap smear when you become sexually active or reach the age of 18, whichever comes first.
How often should I have a Pap smear?
A woman should have a Pap smear once a year until she has three consecutive years of normal results. At this time, if she does not have any risk factors for cervical cancer and her doctor agrees, the woman can have Pap smears done once every three years, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. If a woman is considered high risk for cervical cancer or has had previous abnormal results, she may need to have more frequent Pap smears. Talk to your doctor to discuss what should be done in your situation.
What should I do before the Pap smear?
Refrain from having sex, douching or using feminine creams, lotions or hygiene products for 24 hours before taking the test, according to the Mayo Clinic. You also should schedule the test for a time you are not menstruating.
What are the different kinds of Pap smear results?
Your Pap smear can come back with the following results: normal, inflammation, abnormal and cancerous, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. If your results come back as normal, it means your cervix is healthy and nothing else needs to be done. If your results indicated inflammation, it usually indicates that some sort of infection is present. Abnormal results indicate that cervical dysplasia is present, which means your cervical cells could be in the process of becoming cancerous and treatment may be necessary. If your results indicate cancer cells are already present, treatment is needed immediately.
Is the Pap smear always accurate?
No. As with any lab test, there is a possibility for error. If you or your doctor believe the results are not accurate, a repeat Pap smear or colposopy can be done to get a better look at the cervix and increase the likelihood of correctly categorizing the cells, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
