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PAP SMEAR

13 Oct 2021

What is a PAP smear test?

It is an office or clinic procedure in which a small brush or spatula is used to gently remove cells from the cervix (mouth of the uterus) so they can be checked under a microscope for cervical cancer or cell changes that may lead to cervical cancer. It is a screening test for cervical cancer.

How is the PAP smear done?

An instrument is inserted into the vagina to widen it. Then, a brush is inserted into the vagina to collect cells from the cervix. It takes only a few minutes.

Is PAP smear painful?

No, it might be slightly uncomfortable but not painful.

When should one get the PAP smear done?

Current guidelines recommend women should start getting routine PAP smears every three years beginning at age 21 till 50 years and every 5 years from 50 years of age till 65 years of age. Some women may need more frequent screenings, especially those who have an increased risk for cervical cancer or with abnormal results of PAP smears done.

What needs to be done before a PAP smear?

It’s better to avoid getting it done while you are menstruating. Shaving pubic hairs are not required.

Following steps are recommended, starting 48 hours before your test.

• Don’t have sex.
• Don’t use powders.
• Don’t insert anything into the vagina, including tampons, creams, and suppositories.
• Don’t rinse the vagina with water, vinegar, or other fluid (douche)

What are the precautions after a PAP smear?

Nothing, you can have sex after having a PAP smear. You may have some spotting for a while. You can resume your normal activities right after having a PAP smear test

Do I need a PAP smear if I am not sexually active?

Most cervical cancers are caused by an infection from the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is sexually transmitted. However, not all cervical cancers stem from HPV, which means PAP smears are necessary whether you’re sexually active or not.

How much does a PAP smear cost?

Around &#8377 1000 to 1600.

When to stop getting PAP smear done?

After 65 years of age especially if all previous smears results had been normal.

After uterus removal surgery especially if it’s done for non-cancerous reasons.

When do you get the PAP smear results?

It usually takes 5-7 days.

What are the PAP smear test results?

PAP smear is reported as:

Negative: or normal. No abnormality found

Positive: or abnormal. It might be:

• Inflammation
• Infection
• Precancerous cells
• Cancer cervix

What next if the PAP smear result is abnormal?

Depending on what abnormality is seen on the smear test your doctor may recommend a repeat test, or an antibiotic course if it’s an infection or a colposcopy test that involves visualizing your cervix under magnification with an instrument to rule out cancer of the cervix.

Categories: PAP SMEAR

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