Pap Smear Test

A routine examination regarding women’s reproductive health is vital in preventing the spread of diseases that can be transmitted through sexual contact and the detection of cervical cancer, which is a disease that has claimed many lives over the years.

A Pap Smear or a Pap Test is simply a method for doctors to get sample tissues from a female patient's cervix and see if there are any infections or abnormal cells growing that can possibly lead to cervical cancer. This method can also give important details on the overall reproductive health of a woman.

How is a pap smear test done?
The process entails some effort from the female patient since it can be awkward for some. A Pap test doesn't necessarily cause pain and is quick and easy but some women are reluctant to undergo this kind of procedure because of fear of experiencing pain or discomfort. This kind of medical examination is best done when the gynecologist or doctor also performs a pelvic exam. In order for the gynecologist to get some sample tissues from the cervix, he inserts a tool -- specifically a speculum so as to open up the vagina. Once the speculum has been inserted, the gynecologist now looks at the interior surface of the tube-shaped vagina and the neck-shaped cervix to see if there are any abnormalities. While the speculum is inserted, the gynecologist also inserts a special kind of cotton swab or stick to wipe off some cells. These sample cells are then stored into a slide and is examined in a laboratory.

Purpose of pap smear test
The reason why sexually-active women are recommended to undergo this kind of procedure is to detect any cancer cells or any abnormality within the reproductive system. Regular check-ups with the gynecologist can also help women determine if they have diseases that can be transmitted sexually. Most of these STDs such as HIV and AIDS can pose risks for cervical cancer so early detection of these diseases can be of great help in their prevention and treatment.

People who are qualified for these tests
An annual Pap test is highly recommended for females who are at the age of 21 and above or for those who have already engaged in sexual intercourse before reaching the age of 21. Female patients who have AIDS or HIV should also have regular check-ups in order to check the status of the disease and to detect any other abnormality. The frequency of these types of check-ups is also based on certain factors. In the most part, an annual visit to the gynecologist is highly advised if a woman meets the following conditions -- a fragile immune system, was diagnosed with AIDS or HIV, and has a mother who was given DES -- a cancer-causing substance that was used as treatment for menstrual problems before it was banned. As a woman grows older, the frequency of Pap tests can be lessened, as long as she was never diagnosed with any disease or abnormality.

Preparation
Although the outcome of a Pap test is reliable, there are still certain factors that could affect the credibility of a Pap smear result. Gynecologists recommend that a couple of days prior to the actual Pap test, female patients should temporarily stop using vaginal douches, any medications, creams, or sprays, and tampons. It is also best to temporarily abstain from having sex so as to achieve the best results. If the patient currently has her monthly period, her gynecologist will advise her to come back for a Pap test two to three weeks after her monthly period.

Results
The outcome of this kind of exam can be acquired after about three weeks. Although the results are usually normal for those who are free from any abnormality, it's possible to get "false-positive" and "false-negative" results. In these cases, the tests can be repeated in order to get the correct results.