The main purpose of the Pap test is to detect cancer or abnormal cells that may lead to cancer. A Pap test can find the earliest signs of cervical cancer—when detected early the chance of curing cervical cancer is very high!!! The American Cancer Society recommends getting a Pap test if you are 21 years or older or if you're having sex! Women over age 65 who have had 3 normal Pap tests, in a row and no abnormal test results in the last 10 years, maybe be told by their doctors that they don't need to be tested anymore.
So what's a cervix?
The cervix is one of the smallest, yet most important parts of the female body. The cervix is what dialates during childbirth and is essential to keep a baby inside the uterus during pregancy; in other words WE NEED OUR CERVIX ladies! During a Pap Smear the cervix is GENTLY scraped in order to have cells to test for cancer. Getting cervical cells tested once a year is the best way to kill your fear of cervical cancer.
It's simple and quick!!!
- Lie on an exam table while the doctor inserts an instrument called a speculum into your vagina to open it to see the cervix.
- He or she will then use a special stick or brush to take a few cells from inside and around the cervix.
- The cells are placed on a glass slide and sent to a lab for examination.
One last thing: The Don'ts Before Your Pap!
Doctors suggest NOT...
- Douching
- Using tampons
- Using vaginal creams and medications
- Using vaginal deodorant sprays or powders
- Swim
- Take a bath
- And sorry ladies, HAVING SEX!
Sources:
http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/pap-test.cfm#b
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/womens-health/pap-tests-hpv-tests-19875.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/what_cdc_is_doing/index.htm
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ByAudience/ForWomen/ucm118553.htm
http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/CervicalCancer/DetailedGuide/cervical-cancer-prevention
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/detection/Pap-test
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