A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a simple procedure that collects cells from your cervix. Named after its developer, George Papanicolaou, M.D., the test effectively detects not only cervical cancer but HPV a virus that can cause cervical cancer.

Since Pap smears started more than 50 years ago, the number of deaths from cervical cancer has dropped dramatically. Pap smears should be done on a regular basis.
If you get regular Pap smears, you substantially decrease your chances of getting cervical cancer and catching it in the earlier stages.

Who should have a Pap smear:

21 to 29 Once a year using the regular Pap smear or every two years using the liquid-based Pap test.

30 to 69 Every two to three years if you've had three normal Pap smears in a row.

70 and older You may stop having Pap smears if you've had normal results three tests in a row and you've had normal Pap smears over the past 10 years.

If you have Certain risk factors you should start being tested, and these factors are as follows:

History of sexual activity with or without protection.

Multiple sex partners

History of a sexually transmitted disease.

Family history of cervical cancer

Diagnosis of cervical cancer or abnormal Pap smears.

Positive for (HPV)

Tobacco use

Here are some things to know before taking a pap test.

Avoid intercourse, douching or using any vaginal medicines or spermicidal foams, creams or jellies for two days before having a Pap smear, as these may wash away or obscure abnormal cells.

Try not to schedule a Pap smear during your menstrual period. Although the test can be done, it's best to avoid this particular time of your cycle.

What to expect when you go in for a Pap test. (For trained professionals only)

A Pap smear is performed in your doctor's office and takes only a few minutes. First you lie down on an exam table with your knees bent. Your heels rest in supports called stirrups. Your doctor will gently insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina. Then he or she will take a sample of your cervical cells and smear them onto a glass slide for microscopic examination.

Your doctor will send the slide to a laboratory for testing. Once test results are in a Normal or Abnormal result reading will be read. The Pap smear doesn't diagnose a disease but alerts your doctor to check further if you receive a positive results. Woman the the greatest single reason for the occurrence of cervical cancer is not having Pap smears.

Like any test they are never 100% accurate and consult your Doctor if you have any further questions.

amerciancancersociety.org
cdc.gov

Learn more about this author, Eutundra Davis.
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