Pap Smear: What You Need to Know
A pap smear, also known as a pap test, is a screening procedure that can detect abnormal cells in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. A pap smear can help prevent cervical cancer by finding precancerous changes that can be treated before they become cancerous. A pap smear can also detect human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical cancer and other diseases.
Who should get a pap smear and how often?
According to the Mayo Clinic, most women should start getting regular pap smears at age 21 and continue until age 65. The frequency of the test depends on your age, health history, and risk factors. Generally, you should get a pap smear every three years from ages 21 to 29, and every five years from ages 30 to 65 if you combine it with an HPV test.
If you have certain risk factors, such as a previous abnormal pap smear, a history of cervical cancer or precancer, HIV infection, a weakened immune system, or exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth, you may need more frequent pap smears. Talk to your doctor about the best screening schedule for you.
How to prepare for a pap smear?
To ensure accurate results, you should avoid certain activities that may interfere with the test for 48 hours before your appointment. These include:
- Having sexual intercourse
- Using tampons, douches, vaginal creams, sprays, or powders
- Menstruating (if possible, schedule your pap smear when you are not on your period)
You should also inform your doctor if you are pregnant or taking any medications, especially oral contraceptives, as they may affect the test results.
What to expect during a pap smear?
A pap smear is usually done as part of a pelvic exam in your doctor's office or clinic. You will lie on an exam table with your feet in stirrups and your legs spread. Your doctor will insert a speculum into your vagina to open it and see your cervix. Then, they will use a soft brush or spatula to gently scrape some cells from your cervix and put them on a glass slide or in a liquid solution. The sample will be sent to a lab for analysis. The procedure is quick and usually painless, although some women may feel some discomfort or cramping. You may also have some spotting or bleeding after the test.
What do the results mean?
Your pap smear results will show whether your cervical cells are normal or abnormal. Normal results mean that no abnormal cells were found and you can follow your regular screening schedule. Abnormal results mean that some cells have changes that may indicate precancer or cancer.
However, not all abnormal results are serious or require treatment. Some cell changes may go away on their own or be caused by inflammation or infection. Depending on the type and severity of the abnormality, your doctor may recommend further tests, such as:
- A repeat pap smear in a few months to monitor the changes
- An HPV test to check for the presence of high-risk HPV strains
- A colposcopy, which is an exam that uses a magnifying device to look at your cervix more closely
- A biopsy, which is a procedure that removes a small piece of tissue from your cervix for examination
Your doctor will explain your results and discuss the best course of action with you.
How to prevent cervical cancer?
The most effective way to prevent cervical cancer is to get regular pap smears and HPV tests as recommended by your doctor. These tests can detect abnormal cells early and allow for timely treatment. You can also reduce your risk of cervical cancer by:
- Getting vaccinated against HPV if you are eligible (the vaccine is recommended for girls and boys aged 11 to 12, but can be given up to age 26)
- Practising safe sex by using condoms and limiting your number of sexual partners
- Quitting smoking or avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke
- Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active
Conclusion
A pap smear is a simple but important test that can save your life by preventing cervical cancer. Make sure you get screened regularly and follow up with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
Sources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/pap-smear/about/pac-20394841
https://www.webmd.com/women/pap-smear
https://hhma.org/blog/pap-smear-guidelines/
https://www.medicinenet.com/pap_smear/article.htm