A pap smear, also known as a pap test, is a screening procedure that doctors perform to detect cervical cancer in women. It also checks for changes like the availability of precancerous or cancerous cells in the cervix that may turn into cancer. An individual undergoing the procedure may feel a little uncomfortable, but it doesn’t cause long-term pain.
During this examination, doctors scrape away the cells from your cervix and examine any abnormal growth. A Pap test can also detect certain infections and inflammation.
Individuals between the ages of 21 and 29 are recommended to have a pap smear every three years. Women aged between thirty and sixty-five can have a Pap test and an HPV test every five years. These recommendations can vary and depend on an individual’s health and lifestyle conditions.
Before a Pap test, it is essential to follow some preventive tips that ensure your Pap smear test is effective. To achieve this, your doctor will advise you on several things to be aware of. Here are some of them:
Let’s discuss in detail how the Pap test is performed. What can you expect during and after the procedure, and when should you contact your doctor?
A pap smear is performed to detect any abnormalities in the cervix. During this screening procedure, your doctor will slowly insert a speculum. This device helps the vagina stay open and provides access to the cervix. After this, the medical professional will scrape out some samples of the cells from your cervix. He or she can use a small brush or spatula to scrape out the sample cells.
After the sample collection, it will be sent to the lab for testing for the presence of abnormal cells.
A pap smear test is used to look for cervical cells in the cervix and to detect the availability of precancerous tissues in the cervix. This examination is essential as it can find the abnormal cells in the cervix that can develop into cancer later. This can help treat and control the cancer at an early stage.
Dr. Disha Verman is an experienced obstetrician and gynaecologist in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. She is well-known for managing and treating conditions related to the female reproductive system and providing support and care to her patients.
+ 91 9760070333
Verman Hospital,Sadar Road,Mathura,281001