PAP smears

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what is a Pap smear?

The Pap smear checks for changes in the cells of your cervix
The cervix is the lower part of your uterus that opens into the vagina
The Pap smear does not check for sexually transmitted diseases or vaginal infections
To check for infections other tests need to be done
What exactly is a Pap smear checking for?

How often should I have a Pap smear?

It is important to have a Pap smear annually if you are sexually active or if you are age 21 and never had sex before
Women with HIV, compromised immune systems, organ transplants, chronic steroid use, or history of diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure before birth should be screened more often

Do I need to get a Pap smear if I have had a hysterectomy?

It is still important to have annual Pap smears because although the cervix is usually removed when the uterus is removed, abnormal cells can still grow in the vagina
Some women may have their uterus removed and keep the cervix so Pap smears are still important

How is the Pap smear done?

Pap smear is done during a pelvic exam
During a pelvic exam, the health care provider evaluates your uterus and ovaries and is separate from a Pap smear
A speculum is inserted into the vagina
The health care provider collects some cells from the cervix with a brush
These cells are placed into a container and sent to a lab to be looked at under a microscope
It may take a week or 2 for the results to come back

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms vary greatly from person to person
May include urinary urgency, frequency, frequent urination at night, pain with bladder filling that is relieved with urination, feelings of pressure and pain around the bladder, painful intercourse or pelvic pain.

What do the results mean?

A normal Pap smear means that the cells of the cervix are normal
An abnormal result means that the cells do not look normal and further testing is required
You may be scheduled for a procedure called a colposcopy which is where a microscope is used to look at the cervix and vagina
Your health care provider may take a sample of these areas which will be sent off to a lab
An abnormal result does not mean you have cancer
There are many reasons you results may be abnormal

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