Dr Arti Gupta : Pap Smear

MBBS, MS (Obstetrics and Gynaecology)
Associate Professor – Career Medical College, Lucknow
Ex Consultant – District Government Hospital

What Is a Pap Smear?.

A Pap smear (or Pap test) is quick and does not usually hurt. A Pap test is used to screen for cervical cancer. A provider can look at cells from your cervix under a microscope and check for abnormal changes in the cells (cervical dysplasia) and precancerous or cancerous cells. If any are found, more testing can be done to diagnose cancer.

A procedure in which a small brush is used to gently remove cells from the surface of the cervix and the area around it so they can be checked under a microscope for cervical cancer or cell changes that may lead to cervical cancer. A Pap smear may also help find other conditions, such as infections or inflammation. It is usually done at the same time as a pelvic exam and may also be done at the same time as a test for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Also called Pap test and Papanicolaou test.

When Should You Get a Pap Smear?

The Pap is a screening test, so there are specific guidelines about who should have one, at what age they should be tested, and how often they need to be tested based on their risk facts.

While some other common obstetric Operations that are performed on the uterus is, Myomectomy, it’s a procedure in which myomas (uterine fibroids) are surgically removed from the womb.

Women ages 21-29 should have a Pap test alone every three years (but should not be tested for HPV).

Women ages 30-65 should have a Pap test and an HPV test (co-testing) every five years. It also is acceptable to have a Pap test alone every three years, although ACOG prefers the five-year co-testing schedule.

Women over age 65 can stop having Pap smears if they do not have a history of moderate to severe abnormal cervical cells or cervical cancer and they have had either three negative Pap tests in a row or two negative co-test results in a row within the past 10 years, with the most recent test done within the past five years.