What is a pap smear?

What is a pap smear for?

A pap smear is a procedure to test for cervical cancer in women. Your doctor's goal during a pap is to collect cells from your cervix.

A pap smear detects abnormal changes in cervical cells i.e. precancers. Detecting these changes early with a pap smear is the first step to early identification, halting or treatment of cervical cancer. 

A pap smear may also be done in conjunction with a HPV test, especially if you are 30 years and older. The HPV test looks for the virus that can cause cell changes seen on a pap smear. 

A pap smear is often done in conjunction with a pelvic exam so please do not worry if your doctor inserts a GLOVED hand with medical lubricant into your vagina while gently pressing on your abdomen with the other hand. This is a routine 5-second procedure meant to check the size, shape and position of your uterus, tenderness or pain, or enlarged ovaries, fallopian tubes, cysts or tumors. 

*Please make sure to check if your doctor is using your glove and medical lubricant. Using bare hands or saliva is UNACCEPTABLE. If this happens to you please report the doctor to the police and Singapore Medical Council. 

How often should I get a pap smear

It is generally recommended that you begin pap testing at 21.

If you have normal pap results and you are between 21-65 years old, it is generally recommended to get tested every three years. 

If you have an abnormal pap or certain risk factors, your doctor may advise pap tests sooner than every three years regardless of your age.

If you have normal pap results and are older than 65, consult your doctor about if regular pap screenings are still necessary. 

What to expect during a pap smear

Schedule your pap before or after your period.

A pap smear occurs in your doctor's office. It is about a 5-7 minute procedure. You can expect mild to no discomfort. 

In Singapore, you may ask for a nurse or clinic assistant to bear witness to this procedure if it makes you feel more comfortable. 

You get undressed waist down and lie down on your back on the exam table or chair. Your heels rest in stirrups. 

Your doctor will gently insert a speculum into your vagina, which holds the walls of your cervix open while s/he collects cells with a soft brush or scraping device.

The scraping doesn't hurt however you may experience light spotting after your pap for 1-2 days. 

Before leaving the office, ask your doctor when you can expect to learn about your results and how you will be contacted. 

After the pap smear

You may experience light spotting for 1-2 days after your pap smear. 

Your doctor will send your sample to a lab for examination. 

Normal results

A negative result means you have a normal pap. There were no abnormal cells detected. 

Schedule your next regular pap smear with your doctor. 

Abnormal results 

A positive result indicates abnormal cells were discovered. A positive result does not mean cervical cancer, it depends on the types of cells discovered in your test.

You will need to consult your doctor for next steps. Your doctor may suggest a colposcopy. Learn about colposcopies here. 

Resources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/pap-smear/about/pac-20394841

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/wellness-visit/what-pelvic-exam