What is Pap Smear test?

Pap smear test is a screening procedure for cervical cancer. It tests for the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells on your cervix. The cervix is the opening of the uterus.

What the Pap Smear test used for?

A pap smear is done to look for changes in cervical cells before they turn into cancer.

How is the procedure performed?

During the routine procedure, cells from your cervix are gently scraped away and examined for abnormal growth. The procedure is done at your doctor’s office. It may be mildly uncomfortable, but doesn’t usually cause any long-term pain. Pap smears can be a bit uncomfortable, but the test is very quick.

During the procedure, you’ll lie on your back on an examination table with your legs spread and your feet resting in supports called stirrups. Your doctor will slowly insert a device called a speculum into your vagina. This device keeps the vaginal walls open and provides access to the cervix.Your doctor will scrape a small sample of cells from your cervix. There are a few ways your doctor can take this sample:

• Some use a tool called a spatula.
• Some use a spatula and a brush.
• Others use a device called a cytobrush, which is a combination spatula and brush.

Most women feel a slight push and irritation during the brief scraping. The sample of cells from your cervix will be preserved and sent to a lab to be tested for the presence of abnormal cells. After the test, you might feel mild discomfort from the scraping or a bit of cramping. You could also experience very light vaginal bleeding immediately following the test. Tell your doctor if discomfort or bleeding continues after the day of the test.

What will be the results interprets?

Depending on what the test results show, your doctor may recommend:

• Increase the frequency of your Pap smears.
• Get a closer look at your cervical tissue with a procedure called colposcopy