A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a screening procedure for cervical cancer. It is typically performed during a woman’s regular gynecological exam. What should every woman know about this routine procedure?
The Importance of Pap Smears
Regular Pap smears are a critical part of preventative healthcare for anyone with a cervix. Pap smears screen for cellular changes and abnormalities that could indicate cervical cancer or precancerous lesions. Getting regular Pap smears as recommended by your doctor, usually every three to five years, can catch these abnormalities early when they are most treatable. That’s why following your doctor’s recommendations and not skipping your regular Pap smears is so important.
The Pap smear only takes a few minutes and can give you peace of mind that your cervical health is in good shape. Making Pap smears a normal part of your routine women’s health exams is a simple way to take control of your health and well-being. Don’t wait. Make that appointment with a private doctor London today.
What Steps Take Place During a Pap Smear?
Speculum Insertion – Once the patient is on the exam table and in position, the doctor or nurse will insert a speculum into the vagina. The speculum may be plastic and smooth or metal and slightly cold when first inserted. There may be some mild discomfort from the speculum stretching the vaginal walls.
Visual Examination: With the speculum holding the vagina open, the doctor examines the vagina and cervix visually, looking for any visible abnormalities, inflammation, discharge, or lesions.
Collecting the Sample: Using an instrument called an endocervical brush or spatula, the doctor takes a sample of cells from inside the opening of the cervix by rotating the brush or lightly scraping the surface of the cervix with the spatula. This part takes only a few seconds and may produce a slight cramping sensation or brief pain, like a menstrual cramp.
Removing the Speculum: After taking the sample, the doctor removes the speculum from the vagina.
Sending the Sample to the Lab: The sample of cervical cells collected is then sent to a lab, where it is prepared into a slide and examined under a microscope by a medical specialist for abnormal cells.
Aftercare: After the pap smear, the patient can get dressed and go about normal activities. Some women may have mild cramping or light spotting after the test. Results usually take about one to three weeks to receive.
What Next if the Pap Smear is Abnormal?
An abnormal Pap smear result means there were unusual cells found on your cervix during the screening test. Don’t panic though. Abnormal cells don’t necessarily mean you have cancer. The first step is to have additional testing, usually a colposcopy exam, done to examine your cervix more closely. During this procedure, the doctor uses a special magnifying lens (colposcope) to get a better view of your cervix and takes a biopsy of any visibly abnormal areas to be sent off for lab analysis.
Follow your doctor’s guidance based on the results of the biopsy. If high-grade cell abnormalities are found that could lead to cervical cancer, treatment will likely be recommended. This often involves a simple outpatient procedure called LEEP to remove the precancerous areas on your cervix. Regular follow-up appointments and Pap smears at more frequent intervals will be necessary after treatment to monitor your health. Stay in close contact with your doctor and follow medical advice to address abnormal cervical cell changes.
Never put off a pap smear. Doing so puts your health at risk. Make an appointment today for this routine procedure. Once the screening is complete, you will have peace of mind, knowing everything is as it should be.
