Is Pap smear painful?

Pap smears usually do not hurt. A Pap test is not painful but can be uncomfortable and cause spotting or light bleeding afterwards, which is normal.

Do older females need pap smear tests?

Females above the age of 65 and over do not need pap smear screening, unless she has a history of abnormal pap tests.

Why is the Pap test done?

Pap tests are used to detect the presence of abnormal cervical cells which can cause cervical cancer.

Does a pap test detect cervical cancer?

Pap smear tests are not designed to detect or diagnose cervical cancer. Pap tests are carried out to detect “cervical dysplasia” or precancerous changes in the cervix.

Who is the best gynecologist for pap smear test?

Consult the best gynecologist for a pap smear test at your nearest Pristyn Care clinic.

Can I have sex before having pap smear?

No, a female should avoid douching or having sexual intercourse 2 to 3 days prior to having a Pap test.

How often should I get a pap smear test?

Most women between the ages of 21 to 69 are suggested to have regular Pap smear tests. Consult your gynecologist for testing recommendations for you.

Can I undergo pap test during my periods?

Women are also suggested to not undergo a pap smear test during their periods as the presence of blood may hinder the accuracy of the tests.

Visit Pristyn Care for Pap Smear (Pap Test)

A Pap smear test results will say one of the following things -

The result is normal- “Normal” pap smear result means that the cells collected from the female’s cervix look normal like they should and the female does not have to do anything until her next Pap test. No cancerous cells or HPV strains are found if the pap smear test result is normal.
The result is unclear- “Unclear” pap smear test result indicated that the gynecologist does not know whether the sample cells collected from the female’s cervix are normal or abnormal. If the results of a pap test are unclear, the gynecologist may do more tests right away to rule out any complications or problems. If things seem okay, the gynecologist may have the female come back in 6 months or so for another pap test.
The result is abnormal- “Abnormal” pap smear test result means that the cells collected from the female’s cervix during the Pap test look abnormal. Abnormal Pap test results do not necessarily mean that the female has cancer. If the results of a pap test are abnormal, the gynecologist will do more tests right away to figure out what should happen next. In such when the results seem less serious, the gynecologist may do another pap test right away or wait 6 months or 1 year before doing another pap smear test. If the pap test finds more serious changes in the cells of the cervix, the gynecologist will do more tests, like a colposcopy and biopsy.

Are there any risks of having a Pap smear?

There are absolutely no medical risks associated with Pap smear tests. Medical experts have found no risk or long term side effects associated with pap tests. However, there may be various medical risks from not having a Pap smear. A female may experience a small amount of spotting or light vaginal bleeding for a few days immediately after a Pap smear, which is normal and is likely to resolve in a few days. This generally happens as the cervix may get irritated and is nothing to worry about. Pap smears tests may be uncomfortable. However, pap tests are an important measure to ensure the health of females of all ages. A female above the age of 21 should get regular pap smear tests, as suggested by the gynecologist.