About Pap Smears
All women the age of 18 or older, along with those who are under the age of 18 and are sexually active, are advised to have a yearly pelvic exam, which includes a pap smear. Typically, women will begin having an annual pap smear in a year to three years after they have become involved in sexual activity. Women should have this yearly exam done until the age of 30. After 30, it is recommended to have it done every two to three years if they have had consistently normal tests results.
Definition
A pap smear is performed by a doctor in order to take a sample of the cervix cells. The doctor then looks at the cells to see if there are any changes in the cervix. Such changes could be signs of cervical cancer or other conditions that can eventually turn into cancer. A pap smear is great for detecting precancerous conditions as well as any hidden, tiny tumors that can also be a cause for cervical cancer. Early detection is important if you want to prevent developing cervical cancer.
Procedure
A person might hear the word pap smear and automatically thinks that it would hurt. Luckily, a pap smear isn't painful, but it can be a bit uncomfortable. During a pelvic exam the doctor will perform the pap smear using a tool called a speculum. The speculum opens the vagina wide enough so that the doctor can examine the cervix. The doctor will then insert a plastic spatula and small brush in order to collect a sample of the cervix cells. Once the sample is extracted, it is placed in a solution which then is taken to the lab to be tested.
The Results
It can take a few weeks to get test results back so if you haven't heard anything in three weeks, go ahead and call your doctor's office. If you receive your test results stating it was a normal pap smear, this means that the cervix cells looked fine. If the results said that you had an abnormal pap smear, it means that your cervix cells did not look OK. At times you can have another pap smear done and other times you might have to take different tests. A colposcopy might also be suggested by your doctor. This requires a certain microscope to view the vagina and cervix. Also to note, is that a pap smear can sometimes recognize infections but is not a reliable way to detect STDs.
Symptoms
It is unlikely you will see any symptoms between your pap smears as precancerous conditions of the cervix are not likely to cause or show any symptoms. In order to know if there are actual problems, you will more than likely need to have a pap smear and pelvic examination done. However, when there is cancer in the cervix, abnormal bleeding is the most common symptom. You might experience bleeding between monthly periods, after having sex or after douching. Another common symptom is vaginal discharge. These symptoms do not mean that cancer is there, so in order to know if they are in fact precancerous symptoms you will need to see a doctor, especially if the symptoms develop or persist.
Achieving a More Accurate Pap Smear
There are ways you can help to get the most accurate results from a pap smear test. Do not have sex 24 to 48 hours prior to a pap smear exam. If your period should come up unexpectedly the same day you are scheduled for a pap smear, reschedule the exam. It is best to have an exam done 10 to 20 days after the menstrual cycle. Let your doctor know if you have any discharge, itching or any other problems in that area before your exam. If there is an infection present, you may have to take medication to clear it before having your actual exam. Avoid douching, deodorant sprays, feminine wash, and even using tampons 24 hours prior to your exam. Do not use any creams or any type of product on or in the vagina 24 hours before your exam to help ensure you have more accurate test results.
Tags: cervix cells, cervical cancer, test results, your doctor, your exam, About Smears