Part UT Health San Antonio

Pap Test

(Pap Smear; Pap Screening; Papanicolaou Test; Cervical Cancer Screening)

by Editorial Staff and Contributors
Definition
Reasons for Test
Possible Complications
What to Expect
Call Your Doctor

Definition

The cervix is the opening to the uterus. The cells on the cervix can become cancerous. Changes detected early can be treated before cancer develops. A Pap test is a way to look for changing or cancerous cells on the cervix.

The Cervix
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Reasons for Test

A Pap test is often done as part of a pelvic exam. It is done to check cervical cells for changes ( cervical dysplasia) that could develop into cancer. It can also detect cancer cells.

Talk to your doctor about when you should have Pap tests done. Professional health organizations have differing guidelines.

  • If you are age 21-29 years, you should have the Pap test every 3 years.
  • If you are age 30-65, you should have the Pap test along with the HPV test every 5 years.
  • If you are age 65 or older, you may be able to stop having Pap and HPV tests if you have had normal results (such as, 3 normal results in a row and no abnormal results in the past 10 years).
  • Note: You will need to have Pap tests done more often if you have abnormal results. You may also need more frequent testing if you have certain conditions, like a suppressed immune system or a history of cervical dysplasia or cervical cancer. Talk to your doctor about the right screening schedule for you.

Possible Complications

There are no major complications associated with this test.

What to Expect

Prior to Test

  • Do not schedule the Pap test during your menstrual period. If possible, schedule it 2 weeks after the first day of your period.
  • Do not use vaginal creams, medications, or douches for 72 hours before the test.
  • Do not use contraceptives such as spermicidal foams, creams, or jellies for 72 hours before the test.
  • Do not have sex for 24 hours before the test.

Tell your doctor if you:

  • Are having your period
  • Are pregnant
  • Have had a previous Pap test showing abnormalities
  • Have had any cervical procedures, like loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)
  • Are sexually active
  • Have been exposed to HPV or other sexually-transmitted diseases
  • Have had abnormal vaginal discharges or vaginal infections
  • Have had surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy
  • Are taking birth control pills, hormone pills, or using hormone cream

Description of Test

You will lie on your back on an examination table. You will place your feet in foot rests. A speculum will be inserted into the vagina. It will gently open the vagina. A fine brush or spatula will be used to wipe the surface of the cervix and its canal. The speculum will be removed. The cervical cells that stuck to the tools will be placed in a fluid-filled bottle. The cells will then be sent to a lab for testing.

How Long Will It Take?

The pelvic exam takes less than 5 minutes.

Will It Hurt?

A Pap test is generally painless. You may feel some pressure or a small cramp when the cervix is wiped to gather cells.

Results

The results of your Pap test are sent to your doctor within 2-3 weeks. Your doctor will inform you of the results. If needed, your doctor will talk to you about follow-up testing or treatment.

  • If cells are normal, no treatment is needed. You will continue your regular Pap test screens.
  • If an infection is found, treatment will be prescribed.
  • If cervical abnormalities are found, further tests will be done. Once the cause is determined, a treatment plan will be outlined. Further tests may include:
    • Colposcopy —examination of the vagina and cervix with a low-power microscope
    • Biopsy —a small amount of cervical tissue is removed to be examined under a microscope
    • Follow-up Pap tests

Call Your Doctor

After the test, call your doctor if any of the following occurs:

  • Signs of infection, including fever and chills
  • Foul vaginal odor, pain, or unusual vaginal discharge
  • Severe abdominal pain or swelling

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

RESOURCES:

American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org

Women's Health—US Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.womenshealth.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
http://www.sogc.org

Women's Health Matters
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca

REFERENCES:

2015 Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/default.htm. Updated January 25, 2017. Accessed December 13, 2017.

American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Practice Bulletin No. 140: management of abnormal cervical cancer screening test results and cervical cancer precursors. Obstet Gynecol. 2013;122(6):1338-1367.

Sampling of cervix for Papanicolaou smear. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T907152/Sampling-of-cervix-for-Papanicolaou-smear. Updated July 7, 2017. Accessed December 13, 2017.

Last reviewed November 2018 by Beverly Siegal, MD, FACOG  Last Updated: 12/11/2015