What Do Pap Smears Test For?
History
The Papanicolaou test was coined after Dr. Papanicolaou, a doctor who discovered that certain changes in the cervix of a woman occur before the development of cervical cancer. Thus, the Papanicolaou, commonly known as Pap smear, has been used as a screening test to detect early changes in cells which can predispose women to develop cervical cancer. Detection during this stage is often important because early cervical cancer treatment can frequently effect cure.
How is it Done?
A gynecologist will usually perform the test. Using a speculum to widen the vagina’s opening, the doctor then uses a small brush or spatula to collect cells from the woman’s cervix. The cervix is located at the end of the vagina and is connected with the uterus. The collected cell samples are usually smeared into a glass slide and placed in a solution and sent to the laboratory for examination. In the laboratory, a pathologist then examines the cells under the microscope for detection of abnormal cells.
What do the Results Mean?
A pap smear result will tell if the cells from the cervix are normal or abnormal. When the test shows a normal result, patients may have nothing to worry about. They are then advised to undergo this screening test every two years.
An abnormal result can be due to an infection, such as with the human papillomavirus, or it can indicate that precancer cells are present in the cervix. When abnormal findings are seen, additional testing are often done to evaluate the patient further.
The test may not always be 100 percent accurate due to certain limitations. These include presence of mucus or blood in the sample, or the sample may not contain enough cells for examination. In some cases, the test may be repeated.
How Does One Prepare for the Test?
Women who are going to undergo the procedure are frequently advised to avoid having sexual intercourse or use tampons 24 hours before the test. Swimming in a pool, douching or taking a bath in a bathtub should also be avoided.
They should also inform the doctor know if they are pregnant or have had the test performed before and had abnormal results or are taking any kind of medication like birth control pills.
What to Expect During the Test?
Women may experience some discomfort and pressure during the procedure, although the test is not painful and takes only a few minutes. Sometimes, slight bleeding can occur afterwards.
When to Have a Pap Test?
What do pap smears test for are the presence of cells that can turn into cancer. Since cervical cancer have been associated with HPV infection, a sexually transmitted disease, the first pap smear is usually recommended within three years from first sexual intercourse. Women who are between 21 up to 29 years old are also encouraged to have a pap smear every couple of years. Those who are 30 years old and older, with three consecutive negative pap smear result may have the test done every three years.
References
Health.gov.au: The Pap Smear, www.health.gov.au/internet/screening/publishing.nsf/content/papsmear
MedlinePlus: Pap Smear, www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003911.htm
WebMD: Pap Smear, https://women.webmd.com/guide/pap-smear