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One of the most important preventative exams for a woman is the Pap smear. This procedure identifies a range of sexually transmitted infections and even cancer, ensuring early detection and potentially life-saving treatment. If you’ve never gone through this examination before, you may have many concerns about it. To help you prepare for your appointment, here are a few of the most common questions women have about the Pap test.  

Common Questions About the Pap Smear Exam

What is it?

A Pap smear, also called cervical screening, is a medical examination used to check the health of your cervix, uterus, and the surrounding tissue. Your OB-GYN collects a sample of cells from your cervix to test for the human papillomavirus (HPV), cervical cancer, and other irregularities or signs of infection. Pre-cancer detection and removal can prevent cervical cancer over 90% of the time, making Pap smears an important part of women’s health care.

What is the process like?

pap smearWhen you enter the clinic, you’ll be asked to remove your clothes and change into a paper gown. You’ll then be instructed to lay down on the exam table and prop your legs up, often with the use of stirrups. Your gynecologist will feel both inside of your vagina and outside of your abdomen to gauge the size and shape of your uterus and ovaries. Using a spreading tool called a speculum, they will open the vagina to look inside and check for any irregularities. Finally, they collect a swab of mucus and tissue from the cervix. During the procedure, your doctor may also feel your breasts for lumps or swelling to screen for breast cancer. 

Who should get this exam? 

Women between the ages of 21 and 65 should get a Pap smear, including HPV screening, every three to five years. If you’re younger than 21, you should have the exam as soon as you become sexually active, at which point your gynecologist will tell you when your next screening should be scheduled. Adults over the age of 65 can phase out the exam as they age.

How should I prepare? 

Before the cervical screening, you should refrain from having sex, douching, or using tampons for at least 48 hours. These can remove or hide cells that are used for screening and may even leave particles behind, compromising the results. You should also reschedule if you start your period when you’re scheduled to have a Pap smear, since it makes interpretation more difficult for your gynecologist. 

 

For a gynecologist you can trust, reach out to the friendly staff at  Genesee Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology in Rochester, NY. This OB-GYN offers an array of essential women’s health services, from comprehensive Pap smears to prenatal care. They serve women of all ages. Learn more about the Pap test on their website or call (585) 232-3210 to schedule an appointment. 

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