A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a procedure to test for cervical cancer in women. A Pap smear involves collecting cells from your cervix — the lower, narrow end of your uterus that’s at the top of your vagina. Detecting cervical cancer early with a Pap smear gives you a greater chance at a cure.
Is it painful to do a Pap smear?
Does it hurt? Pap smears shouldn’t hurt. If you’re getting your first Pap, it may feel a little uncomfortable because it’s a new sensation that your body isn’t yet used to. People often say it feels like a small pinch, but everyone has a different threshold for pain.
How long does a Pap smear take?
Pap Smear Procedure
The test is done in your doctor’s office or clinic. It takes about 10 to 20 minutes. You’ll lie on a table with your feet placed firmly in stirrups. You’ll spread your legs, and your doctor will insert a metal or plastic tool (speculum) into your vagina.
What is tested during a Pap smear?
Pap tests (or Pap smears) look for cancers and precancers in the cervix. Precancers are cell changes that can be caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). If not treated, these abnormal cells could lead to cervical cancer. An HPV test looks for HPV in cervical cells.
What if Pap smear test is positive?
If the results of your Pap test come back positive, that means your doctor found abnormal or unusual cells on your cervix. It doesn’t mean you have cervical cancer. Most often, the abnormal test result means there have been cell changes caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).
Do Pap smears make you bleed?
Although light bleeding or spotting is common after the screening, sometimes, concerning symptoms may present after the pap smear test. This includes heavy bleeding and cramping after a pap smear, bleeding after a pap smear for a week, and more.
What is the cost of Pap smear test?
Pap tests can also find cell changes caused by HPV. Planned Parenthood, urgent care centers, OB/GYN offices, and The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program offer pap smears. The national average cost of a pap smear with a pelvic exam costs $331, while a pap smear alone costs between $39 and $125.
How do I know if my Pap smear is normal?
Normal. If your pap smear is normal, your result will say negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy. Normal cells need to be seen in order to make this diagnosis. Your doctor will schedule the next routine Pap test according to the local guidelines.
What should you not do before a Pap smear?
Avoid intercourse, douching, or using any vaginal medicines or spermicidal foams, creams or jellies for two days before having a Pap smear, as these may wash away or obscure abnormal cells. Try not to schedule a Pap smear during your menstrual period. It’s best to avoid this time of your cycle, if possible.
Can a pap smear detect pregnancy?
Pap smears cannot detect early pregnancy. The only way to detect an early pregnancy is by measuring your beta-human chorionic gonadotropic (or bHCG for short) hormone. Pap smears on the other hand detect abnormal cells in your cervix.
What do I wear to a smear test?
Wear comfortable clothes
The doctor or nurse taking the test needs you to be relaxed when taking the test – so make sure you’re comfortable. “Maybe you want to wear a skirt, so that we can lift that up and you still feel more covered – as opposed to taking off leggings or jeans,” says Dr Kaye.
What infections can a pap smear detect?
A Pap test can detect certain viral infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV), which is known to cause cervical cancer. Early treatment of precancerous changes (cervical dysplasia) detected on the Pap smear can stop cervical cancer before it fully develops.
Can sperm cause an abnormal Pap smear?
Brett Worly, M.D., an ob-gyn at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, says semen can even interfere with Pap test results, giving you an abnormal reading when everything is actually OK.
What is abnormal Pap smear?
When your doctor says that your Pap test, or Pap smear, was abnormal, it means that the test found some cells on your cervix that do not look normal. A Pap test may be done as part of a woman’s routine physical exam, because it’s the best way to prevent cervical cancer.
What is the next step after an abnormal Pap smear?
“I Received an Abnormal Pap Test. What’s Next?” Your next step is usually a minor procedure called a colposcopy. This procedure is a visual examination of the cervix using a low-powered microscope used to find and then biopsy abnormal areas in your cervix that may lead to cervical cancer.