Pap Smears
A Pap smear tests for abnormal cells in the cervix to prevent cancer
Cervical cancer used to be the leading cause of cancer-related death for women. But those numbers are down thanks to the Pap smear test, according to the American Cancer Society. A 2018 study shows that routine Pap smears detect 92% of cervical cancer cases.
How Often Should You Get a Pap Smear?
People ages 21-29 should have a Pap test every three years. People ages 30-65 should have a Pap test with HPV testing every 5 years.
Your health care provider may recommend that you get tested more frequently if you have a history of:
- HIV
- Cervical cancer
- Pap smears that indicate precancerous cells
- A weakened immune system due to an organ transplant or chemotherapy
- Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth
What Happens During a Pap Smear?
A Pap test procedure involves lying on an examination table with your feet in stirrups. Your gynecologist will open the vagina with a speculum and gently swab the cervix to collect cells and mucus. Pap smears are quick and should not be painful but may cause mild discomfort.
How To Prepare for a Pap Smear
For accurate test results, you should refrain from inserting anything into the vagina for 48 hours before the exam. This includes abstaining from:
- Sex
- Using tampons
- Douching
- Vaginal lubricants or medication
- Vaginal sprays or powder
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