Ever wondered how a Pap-Smear Test actually happens while it is one of the most common tests recommended for women for cervical issues, not many know what to actually expect from a Pap-Smear. To many, it could be a little uncomfortable, this is why it is important to know what you are signing up for when you book a pap-smear. What Is A Pap Smear Test?As per the Johns Hopkins Medicine, a pap-smear or a pap test is where your healthcare provider collects and examines cells from your cervix. The cervix is the opening to the uterus. This test is done to screen for cervical cancer and other problems.What Are The Screening Guidelines?The guidelines are set by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists:If you are 21 or older, you should start your cervical cancer screening, even if you are not sexually active. There is no need to be screened before 21. If you are younger than 30, you can get tested for the same every 3 years, even if the pap test results are normal.Starting at age 30, have a Pap test with an HPV test (co-test) every 5 years. This should be done until age 65. Other choices for people ages 30 to 65 are just the Pap test every 3 years, or just the HPV test every 5 years. Decide with your provider on which test is best for you.If your tests are not normal, or you have a high risk of cervical cancer, you may need to do more screenings, especially if you have a weak immune system or have been treated for abnormal cervical cells in the past. If you are 65 or older, then you must have had at least three normal Pap test in a row, two normal HPV in a row, then you can talk to your healthcare provider to stop your cervical cancer screenings.Exception: If your uterus or cervix has been removed, then you do not need to get screened for it, unless you have had a past surgery for cervical cancer. What To Expect From A Pap Smear Test?Your healthcare provider will ask you to lie down in a comfortable position, on your back and will give you a drape or a paper sheet to place over your legs. You will be asked to take your underwear off, and a speculum will be inserted into your vagina. This may feel a little pressured. The speculum is used to hold your vagina open so your provider can see your cervix. The healthcare provider will use a brush or spatula to swab cells from your cervix. The healthcare provider will place the brush containing cervical cells in a tube or jar.The speculum will be removed and you will be asked to get dressed. Does Pap Smear Hurt?A Pap smear ideally does not hurt, however, it may feel a bit uncomfortable at first. There are cases where one may experience light bleeding afterward, but you should not feel pain or cramping. In case you do, it is important that you let your healthcare provider know of the discomfort, especially if it stays more than 24 hours.
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