Pap Smear - GSBS Medical Trust Mumbai

A Pap Smear (also called a Pap test) is a screening procedure commonly used to test for cervical cancer. It tests for the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix, the opening of the uterus.

It has been named after the doctor who determined that this was a useful way to detect signs of cervical cancer.

Who needs a Pap Smear?

Generally, it is advisable to start getting regular Pap Smears at age 35.

If you are HIV-positive or have a weakened immune system from chemotherapy or an organ transplant, you may need more frequent tests because of a higher risk of infections and cancer.

If you’re over 40 and have had three normal Pap tests in a row, ask your doctor about having one every five years if the test is combined with an HPV screening. Women over the age of 65 with a history of normal Pap test results may be able to stop having Pap Smears in the future.

Note: You should get regular Pap smears even if you’re in a monogamous relationship. That’s because the HPV virus can be dormant for years, and then suddenly become active.

Check the centre closest to you to see if a PAP Smear test is available:

Preparation for a Pap Smear:

You can schedule a Pap smear with your annual gynaecological examination or request a separate appointment with your gynaecologist.

If you’ll be menstruating on the day of your Pap Smear, your doctor may want to reschedule the test since the results could be less accurate, so kindly keep your doctor informed of your menstrual cycle. Try to avoid having sexual intercourse, douching, or using spermicidal products on the day before your test because these too may interfere with your results.

Since Pap Smears go more smoothly if your body is relaxed, it’s important to stay calm and take deep breaths during the procedure.

Pap Smear Procedure

The bad news is Pap Smears can be a bit uncomfortable. The good news is that they are very quick.

During the procedure, you’ll lie on your back on an examination table with your legs spread and your feet resting in supports called stirrups. Your doctor will slowly insert a device called a speculum into your vagina to keep the vaginal walls open and provide access to the cervix. Then your doctor will scrape a small sample of cells from your cervix using a tool called a spatula. Most women feel a slight push and irritation during the brief scraping.

The sample of cells from your cervix will be preserved and sent to a lab to be tested for the presence of abnormal cells.

After the test, you might feel mild discomfort from the scraping, or a bit of cramping.
You could also experience very light vaginal bleeding immediately following the test.
Tell your doctor if discomfort or bleeding continues after the day of the test.

In most cases there may not be any discomfort at all.