A Pap smear is a medical test that emerged as a result of the studies of Dr. George Papanicolaou in the 1930s. The test was named after him. Pap smears are so important because they assist in the early detection of cervical cancer, a leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Mainly because of the use of Pap smears, the rate of deaths from cervical cancer fell 74 percent from the 1950s to the 1990s. This test can be a life-saver for millions of women.
Definition
A Pap smear is a medical test that examines the cells of the cervix to see if they are healthy. The cervix is located at the end of the vaginal canal and acts as a doorway to the uterus. Pap smears are performed regularly by family physicians and OB/GYNs (obstetrician/gynecologists).
Who and How Often
Women who are between 18 and 30 years old should receive an annual Pap smear. If you are younger than 18 and are sexually active, you also should receive a Pap smear once a year. If you are a woman between the ages of 30 and 65 and have had multiple negative Pap smears (that is, your results indicated no abnormal cells), your doctor may schedule you for a Pap smear once every two or three years. Females 65 and older possibly may stop having Pap smears upon a doctor's recommendation if they have a consistent history of negative results. If you are any age and experience positive test results from a Pap smear, your doctor may increase the number of tests you are given at least until you establish a history of negative results.
Preparing for the Test
In order to ensure the greatest chance of receiving accurate test results from a Pap smear, you should do the following: (1) Abstain from sex for 24 hours leading up to the test; (2) refrain from douching or using a tampon up to 24 hours before the Pap smear; (3) inform your doctor of any medication that you are taking currently; (4) tell your doctor if you've had abnormal Pap smears in the past if he or she doesn't know your previous medical history.
How a Pap Smear is Performed
You will be asked to remove your clothing from the waist down (possibly from the waist up as well if your visit includes a breast exam). You'll lie back on the examination table and place your heels in the holders or "stirrups" at the end of the table. Your doctor will probably use a lubricated speculum to open your vagina. This is a medical instrument that allows the doctor to perform your exam more efficiently and comfortably. Next your doctor will use a small instrument with a tiny brush-like end to gently scrape your cervix in order to obtain some cells. Either before or after this process, your doctor is likely to perform a pelvic exam also. This is where she or he inserts two fingers into your vagina and feels for any abnormalities inside. Unless you have a preexisting medical condition such as an infection or cysts, this whole process should be painless or possibly slightly uncomfortable at most. Once the Pap smear has been performed, your doctor will notify you of the results, which can take anywhere from 10 to 21 days on average.
What if It's Positive?
If your Pap smear comes back negative, it means that the cells of your cervix are normal and healthy. However, if your test is positive for abnormal cells, your doctor probably will schedule a repeat of the test in order to compare the results and make sure it's not just a false positive. If multiple tests show positive signs of abnormal cells, your doctor will order further tests. He or she may use a colposcopy to get a more detailed look at the cervix and inside of the vagina. You also may receive a biopsy, in which some cervical tissue is removed for examination. Once the cause of the abnormal cells is determined, your doctor will discuss further medical options with you.
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