What is a Pap smear?
A Pap smear is a screening test your doctor does to check for precancer or early cancer of the cervix. The cervix is the opening to the uterus, or womb. Usually Pap smears find problems early - while they are still easy to treat. Before Pap smears were available, cancer of the cervix was common and often fatal. Today, cancer of the cervix is rare and easily treated in women who have regular Pap smears.
What happens during a Pap smear?
Pap smears aren't usually painful and don't take more than a few minutes. Your doctor will insert a speculum into your vagina to spread the walls of your vagina apart. Your doctor will rub a soft brush or spatula against your cervix to scrape off some cells. These cells will be put on a glass slide, stained with a special dye and looked at under a microscope. Your doctor may also do a bimanual exam to check your uterus (womb) and ovaries and a breast exam to finish your female screening.
What should I do to prepare for a Pap Smear?
Make an appointment with your doctor or health unit. Do not have sex, use tampons, or douche for several days before the examination. Tell your doctor if you are having any signs of infection like discharge or itching. These problems may need to be taken care of before your Pap smear.
Does an abnormal Pap smear mean I have cancer of the cervix?
Not necessarily. While an abnormal Pap smear may be a sign of cancer, many different changes on your cervix can cause an abnormal Pap smear. Pap smears can be abnormal if the cervix is inflamed or irritated. This can be caused by an infection of the cervix, douching, menopausal changes, or irritation. The cervix may also be going through some changes called dysplasia. Dysplasia means the cells on the Pap smear look abnormal under the microscope. Dysplasia isn't the same thing as cancer but may lead to cancer if it is not treated.