What is a Pap Test?

The Pap test is a simple and routine way to find cell changes. During a Pap test the doctor or nurse will collect a few cells from your cervix to send to a medical lab for testing. You can get the Pap test at your doctor's office, clinic, or community health center.

Why should I have a Pap test?

Sometimes cells in a woman's cervix begin to change and look abnormal. These abnormal cells may not be cancer yet. But if you don't have the cell changes treated, the changes may become cancer. Having Pap tests regularly gives you the best chance of finding cell changes or cervical cancer early, when they are easy to treat.

The Pap test checks for cell changes caused by HPV that could become cancer. The Pap test does not detect many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Talk with your doctor or nurse about whether you should be tested for STDs.

When should I have a Pap test?

· Have your first Pap test about 3 years after the first time you have sex, or when you reach age 21 (whichever comes first).

· Keep getting Pap tests every 1 to 3 years. If you are 30 or older, an HPV test may be done along with the Pap test.

· Talk with your doctor or nurse about whether and when you should get a Pap test if you are 65 or older.

What should I expect with a Pap test?

BEFORE the Pap test

For two days before your Pap test, do not douche or use any vaginal medicines, spermicidal foams, creams, or jellies unless directed by your doctor. If you have heavy bleeding from your period the day of the test, call your doctor or nurse to change the appointment to another day.

DURING the Pap test

A female staff member will be with you during the test. Your hips and legs will be covered. Your doctor or nurse will use an instrument called a "speculum" to open the vagina and see your cervix. Your doctor or nurse will then collect some cells from the cervix using a swab or a small brush. You may feel some discomfort.

AFTER the Pap test

Your doctor or nurse will send the cells to a medical lab. The results will come back to your doctor or nurse in 1 or 2 weeks.

· If the test results are normal (or "negative"), your doctor's office may not notify you at all. If you do not hear from your doctor's office, you should call to be sure that the results are normal.

· If there is something abnormal on the test (or "positive"), your doctor should tell you. It is very important that you see your doctor for follow-up as soon as possible. Most times, an abnormal (or "positive") test does not mean that you have cancer. It only means that your doctor needs to do more tests.

• Mention your results of previous Pap tests, especially if they were abnormal.
• Ask questions if there is something that is not clear to you.
• Most abnormal cell changes do not cause any symptoms in the beginning. That is why it is important to get a Pap test and to follow up with your doctor or nurse. Depending on the results of your Pap test, your doctor or nurse may do an HPV test.