How To Get Prepared For A Pap Smear Test?
Cervical cancer is a common occurrence among sexually active females. This cancer has slow progression as it is mainly triggered due to HPV infection that enters the body during sex. If you are sexually active, your chances of getting this infection are greater. Everyone is not prone to such infection, but it could lead to the growth of cancerous cells in the cervix. A Pap smear clinic can help you identify whether you are at risk of cancer or not. A gynecologist can collect cells from your cervix during a pelvic examination. These cells are tested clinically to ensure whether they are benign, precancerous, or cancerous. This test can also detect if there are changes in cervical cells. This can further increase the risk of developing cervical cancer. However, this test is safe and you should see how to prepare for it and what to expect.
Why Pap smear test is done?
Well, it is a general query that floats in the minds of most females. As per medical experts, a Pap smear is an important test part of a pelvic exam. It aims to ensure that you have good reproductive health. During a pelvic exam, a doctor will examine your uterus and ovaries. The doctor will collect the cells from your cervix to check them under a microscope along with this examination. The procedure is done for women above the age of 30. It is combined with the screening for HPV detection, which is an infection that causes cervical cancer. As per general recommendation, you must undergo this test once you cross 21. But it is strictly recommended to get once every 3 years after 30.
Who should get frequent Pap smear testing?
You are an ideal candidate for Pap smear testing if your age is between 21 and 65. Undergoing this test once in 3 years is good to track the health of the cervix. If your previous result is negative and your age is above 30, you will be recommended to get it every five years. However, several risk factors can advise you to get this test done more frequently than standard intervals.
If you have discovered precancerous cells in the last Pap smear result
If you have a weak immune system due to chemotherapy and another chronic disease
If you have an HIV infection
If you have a smoking history
How to get prepared for a Pap smear?
You can make an initial consultation with the nearest Pap smear clinic. It helps you to get proper tips to prepare for the test. Although, it is an important test so you must follow these instructions carefully. Else, the results may vary and you will be left untreated with the right diagnosis.
You must not have intercourse at least 2 days before the test. It can inflame the tissues of the vagina and can cause discharge. So, test results might vary.
Avoid using vaginal medicines, jellies, and foams at least 2 days before the test. This would certainly alter the PH level of cervix cells. This could result in unreliable test outcomes. izmir escort , alsancak escort
Do not schedule this test with your physician when you are on periods. It can wash away the abnormal cells and you can get negative test results.
Keep yourself relaxed during the test day and try to wear loose clothes. It will help the examiner to collect the samples properly from your cervix.
What to expect during a Pap smear?
This is not a difficult and complicated test so you just need to calm your mind. It is performed inside the doctor’s office and just takes a few minutes to complete. The examiner will ask you to remove the clothes that are lower down the waist. Then you will have to lay down on a table and will have to place your legs on stirrups. The doctor will gently insert an instrument into your vagina to broaden its walls. This would enable the doctor to see the cervix clearly and collect the cells. The cells will be collected with a cotton swab or soft brush. Then the physician will send them to the lab for clinical examination.
Results of Pap smear test
This test can help your doctor to discover if there are any suspicious cells in your cervix. However, the test can provide two results:
Negative
If there are normal cells in your cervix then you will get a report with negative results. But you will be advised to repeat the test after the required interval.
Positive
A positive result would mean that your cervix has abnormal cells. But it does not mean that you have cervical cancer. The cells could be precancerous that can be treated with medicines. You might be advised to undergo advanced screening.
To sum up
A Pap smear clinic can help you identify if you are at higher risk of developing cervical cancer. You can see the procedure above to get prepared for the test. However, it can prove beneficial for you to detect the signs of cancer at an early stage. You can get the right treatment for restoring normal health. This test is affordable, quick, and safe so you can get it without any complications.