A Pap smear (or Pap test) is quick and does not usually hurt.
A Pap test is used to screen forcervical cancer.
If any are found, more testing can be done todiagnose cancer.
Illustration by Emily Roberts, Verywell
Why Is a Pap Smear Done?
Pap smears usually are done as part of regularpelvic exams.
There are more than 100 strains of the virus, but not all of them cause the disease.
When Should You Get a Pap Smear?
Risks and Contraindications
There are no major physical risks of having a Pap smear.
The test is very safe, even when you are pregnant.
It will not harm you or the fetus.
If fact, you may have a Pap test done as a part of your first routine prenatal visit.
After the Pap, you might have some discomfort and light spotting from the swab scraping the cervix.
When you have your period, the blood and other tissue can affect the results of the test.
If you have to keep the appointment, tell your provider about the mix-up.
How Long Does a Pap Smear Take?
An hour is typically enough time to plan for.
The stirrups are there to allow you to comfortably rest your feet during your exam.
Exam rooms can be chilly, so you might want to have a pair of socks.
The same goes for any treatment records.
The nurse will give you a paper drape to place across your middle and upper thighs.
When the healthcare provider arrives, they may ask if you have any questions about the Pap smear.
They also may engage you in friendly chit-chat to help you relax.
This will make it easier for you to keep your knees apart while the provider takes the sample.
You will be asked to scoot your buttocks down to the very edge of the exam table.
If it’s a metal speculum, it might be warmed up first to make it more comfortable.
You may hear a clicking sound as the practitioner widens the speculum.
This may feel a little strange or uncomfortable, but it should not hurt.
Taking deep breaths can help you relax.
If the speculum does cause pain, speak up.
It might be possible for the provider to use a smaller one that will be more comfortable for you.
You may feel a bit of discomfort or you may feel nothing at all.
With the latter, cervical cell samples can be washed of blood or other substances that might obscure abnormalities.
Finally, the provider will gently slide the speculum out of your vagina and the test will be done.
The exam table can be adjusted to make it easier for you to sit up.
The provider and nurse will leave the room so that you’re able to do this in private.
Ask a nurse or other office worker if you are not sure what to do before you leave.
If three weeks have passed and you still have not received the test results, contact your healthcare provider.
If you’re unsure about the office policy, give them a call.
The result will be either positive or negative.
Negative results mean that there is no sign of cervical dysplasia.
Positive results mean that abnormal cells were detected.
If it is positive, your provider will likely include instructions on what to do next.
An abnormal Pap result does not always mean a person has cancer.
Remember, the Pap is a screening test, not a diagnostic procedure.
In fact, most abnormal Paps are not because of cancer.
Getting Pap test results that are not accurate can delay a cancer diagnosis.
A Pap test can help spot those changes earlyeven before cancer has developed.
Screening guidelines recommend a Pap test every three years for early detection.
If your Pap results are abnormal, it does not necessarily mean that you have cancer.
Pap smear screening usually starts at 21 years old.
From ages 21-30 it can be performed every three years as long as there are no issues detected.
This continues until around 65 years old, when a gynecologist will discuss if future screening is necessary.
American Cancer Society.The Pap (Papanicolaou) test.
UT Southwestern Medical Center.Pap smears are safe before, during, and after pregnancy.
Bates CK, Carroll N, Potter J.The challenging pelvic examination.J Gen Intern Med.
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.Pap tests and cervical cancer.
U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service.Cervical and vaginal cancer screenings.
National Cancer Institute.Next steps after an abnormal cervical cancer screening test: Understanding HPV and Pap test results.
National Cancer Institute.Definition of high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL).
2020;17:E123.
American Cancer Society.The Pap (Papanicolaou) Test.
American Medical Association.Use of Chaperones.
Code of Medical Ethics Opinion 1.2.4.
American Pregnancy Association.Pap Smear.
National Cancer Institute.Pap and HPV Testing.
Office on Women’s Health.Pap Test.
2015; 5610):586-587. doi:10.11622/smedj.2015155
