Pap Smear Testing: 5 Things to Know
While some people may have instilled fear in getting a pap test, we’ll clear any misconception about this screening which we believe it’s worth it. It’s for those who are sexually active etc. Some of the things you might have heard include a painful procedure. Pap smear panorama ensures their clients are comfortable and knowledgeable about this test before proceeding:
What is a Pap Test?
It’s a screening exercise your OB/GYN performs as a routine check. It helps identify if there is an unusual change in the cervix. Usually, the earlier the doctor catches this, the better they can prevent it from spreading to other areas. It’s ideal to start this topic by explaining the essence of Pap smears.
Now, without further ado, let’s discuss a few other things you need to know before taking a pap test.
Things you Need to Know about a Pap Test
A Pap Smear is Not Painful
A Pap smear panorama doctor warns that this test may feel uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t hurt. When you experience something new that your body isn’t used to, you’ll feel a new sensation. Due to the instruments used, these may feel like a pinch but are tolerable, especially when your doctor prepares you accordingly.
What Happens During a Pap Smear Test?
You can get screened in your physician’s office because it’s a quick procedure. Then you lie on an examination bed with stirrups on your foot to help support your legs during this process. Once you’re in this position, your practitioner inserts a speculum into your vagina. And this is a device that helps open up the walls of your vagina, so give your doctor access to your cervix. Then using a small sampler — a brush or spatula, he gently collects sample cells from your cervix.
Pap Smear Results
Processing of pap smear test results may take a few days or weeks, depending on the lab examining these results. These can turn normal or abnormal.
Normal results can also mean negative. And this means there was no presence of unusual cells in the sample. Every patient wants to hear this great news. Then your next screening will be after three years.
Abnormal results mean positive. It’s not in every case that a patient has cervical cancer, but you will need further testing to rule out the chance of cancer cells. Your doctor might use a coloscopy test, similar to a pap smear, but this gives more clarity.
Who Should Do A Pap Smear Test?
Pap smear panorama gynecologists encourage women to have their pap test at 21 years. Since every woman is different, it’s ideal to consult your OB/GYN, and you can get enlightened on how to take care of your reproductive health.
How Often Should You Have a Pap Test?
After the first pap test, those aged 21 to 30 can have the same after every three years. At the same time, those above 30 years can have it after five years if they combine this with an HPV test. However, your gynecologist may also determine how often a patient should have this depending on several factors mentioned below:
If your pap test results detect inflammation or other risk factors, he will recommend regular tests regardless of your age.
- If the test results show abnormal, which could be cervical cancer or not, or precancerous cells.
- Patients with HIV infection
- Those exposed to DES before birth
- Active smoker
- Having a weak immune system due to an organ transplant, chemotherapy, or other reasons.
In Conclusion
These are five facts about a pap smear. It’s a guide for you who have attained 21 years old but are wondering if to go for the test or not. But you can always consult Pap smear panorama OB/GYN for more details. It’s for a good reason they say prevention is better than cure. And that is what it means to have a pap test early, to avoid the chance of cancer cells spreading from the cervix.
