Pap Smear Procedure, Risks, Purpose, Treatment, and Outcomes
In order to find out whether a woman has cervical cancer, a test called a Pap smear is performed. This test looks for precancerous and cancerous cells in your cervix. The routine procedure involves gently scraping away cells from your cervical area and examining them for abnormal growth. Your doctor’s office is where this operation takes place. Although it may feel mildly uncomfortable, the procedure is not likely to cause long-term pain.
You may learn more about gynecological pap smears and what to anticipate from the process by reading on. Also, learn how often to get a Pap smear tested.
What is a Pap Smear?
Cervical cancer in women is detected using a Pap smear, often known as a Pap test. It can reveal changes in cervical cells that could lead to cancer.
What happens during a Pap smear
A doctor will usually perform a Pap smear as part of gynecological pap smears or pelvic exam. To examine the cervix, they insert a tool called the speculum in the vagina. They then take a sample from the cervical cells with a spatula or brush and send it for testing.
Menstruation is not a good time for a Pap smear. It is especially true if there is heavy flow, and it is better to go if you have the opportunity to test when you are not having menstruation.
To clean the vagina before the test, a person should not douse or place anything in it. Do not douche at any time, according to doctors.
There are risks
A Pap smear can be misleading, and False-negative results can be obtained, meaning the test does not indicate abnormality even if you have abnormal cells.
False-negative results don’t necessarily mean that there was a mistake. False-negative results can be caused by:
- Inadequate cell collection
- There are a few abnormal cells
- Obstructing abnormal cells with blood or inflammatory cells
It is possible for abnormal cells not to be detected, but time is your friend. It can take several years for cervical cancer to develop, and the abnormal cells may not be detected by one test.
What is a Pap Smear?
Early detection is key to preventing cancer, and you can prevent cancer by finding cell changes early if you do not have them. A Pap smear should be done regularly for women aged 21 to 65. The frequency of your gynecological pap smears will depend on your health and whether you have had an abnormal one in the past.
How to prepare for a Pap smear
When scheduling your yearly gynecological examination, you might request a separate Pap test from the doctor. Most insurance plans cover Pap smears, but you might need to pay a copay.
Your doctor might want to reschedule your Pap smear if you are going through menstruation on the test day. The results may be less accurate.
A spermicidal substance or douching the day before your test might affect its findings, so avoid them if you can.
Most Pap smears are safe within the first 24 weeks, and the test can be more painful after that. You should wait 12 weeks after having birth before taking the test to improve the accuracy.
Relaxation is key to gynecological pap smears going smoothly. You must remain calm and take deep, slow breaths throughout the procedure.
Procedure for Pap Smear
The test can be done at your doctor’s clinic or office. It takes 10-20 minutes to complete the exam.
You’ll be lying on a table with your feet in stirrups. Your doctor will place a tool or metal (speculum) into your vagina. The doctor will open the speculum to widen the vaginal walls. They can then see your cervix.
A swab will be used by the doctor to collect a sample from your cervix. The doctor will place the cells in a small container and send them to a laboratory for analysis. Although the Pap test isn’t painful, you might feel a pinch or a bit more pressure.
Outcomes
Your doctor can detect suspicious cells by performing a Pap smear.
Normal results
If your Pap smear turns up solely normal cervical cells, that’s a negative result. The only time you will need to have any further testing or treatment is when your next Pap and pelvic exams are due.
Abnormal results
A Pap smear with a positive result has shown cells that are aberrant or out of the ordinary. However, a positive result does not necessarily mean cervical cancer, and the type of cells found in your test will determine what a positive result is.
Conclusion
A colposcopy (special magnifying device) may be used by your doctor if your Pap smear indicates abnormalities to inspect your cervix, vagina, and vulvae. As a last resort, your doctor may potentially perform a biopsy (a tissue sample). The laboratory will then analyze the tissue and make a diagnosis. Read this blog to know about its risk, cause, treatment, and results. Also, find out how often you should get your Pap smear checked.
