Preventive care screenings are vital to your long-term health. Among the most important is the Pap smear, sometimes referred to as a Pap test, to detect cervical pre-cancers and cancers. While it’s a necessary test, it can also understandably cause some anxiety if you’ve never had one before. Here’s what you should know, so you’re better prepared for your gynecologist appointment.

4 Common Pap Test Questions Answered

What does it involve?

The Pap smear takes only five minutes or so to complete. You’ll lie down on the examination table with your feet placed in stirrup-style footrests on each side. A tool called a speculum is used to gently open the vagina. Then your gynecologist will use a brush to collect some cells from your cervix. These cells are placed on a slide, then transferred to a lab for testing.

Does this test cause pain?

It’s normal to feel some anxiety, and that may cause a patient to feel tense while the doctor is performing the exam. To ease your nerves a bit, you can ask for a heated plastic speculum instead of a cold metal one. You should also explain to your doctor that it’s your first time and you’re experiencing some jitters. They’ll know to take it slow and explain the process to you step-by-step.

The test itself should not cause anything beyond minor discomfort. You may experience some light bleeding, similar to menstrual spotting, in the aftermath of the exam.

How often should I get one?

The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women between the ages of 21 and 65 years old should schedule a Pap smear every three years. Those between 30 and 65 may also choose to schedule a Pap smear and a human papillomavirus (HPV) every five years instead. Known as co-testing, this provides gynecologists with more information about your cervical health. The Pap smear can detect cancer cells, while the HPV test can determine whether you might have a particular type of HPV responsible for causing a cancer.

What do the results mean?

It can take up to three weeks to receive your test results. Normal results indicate that your cells appear healthy. If your tests are unclear, your doctor may perform another test to determine whether your cells are normal or abnormal.

If the result is abnormal, your doctor will determine the next step based on the available information. They may order another Pap smear, wait six months before the next one, or order another type of test to take a closer look at your cervix.

Whether you’re coming in for your first Pap smear or need to speak with a gynecologist about another concern, trust in the professionals at OBGYN Associates, Inc. Serving Fairfield and West Chester, OH, since 1940, the OB-GYN clinic providers offer comprehensive preventive and diagnostic services. Visit the website to find out more about how they can help you, or call (513) 221-3800 to schedule an appointment.