What is a Pap smear?

A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is an important screening that helps protect against cervical cancer. It checks for abnormal cells on the cervix that could turn into cancer if left untreated. It can also detect some infections and inflammation, helping your doctor to address any concerns sooner.

A Pap test is often included in your routine check-up, pelvic exam or well-woman visit. It’s considered one of the most effective tools for cervical cancer prevention because it can detect abnormal cell changes early—before they turn into cancer. Early detection makes treatment easier and improves your chances of staying healthy.

What does a Pap smear test for?

The Pap test checks for cervical cancer and can identify potentially precancerous cells in the cervix (dysplasia). Sometimes, it’s combined with a human papillomavirus (HPV) test. HPV, a common virus spread through sexual contact, is responsible for most cervical cancers.

While a Pap test doesn’t detect sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhea and chlamydia, it can identify issues like trichomonas, bacterial imbalances or yeast infections. If needed, your provider will test for gonorrhea and chlamydia separately from the Pap test.

How often should you get a Pap smear?

How often you should get a Pap smear depends on your age, health history and other factors.

Here's a general guide:

  • Ages 21-29: Every 3 years

  • Ages 30-65: Discuss the following options with your doctor:
    • Have both a Pap smear and a human papillomavirus (HPV) test every 5 years
    • Have only a Pap smear every 3 years
    • Have only an HPV test every 5 years
  • Ages 65 and older: You may not need Pap smears if you've had three negative Pap smears or HPV tests in the last 10 years

Other factors may also affect how often you need a Pap smear. These include:

  • History of cervical cancer or precancerous cells: You may need more frequent testing.
  • HPV infection: You might need more frequent HPV testing.
  • Weakened immune system: Certain medical conditions or treatments may require more regular screenings.
  • Total hysterectomy for noncancerous reasons: You may not need Pap smears.
  • Abnormal Pap smear results: If you've had abnormal results in the past, follow-up testing may be necessary.

It's always best to talk with your healthcare provider to determine the right screening schedule for you based on your personal health history and needs.

  • Do you need a Pap smear if not sexually active?

    Yes, it's recommended to get a Pap smear even if you're not sexually active. Cervical cancer can affect anyone with a cervix, and the virus that causes most cervical cancers, HPV, can be spread through non-penetrative sexual contact.

  • Do you need a Pap smear after a hysterectomy?

    Whether or not you need a Pap smear after a hysterectomy depends on the type of surgery you had and the reason for it:

    • If you still have part or all of your cervix: You should continue with Pap smears.
    • If your cervix was removed: You may not need Pap tests, but this depends on the reason for your hysterectomy.
    • If your hysterectomy was due to ovarian, uterine or cervical cancer: You may still need Pap smears to check for signs of cancer in your vaginal tissue.
    • If your hysterectomy was for a non-cancerous condition like uterine fibroids: Your healthcare provider may decide you no longer need Pap smears due to a low risk of cancer.

    Always talk with your healthcare provider to determine the right screening plan for you.

How to prepare for a Pap smear

You don’t need to do anything special to prepare for a Pap test. You can, however, take the following steps to improve the test’s accuracy:

  • Avoid using vaginal products, including tampons, creams, medications and lubricants, for at least two days before the test.
  • Don’t douche for at least two days before the screening.
  • Refrain from having vaginal sex for two days before the test.

Can you get a Pap smear on your period?

Some healthcare providers may still perform the test if your bleeding is very light, typically toward the end of your cycle. The best time is at least five days after your period stops.

If you’re unsure whether to keep your appointment, call your provider’s office to ask for guidance. If needed, you can reschedule for a time when you're not on your period to ensure the most accurate results.

The Pap smear procedure

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A Pap smear is a quick and routine test usually done at your OBGYN or healthcare provider’s office. It only takes a few minutes and involves collecting a small sample of cells from your cervix to check for any abnormalities. Here’s what you can expect before, during and after the procedure.

Before the procedure

A Pap smear is done at your healthcare provider’s office and usually takes just a few minutes. To prepare, you’ll either undress from the waist down or change into a hospital gown. Your provider will give you a drape or paper sheet to cover your legs for privacy. Then, you'll sit on an exam table and place your feet in stirrups.

During the procedure

During the Pap test, your healthcare provider will gently insert a tool called a speculum into your vagina to open it slightly and allow them to see your cervix. You may feel some pressure or mild cramping when this happens, but it shouldn’t be painful. Then, using a small brush or swab, the provider will gently take a sample of cells from your cervix. This part should feel like a slight scrape, but it shouldn't be uncomfortable.

The cells are placed in a special liquid and sent to a lab, where they are carefully examined to check for any signs of cancer or abnormal cells that could turn into cancer in the future.

After the procedure

You will be free to return to school, work or home after the Pap test or pelvic exam. Some light bleeding is normal but should stop within a few hours. Tell your provider if the bleeding lasts more than 24 hours.

The lab will examine your cervical cells and send your provider the results of the test within three weeks. Your provider will explain the results to you and let you know when you should have your next Pap test. If the results show cancerous or precancerous cells, your provider will recommend additional diagnostic tests or treatment.

Pap smear results

It can take up to three weeks for your healthcare provider to get your lab results. Once they have the results, your provider will let you know when to schedule your next Pap smear or if any further tests are needed.

Here’s what your results might mean:

  • Normal results: If your Pap test shows only healthy cells, this is a negative result. No further testing is needed until your next scheduled Pap test and pelvic exam.
  • Unclear results: Sometimes, the test results are unclear. This means your cervical cells may look abnormal, but it’s not certain if it's due to HPV or something else.
  • Abnormal results: If the test shows abnormal changes in your cervical cells, this doesn’t automatically mean you have cervical cancer. The changes may be minor (low-grade) or more serious (high-grade). High-grade changes are often called “precancerous,” meaning they are not cancer yet, but could develop into cancer over time.

What if I have an abnormal Pap test?

If your Pap test results are abnormal, don't worry. It’s common to have unclear or abnormal results, and it doesn't necessarily mean you have cervical cancer.

If your results are unclear or abnormal, your provider may recommend further tests or treatments, including:

  • Another Pap test
  • An HPV test: This test checks for high-risk types of the virus that can lead to precancerous changes
  • A colposcopy: A special exam where your provider examines your cervix more closely to see if there are precancerous cells.

Your healthcare provider will guide you through the next steps based on your specific results.

Frequently asked questions

  • Does a Pap smear hurt?

    A Pap smear is usually not painful, though you may feel some pressure or mild cramping during the test. It’s a routine procedure that usually lasts just a few minutes. If you experience any pain, let your healthcare provider know right away.

  • How long does a Pap smear take?

    A Pap smear takes about 10 minutes. The procedure includes lying on an exam table, having a speculum inserted to open the vagina, collecting a sample of cervical cells, and removing the speculum. The whole appointment, including discussion with your provider, lasts around 10-20 minutes.

  • Can a Pap smear detect ovarian cancer?

    A Pap smear is not for detecting ovarian cancer. It screens for cervical cancer by examining cells from the cervix. Ovarian cancer is usually detected through other tests, like a pelvic exam, ultrasound or blood tests, not a Pap smear.

  • Can you get a Pap smear while pregnant?

    Yes, it’s generally safe to get a Pap smear while pregnant. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends scheduling it between 20 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. If you’re not due for one but have concerns, talk to your healthcare provider for guidance.

  • Is it normal to bleed after a Pap smear?

    Yes, light spotting or bleeding after a Pap smear is normal and usually mild. It may last a few hours or up to two days. However, if bleeding is heavy, lasts longer, or is accompanied by pain or unusual discharge, contact your healthcare provider.

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