Pap Smear

What is a Pap smear procedure?

A Pap smear, also called a Pap (Papanicolaou) test, is a screening procedure used to test for cervical cancer. It may also detect precancerous cervical cells.

• If you have cervical cancer, finding it early gives you the best chance of successfully treating it.
  
• If you don’t have cervical cancer, finding cell changes early can help prevent you from developing cancer.

How is a Pap smear done?

• A Pap smear is done in the doctor’s office and only takes a few minutes.
• You will lie on the exam table with your feet resting in stirrups.
• The doctor will insert a plastic instrument into your vagina that allows the doctor to see your cervix.
• The doctor will use a small swab or brush to take a sample of cells from your cervix.
• The swab or brush will be sent to the lab for review.

Pap smears are not painful for most people. You may feel a little pinch or a bit of pressure, which may be uncomfortable. The results will either be negative (normal) or positive (abnormal).

There are several reasons you could have a positive, or abnormal, Pap smear.

• Mild inflammation or minor cell changes (dysplasia).
  
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) or other vaginal infection.
• Cancerous or pre-cancerous cells.

How often is a Pap smear done?

Pap smears should be done on a regular basis for people with cervixes ages 21-65, typically every 3 years.

• How often depends on your overall health and whether or not you’ve had an abnormal Pap smear in the past.
• You may choose to combine your Pap testing with testing for the human papillomavirus (HPV) starting at the age of 30. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), and it is linked to cervical cancer.
• If you do choose to combine these tests, then you can usually be tested every 5 years instead.

• Do not schedule a Pap smear during your period. Heavy bleeding can affect the accuracy of the test.
• If your test is scheduled during your period, ask your doctor if you can reschedule it.
• For the most accurate Pap smear results, doctors recommend taking the following steps, starting 48 hours before your test:
  • Do not have sex or use lubricants.
  • Do not use sprays or powders near the vagina.
  • Do not insert anything into the vagina, including tampons, medications, creams, and suppositories.
  • Do not rinse the vagina with water, vinegar, or other fluid (douche).

Pap smears are available every day at Patient First from 8am to 8pm on a walk-in basis. Unless otherwise recommended, you should get a Pap smear once every three years if you have a cervix and are between the ages of 21 and 65, to screen for cervical cancer. Your doctor will notify you of your Pap test results (generally within a week) once received from the lab.