What Is a PAP Smear and When Should They Be Performed?

Managing your health as a woman requires undergoing tests and procedures unique to your physiology.

One of these routine procedures is a PAP smear, also known as a PAP test, which is a screening test for cervical cancer. This type of cancer affects women and only occurs in the cervix, which is the lowermost part of your uterus at the top of the vagina. While all women can develop cervical cancer, those infected with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) are especially at risk.

A PAP smear can detect cancerous cells and cells that could potentially become cancer. Early detection and treatment can significantly increase your chance of making a full recovery.

If you’re 21 or older, you should begin undergoing regular PAP screenings. Women in their 20s may assume they are too young to get cancer, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Since PAP smears can find abnormal cells before they turn into cancer, it’s important you start testing at an early age.

How Often Should You Get a PAP Smear?

Generally, if you’re between the ages of 21 and 65, you should have a PAP test done every three years. Women with risk factors like HIV infection, nicotine use, history of PAP smears with precancerous cells and a weakened immune system should strongly consider more frequent screening.

Conversely, your doctor may recommend you opt out of PAP testing if you meet the following criteria:

• You’re 65 or older and your previous screenings have all been negative (no cancer or precancerous cells were ever detected)
• You’ve had a total hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus) for a noncancerous condition

Preparing for a PAP Smear

You can request a PAP smear when you schedule a wellness exam with your primary doctor or gynecologist. If you don’t have a primary doctor, consider contacting St. Hope Foundation for a wide range of women’s healthcare services, including PAP smears.

For accurate results, make sure you’re not menstruating on the day of your PAP smear. Avoid intercourse, douching and using spermicides the day prior to your appointment.

What to Expect During a PAP Smear?

Your doctor will collect cervical cells by performing a pelvic exam. The procedure will require you to lie down on your back on an examination table, bend your knees and place your feet in stirrups.

Your healthcare provider will insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina. The speculum will keep your vaginal walls open, making it possible to have a clear view and access to the cervix.

Next, your doctor will collect cells from your cervix using a scraper or brush. The exam may be somewhat uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t hurt.

What to Expect After a PAP Smear?

Your cells will be sent to a lab and examined under a microscope to make sure they’re not abnormal. The same cell sample may also be used to test for an HPV infection. You’ll likely have to wait a couple of weeks to receive your test results.

If your results come back negative, your cervical cells are healthy and normal. You won’t need any follow-up treatment until your next PAP test is due.

A positive test result means there were abnormal cells discovered during your PAP smear. This doesn’t automatically mean you have cervical cancer. A positive PAP smear will likely prompt your doctor to perform a biopsy from any cervical tissue that appears abnormal. Based on the results of your biopsy, the doctor should be able to formulate a clear diagnosis.

Get a PAP Test from St. Hope Foundation in Houston, Texas

At St. Hope, we care deeply for the health of Houston women. The comprehensive well-woman exams offered by our dedicated physicians help promote the continued health of our patients.

Uninsured patients may qualify for significantly discounted rates on wellness exams and treatments. Visit our new patient registration page for information on eligibility.

If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call us at (713) 778-1300.