Overview
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rabeya Afroz Shomi
What is cervical smear test?
A cervical smear a test administered which is important for early cancer detection in women. The test not only screens for cervical cancer in women but is additionally designed to detect abnormal cells within the cervix so as to work out the patient’s predisposition for developing cancer.
How is cervical smear test done?
A cervical smear involves taking cells from your cervix and testing them for abnormalities. The test only lasts for ten to twenty minutes and your results are confirmed between five days to 2 weeks. When you enter for the test you're asked questions on your medical record after which you've got to lie on a table together with your feet placed in stirrups. A speculum is inserted into your vagina so as to widen the opening. The doctor then takes a swab to gather a sample of cells then places the cells during a liquid substance. After this is often over, your sample is tested during a lab and your results are made available to you during a few days. While you'll feel some discomfort during the test, there's no lasting soreness or pain. If the test is negative, it indicates that there are not any abnormal cells in your cervix and you'll return for an additional routine cervical smear in three to 5 years. If the test is positive, Further tests might include tests like a colonoscopy. Cell abnormalities, however, are often caused thanks to inflammation, so it's not necessarily an indicator of the event of precancerous cells. HPV tests are often conducted at an equivalent time as a cervical smear , because it is extremely common for sexually active adults to contract the STD.
Is it painful to possess a Pap smear?
Pap smear may be a simple, quick and painless screening procedure which is completed to see for cancer or precancer symptoms of the cervix . cervical smear isn't painful but is an uncomfortable process and it gets over quickly.
What is the simplest time to try to to pap smear?
Pap smear should be done after the 2 weeks of the beginning of the menstrual periods because during menstrual periods it becomes hard for the doctor to try to to the test properly and therefore the presence of blood may interfere with the results of the test. If we mention the right age then the ladies aged between 21-65 should have pap tested every three years. If the lady is above the age of 65 then she should choose a Pap test every 5 years.
What should I expect at my first Pap smear?
Pap smear may be a process performed at the office of the doctor and takes only a couple of minutes to perform. During the test you're told to lie on the table, bending the knee and heels on the stirrups then gently an instrument is known as speculum is inserted in your vagina to carry it apart in order that the cervix is definitely visible. Then the doctor with the assistance of a spatula, will take samples of your cervical cells. This process usually doesn't hurt and fewer time taking.
Does a cervical smear hurt if you're a virgin?
If you're a virgin then cervical smear doesn't hurt and doesn't bring any change within the virginity of a lady because the hymen isn't affected and therefore the smear are often removed easily.
Why does cervical smear hurt?
Pap smear shouldn't hurt technically but there are often acute pain and there are often uncomfortable feelings while having the procedure.
Do i want to shave for a Pap smear?
It is nor necessary to shave before a cervical smear because there's no change within the result whether you're waxed or not it's all an equivalent .
What age do you have to get a Pap smear?
The age of getting a cervical smear depends upon the sexual intercourse of the ladies . you'll have your pap tested between the age of 21-30 in every three years as they're at the danger of getting cervical cancer. If you're sexually active before the age of 21 then you ought to have your Pap test .
Who needs a Pap smear?
If you're sexually active and between the age of 21-30 then you ought to have a cervical smear because sexual intercourse increases the danger of getting cervical cancer. Though cervical cancer takes 10-20 years to develop it must be checked every three years
How often does one need a Pap smear?
Pap smear test frequency depends on various factors like : If you're but 21 then cervical smear isn't needed. If you're aged between 21-29 then you want to get a cervical smear every three years. If your age is between 30-65 years then an HPV test every 3 or 5 years is usually recommended . You can also get a combined Pap and HPV test every 5 years. If your age is 65 or above that, then you'll not need cervical smear then .
Are there any side effects?
There are not any negative effects of getting a cervical smear . Women under the age of 21 are recommended to not get pap smears because it could delay the detection of cancer or HPV. there's no soreness or pain after the test procedure is completed, so you'll revisit to your daily activities immediately after.
What are the post-treatment guidelines?
While you would possibly temporarily feel some soreness after your test, you'll continue together with your daily routine after a cervical smear . there's no aftercare required post-procedure. you'll expect to urge your test results within fortnight of undergoing the test. Once your doctor has your test results, they will suggest whether or not you would like any follow-up tests supported any abnormalities they'll have found. If your test is totally negative, you'll just return for your next cervical smear three to 5 years later.
How long does it fancy recover?
You can resume your day to day activities immediately after the test as there's no physical strain during the test.
Are the results of the treatment permanent?
The test is to be repeated every three to 5 years.
What are the alternatives to the treatment?
A cervical smear may be a routine cancer screening test. There are not any alternatives thereto .