Ishita Roy

What Is A Pap-Smear And Why Should You Get It?

Pap smear

A <span>pap smear</span>, also called a pap test is a screening procedure for <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cervical-cancer">cervical cancer</a></span>. It is used to detect the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells on your cervix, which is the opening of the uterus. 

The cells that are present in your cervix are scraped away and examined for abnormal growth. 

<h4>Why Is It Important?</h4>As per the American Cancer Society, screening should start at the age of 25. Some women are also at an increased risk for cancer or infection. A person who is HIV-positive or has a weakened immune system from chemotherapy or an organ transplant may need it more frequently. 

It is also recommended that people between the ages of 25 to 65 must get their HPV test every five years. HPV is a virus that causes warts and increases the chance of cervical cancer. The types 16 and 18 are the primary causes of cervical cancer.

<h4>How often should you get a Pap smear?</h4>

<ul><li>If you are less than 21 years old, you do not need a pap smear done</li><li>If you are between 21 to 39, you must get a pap smear done every 3 years</li><li>If you are between 30 to 65, it is important to get a test done every 3 years. You can also take an HPV test every 5 years or a Pap test and HPV test together every 5 years</li><li>If you are 65 and older, you do not need Pap smear tests</li></ul>

However, it is always best to speak to your doctors. Pap smears are recommended for women who have a cervix. This means women who have had a hysterectomy with removal of the cervix done and have no history of cervical cancer do not need screening. 

You lie on your back on the examination table and your legs are spread as your feet rest on the stirrups. Your doctor inserts a device called a speculum into your vagina that helps to keep your vaginal walls open and provides access to the cervix. Then, your doctor scrapes a small sample of cells from your cervix by either using a spatula, a spatula and a brush, or a device called cytobrush, which is a combination of both. 

After the test, you may feel a little discomfort due to the scraping and may experience cramping or light bleeding. It is best to speak to your doctor. 

Try not to schedule your test on the day you are menstruating. Your doctor may want to reschedule the test since the results could be less accurate. 

Avoid sexual intercourse, douching, or spermicidal products a day before your pap smear test. 

In the case of pregnancy, a pap smear is done in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. After birth, it is best you wait 12 weeks to get a test done.

<h4>Cost</h4>A pap-smear test can rage anywhere between Rs 500 to Rs 3,000 in India.

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A pap smear, also called a pap test is a screening procedure for cervical cancer. It is used to detect the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells on your cervix, which is the opening of the uterus. The cells that are present in your cervix are scraped away and examined for abnormal growth. Why Is It Important?As per the American Cancer Society, screening should start at the age of 25. Some women are also at an increased risk for cancer or infection. A person who is HIV-positive or has a weakened immune system from chemotherapy or an organ transplant may need it more frequently. It is also recommended that people between the ages of 25 to 65 must get their HPV test every five years. HPV is a virus that causes warts and increases the chance of cervical cancer. The types 16 and 18 are the primary causes of cervical cancer.How often should you get a Pap smear?If you are less than 21 years old, you do not need a pap smear doneIf you are between 21 to 39, you must get a pap smear done every 3 yearsIf you are between 30 to 65, it is important to get a test done every 3 years. You can also take an HPV test every 5 years or a Pap test and HPV test together every 5 yearsIf you are 65 and older, you do not need Pap smear testsHowever, it is always best to speak to your doctors. Pap smears are recommended for women who have a cervix. This means women who have had a hysterectomy with removal of the cervix done and have no history of cervical cancer do not need screening. What Happens In A Pap-Smear?You lie on your back on the examination table and your legs are spread as your feet rest on the stirrups. Your doctor inserts a device called a speculum into your vagina that helps to keep your vaginal walls open and provides access to the cervix. Then, your doctor scrapes a small sample of cells from your cervix by either using a spatula, a spatula and a brush, or a device called cytobrush, which is a combination of both. After the test, you may feel a little discomfort due to the scraping and may experience cramping or light bleeding. It is best to speak to your doctor. Do's And Dont'sTry not to schedule your test on the day you are menstruating. Your doctor may want to reschedule the test since the results could be less accurate. Avoid sexual intercourse, douching, or spermicidal products a day before your pap smear test. In the case of pregnancy, a pap smear is done in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. After birth, it is best you wait 12 weeks to get a test done.CostA pap-smear test can rage anywhere between Rs 500 to Rs 3,000 in India.