What is it a pap smear?

A Pap smear, formally known as a Papanicolaou test, is a screening procedure performed to collect a small sample of cells from the cervix. This test aims to detect any abnormal changes in the cervical cells, specifically looking for cervical cancer, allowing for early identification of potential issues such as infections or precancerous conditions. Additionally, it may include testing for HPV (human papillomavirus).

Will it hurt?

A Pap smear is generally not painful. You may experience a brief sensation of pressure or mild discomfort during the sample collection, but the procedure is swift (normally lasting seconds) and crucial for assessing your cervical health.

How frequently should I undergo a pap smear?

This varies as it depends on several factors ranging from age to certain aspects of your medical history. While most women elect to undergo the test on an annual basis, as part of their well woman exam, its ultimately best decided on a case-by-case basis with your provider. Regardless of testing frequency, please do not wait to call us if you are experiencing:

• Irregular or abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Pain or discomfort (pelvic, vaginal, while urinating or during sex)
• Odors or abnormal discharge
• Bumps, sores, warts, or blisters in your genital area

How should I prepare?

No elaborate preparation is necessary. It’s advisable to schedule your pap smear when you’re not menstruating and to abstain from using tampons, vaginal creams, or engaging in sexual activity 48 hours before the test.

What should I expect?

During the Pap smear, your provider will gently insert a speculum (See image: Speculum) to allow for greater visibility of your cervix. Once in place, she will delicately collect a sample of cells from the cervix using a small brush or spatula. This sample is then sent to a lab and meticulously analyzed to identify any abnormalities.

What happens after?

Following the Pap smear, you can resume your regular activities. Results typically return from the lab within 7 days. Our office will contact patients via text, email and/or phone as soon as the results arrive.

What do the pap smear results mean?

Pap smear results are generally reported as either normal, inconclusive, or abnormal. Let’s break each down:

• Normal: this result signifies the absence of abnormal cells in the sample collected, indicating a high-likelihood of a healthy cervix. Keep in mind however, that this applies specifically to the sample collected. It’s important to continue having your pap smears performed on a timely basis to further increase the probability of the results.
• Inconclusive: As the name implies inconclusive results means that your cells don’t look normal, but they don’t look abnormal either. While this can happen from time to time, it tends to be a rare occurrence and generally just requires that the pap smear procedure to be repeated.
• Abnormal: Before delving further, let’s clarify that receiving abnormal pap smear results does NOT definitively indicate the presence of cervical cancer. These results simply suggest alterations in cervical cells, necessitating further investigation. It is crucial to promptly schedule a follow-up after receiving your results; however, it’s also noteworthy that the majority of women with abnormal Pap smears do not have cancer at that specific point in time. If your results are abnormal, your provider may recommend additional tests, such as a colposcopy or LEEP, to closely examine the cervix. It’s crucial to understand that abnormal results do not always indicate a severe issue, and your provider will guide you through the next steps and potential treatments.
• Other Results: One additional noteworthy point: although not the primary aim of the test, on occasion, the results may also reveal the presence of certain STDs or UTIs. While there are more targeted tests available for this purpose, it remains important to be aware of such potential findings.

Still have questions?

Don’t worry, you are not alone. Remember that we are here to help and support you. Your well-being is important to us, and we’re committed to assisting you through any challenges you may be facing. Besides, having questions is a good and healthy thing! Check out our additional resources below:

• Prefer reading? Here’s an article from NIH (National Institutes of Health) on the matter.
• Rather watch or listen? Here’s video of Nelly herself, one of our esteemed providers, discussing the topic.
• General questions? Reach us via any contact methods listed at the bottom of this page (live chat, email, text messages, or call).
• For specific medical questions or advice, it’s always best to schedule an appointment.

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