A pap smear is a common procedure conducted by a gynecologist. It is used to test for cervical cancer in women. It is also used to check for abnormal changes in cervical cells that show early signs of cervical cancer, or that suggest that it might develop in the future.
It may be combined with a pelvic exam. In older women, it may also be combined with a test for HPV, a sexually transmitted infection that may cause cervical cancer. When to Have a Pap Smear Gynecologists usually recommend women to have their first pap smear when they are 21 years old. After this, it is recommended to visit your gynecologist for a pap smear once every 3 years. However, your gynecologist may recommend to have it done more frequently if you possess any risk factors, such as:
What to Expect A pap smear is a simple and painless procedure that is performed at your gynecologist’s office. It only takes a few minutes. There are no special precautions to take before a pap smear, besides avoiding intercourse or douching two days prior to the appointment. Moreover, avoid scheduling an appointment for pap smear during menstruation. As for the procedure, you will lie down on your back with your knees up on an exam table. Your gynecologist will gently insert an instrument known as a speculum. This is to be able to view the cervix clearly. Your gynecologist will then take a sample of your cervical cells with a swab and place it into a jar or glass slide. After the short procedure, you are free to leave the gynecologist office without any restriction. What the Results Mean If the pap smear result comes out negative, it means that there is no abnormality in the cervical cells. In other words, it is healthy and there are no detected early signs of cervical cancer. A positive result can mean several things. It may mean that early signs of cervical cancer have been detected. However, it could also mean that cell abnormalities have been detected which could suggest the development of cancer in the future. Your gynecologist will discuss the results with you and suggest the next steps for cervical cancer prevention. For a safe and comfortable pap smear, visit Dr. Susanne Grothey at the German Heart Centre in Dubai. She is a trustworthy, highly experienced and specialist obstetrician and gynecologist in Dubai.
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December 2019
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