Pap Smear: Purpose, Preparation, Procedure, Results and Frequency

A pap smear a test carried out which is necessary for early cancer detection in women. The test not only screens for cervical cancer in women but is also designed to detect abnormal cells in the cervix in order to determine the patient’s predisposition for developing cancer.

A pap smear involves taking cells from your cervix and testing them for abnormalities. The test only lasts for ten to twenty minutes and your results are confirmed between five days to two weeks.

When you go in for the test you are asked questions about your medical history after which you have to lie on a table with your feet placed in stirrups. A speculum is inserted into your vagina in order to widen the opening. The doctor then takes a swab to collect a sample of cells and then places the cells in a liquid substance. After this is over, your sample is tested in a lab and your results are made available to you in a few days. While you may feel some discomfort during the test, there is no lasting soreness or pain.

If the test is negative, it indicates that there are no abnormal cells in your cervix and you can return for another routine pap smear in three to five years. If the test is positive, Further tests might include tests such as a colonoscopy. Cell abnormalities, however, are often caused due to inflammation, so it is not necessarily an indicator of the development of precancerous cells. HPV tests are often conducted at the same time as a pap smear, as it is extremely common for sexually active adults to contract the STD.

Before having a pap smear you must avoid sexual intercourse, using any vaginal cream or spray, douching, spermicidal foam, two days before having a pap smear.

If you are sexually active and between the age of 21-30 then you should have a pap smear because sexual activity increases the risk of having cervical cancer. Though cervical cancer takes 10-20 years to develop it must be checked every three years.

Pap smear test frequency depends on various factors like :

• If you are less than 21 then pap smear is not needed.
• If you are aged between 21-29 then you must get a pap smear every three years.
• If your age is between 30-65 years then an HPV test every 3 or 5 years is suggested.
• You can also get a combined Pap and HPV test every 5 years.
• If your age is 65 or above that, then you may not need pap smear after that.

There are no negative effects of getting a pap smear. Women under the age of 21 are recommended not to get pap smears as it could delay the detection of cancer or HPV. There is no soreness or pain after the test procedure is completed, so you can get back to your daily activities immediately after.

You can resume your day to day activities immediately after the test as there is no physical strain during the test.

The test can cost between Rs. 200 and Rs. 1500 depending on the area in which you live and the cost of medical care in the area.

The test is to be repeated every three to five years.

A pap smear is a routine cancer screening test. There are no alternatives to it.