Pap Smears

A Pap smear is a test used to look for changes in the cells of the cervix that indicate cervical cancer or conditions that may develop into cancer. Pap smear does not diagnose cancer, but they detect 95% of cervical cancer at a stage where they are not visible with the naked eye. They can then be treated and are almost always curable.

Although Pap smear test is not specific for other gynecological problems or sexually transmitted diseases, Pap smears, the presence of abnormal cells that further testing or research would be needed.


When should I get a pap smear?

It is recommended that all women receive a Pap smear is done within 3 years are sexually active or by age 21. Pap smears should be done every year for at least 3 years, and if they are all normal, your health care provider may change your schedule for Pap smear every 2-3 years. Discuss with your health provider what they recommend for a Pap smear schedule as some still encourage them to be made annually.

Even if your health care provider recommends a Pap smear every 2-3 years, you need to your gynecologist every year for pelvic cavity exams, information on women's health issues and breast exams.

Women need a Pap smear in the middle of their monthly cycle or about 10-20 days after the LMP started. At least 2 days before the test, women should avoid anything in the vagina with sexual intercourse, douching, vaginal cream / suppositories or spermicides. These can interfere with the results of the test and cause an abnormal result.


What happens during a pap smear?

As part of your pelvic cavity exam, your doctor will use a small spatula, brush or swab to take a few cells of the cervix. You may feel some discomfort, but it's not painful. The cells are placed on a microscope slide to a lab for results. You can send your doctor a Pap smear without intercourse, douching or not does not make use of all products and / or drugs in the vaginal area for at least two days prior to the investigation.


What do the results of a pap smear mean?

A negative result means that your cervix is normal.

A positive result indicates the presence of abnormal cells. Your doctor may also call this an abnormal Pap. Remember that this is a test, not a diagnosis. A positive result does not prove that you have cancer or dysplasia (pre-cancerous condition). But it usually means that you should have further evaluation, such as a colposcopy (microscope used to see in the womb) or a biopsy (the removal of a small amount of tissue from the cervix). Your doctor will discuss the results with you.

One in ten Pap smears are an exception, but most are not serious. Further testing will be required to determine whether you have an infection, inflammation, infection, trichomonas, herpes or human papilloma virus.

Researchers believe that cervical cancer is directly related to the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are more than 100 different types of HPV in about 30 species which are spread through sexual contact and may lead to cervical cancer. HPV is the most important risk factor for cervical cancer, but most women who receive treatment for abnormal cells caused by HPV, not the development of cervical cancer.

In 2003 the FDA approved a test that can be done in combination with a Pap smear to determine if the HPV virus.The HPV DNA test can detect high risk types of HPV before abnormal cells can be detected on the cervix. This screening is recommended for women over the age of 30, at an increased risk of HPV infection turning in pre-cancerous cells.

Some give a negative Pap smear sample because of recent sexual activity or use of vaginal creams and showers. Whatever the reason, an abnormal Pap Pap smear is different in a few months. With a proper screening, cervical cancer is preventable and should be avoided.
What if I'm pregnant, and I have an abnormal pap smear?

A Pap smear is a routine part of your pre-natal care and does not constitute a risk to the fetus. If you have an abnormal Pap during pregnancy your doctor to discuss treatments that can be safely done during pregnancy, or, depending on the diagnosis, delay treatment until after your baby is born. If your doctor suggests a colposcopy and cervical biopsy, there may be slight bleeding from the outer portion of the uterus, but this is not a serious complication.

If your doctor about an internal biopsy in the endo cervical canal, there may be a slight chance of a pregnancy complication. But your health care provider is your best interests in mind and will only do what is medically necessary.

Your doctor may request additional Pap smears during your pregnancy, if necessary. Many times the birth of your baby will wash away any abnormal cervical cells.


When can a woman stop pap smear performed?

According to the National Cancer Institute, women over the age of 70 years and have a history of regular pap smears are very unlikely that the development of cervical cancer and can discuss the possibility of no further need pap smears. Women who have had a hysterectomy with both the uterus and cervix removed, for reasons not related to cancer, may also have the option of no further need pap smears.


Who should pap smears often?

Women who take immunosuppressive medication or a condition that weakens the immune system to further pap smears. These women need to discuss what kind of pap smear, they should schedule their caregivers.