Your First Pap Smear

It's very common for women to feel anxiety about having their first Pap smear. Some women feel so intimidated by the test they delay getting tested. This is largely due to not knowing exactly how the test is done.

A Pap smear is simple, painless, and takes only minutes to perform. Here are some common questions women have:

What is a Pap Smear?

A Pap smear is simple test that screens for cervical cancer. The test involves the collection of cells from the cervix to be examined under a microscope. It is not a diagnostic test, however, and if any abnormalities are discovered, more testing may be needed.

Why Do I need a Pap Smear?

A Pap smear can detect abnormal cervical changes before they can become cancerous. It is a highly effective tool for cervical cancer screening and prevention.

When Should I Get My First Pap Smear?

The American Cancer Society recommends having your first Pap smear three years after becoming sexually active, or by age 21, whichever comes first.

Older women who have never had the test should also have a Pap smear. If you have any doubts, ask your health care provider.

How do I Prep for a Pap Smear?

Try to schedule your Pap smear when you are not menstruating. If your cycle is unpredictable, and you start your period when it will coincide with your appointment, call your doctor's office as soon as possible to see if the doctor may recommend rescheduling.

To ensure that you get the most accurate results, it is recommended that 48 hours before having a Pap smear you should not:

• have sex
  
• douche
  
• use tampons
  
• use spermicidal foams, creams, or inserts
  
• use vaginal creams or suppositories

All of these things can wash away or hide abnormal cells.

What Happens During the Pap Smear?

You will be asked to undress from the waist down and to lay on an exam table with your legs apart and your feet in stirrups.

A lubricated speculum (an instrument that opens the vagina) will be inserted vaginally to widen the vaginal canal, allowing internal examination. You should not feel any pain, only mild discomfort. Remember, the more relaxed you are, the less discomfort you will feel.

Next, a sample of cells will be taken by the use of a small brush or swab. Again, you may feel mild discomfort. The cells are then placed in a tube with a preservative, or placed on a slide. They are then sent to a lab for testing.

When Will I Get My Results?

Before having the Pap smear, ask your doctor what the office policy is on notifying patients of their results. Result generally come within two to three weeks. Most doctors office notify women with normal results through the mail. Abnormal results require follow-up and are usually discussed in the office.

If you have not received your results after three weeks, you may want to contact your doctor's office.

How Often Should I Get a Pap Smear After My First?

The frequency in which you get a Pap smear depends on your age and if you are at high risk for cervical cancer.

If your first Pap smear comes back abnormal, you may have to have Pap smears more frequently than those who have normal results.

Further Reading:

Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines

Tips for an Accurate Pap Smear

Understanding Normal and Abnormal Pap Smear Results

Resources:

1. "Pap Test: What is a Pap Test." 02 Feb 2003. American Cancer Society. Accessed 10 Dec 2006.
   
2. "The Pap Test Questions and Answers." Dec 2003. National Cancer Institute. Accessed 10 Dec 2006.