According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) a pap test is a screening for cervical cancer. This test includes screening for human papillomavirus (HPV) and abnormal cells.
A Pap test is usually done during your pelvic exam by your primary OB/GYN provider. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS) this is what you can expect during your screening.
- A health care professional will place a speculum inside the vagina. A speculum is a metal or plastic instrument that keeps the vagina open so your specialist can see your cervix clearly.
- Next, they use a small plastic paddle to lightly scrape cells and mucus from the ectocervix.
- After they have scraped the ectocervix the specialist inserts a small brush to take a sample from the endocervix.
- The sample is then examined in the lab.
The ACS states if your cervix has been removed your specialist will extract a sample from the vaginal cuff located on the upper part of the vagina. The ACOG recommends if you have had a hysterectomy you should continue to be screened if you have a history of cervical cancer or a high grade precancer. We recommend consulting with your obstetrician/gynecologist to determine how often you should be screened.
When deciding whether to get a Pap smear, there is one simple question to ask: Are you a woman over the age of 21? If the answer is yes, you should get screened. If the answer is no, screening is not necessary. However, it is important to consult with your doctor to determine the right time for screening based on your individual health needs.
We want to emphasize that even though cervical cancer screenings are recommended every 3-5 years, women should still have an annual pelvic examination. This allows your doctor to directly visualize and potentially notice changes in between screenings.
The ACS has provided several tips to make your pap test more accurate. It is important to consult with your doctor and nurses about preparing for your screening.
- The best time for testing is 5 days after your menstrual period.
- Avoid using tampons, birth-control foams or jellies, vaginal creams, moisturizers, lubricants, or vaginal medicines for up to 7 days before the pap test.
- Avoid vaginal sex for 2 days before.
Be prepared and schedule your yearly well-woman examination which includes a pelvic examination.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists