Contents:
- Medical Video: Q&A The Pap Test
- What will happen during a pap smear examination?
- When to do a pap smear?
- What should be prepared before the pap smear examination?
Medical Video: Q&A The Pap Test
Cervical or cervical cancer is one of the types of cancer that most often affects women. One of the things that women should do to prevent cervical cancer as early as possible is to do a pap smear examination. If you find signs of cervical cancer can develop in your body through this examination, then you can prevent it as early as possible.
However, before taking a pap smear for the first time, you should prepare yourself.
What will happen during a pap smear examination?
Before doing the first pap smear check, you should already know what you are going to do during the examination, so you are not surprised. This Pap smear is done to see changes in the cells in your cervix. So, in the process, cell samples in your cervix will be taken for further investigation in the laboratory.
At the time of inspection, you may be asked to remove your shirt from the waist down. Then you are asked to lie on a special table with your knees bent. The doctor will insert a device called a speculum into your vagina. This tool serves to dilate your vagina, so your doctor can see your cervix and take samples of your cervical cells with a device called a spatula.
The sample of your cervical cells is then placed in a container containing a special liquid (pap test with liquid) or spread in a special glass slide (conventional pap smear test). And, then taken to the laboratory for examination. Wait for the results one to two weeks later.
When to do a pap smear?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), you are advised to take the first pap smear at the age of 21, regardless of whether you are sexually active or not active. However, if you are more than 21 years old, you are not too late to check it out immediately. Perform an immediate pap smear to prevent or reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
You are also advised to do pap smears regularly every three years (without HPV testing), for those of you who are 21-30 years old. And, for those of you who are over 30 years old, you are advised to do a pap smear (accompanied by an HPV test) every five years.
What should be prepared before the pap smear examination?
Do not carelessly do pap smears. Some things you must prepare before carrying out this examination. If you don't prepare well, this can affect the test results.
Some of the things you must prepare before doing the first pap smear are:
- Do pap smears when you are not menstruating. Know your menstrual cycle, so it's easier to make an appointment with a doctor to do a pap smear.
- Don't clean the vagina with douche at least three days before the examination
- Not having sex for two days before the examination
- Do not use tampons for two days before the examination
- Do not use contraceptives, such as spermicide foam, cream or jelly, and vaginal medicines for two days before the examination, because this can eliminate or obscure abnormal cells
- Empty your bladder before taking the test for your convenience (urinating first)
At the beginning of the examination, tell your doctor if you:
- Pregnant or maybe pregnant
- Having reproductive problems or urinary tract with symptoms such as itching, sores, swelling, unusual odor, excessive vaginal discharge
- Using contraception
- Have undergone another surgery or procedure related to the vagina, cervix, uterus or vulva
- This is your first pap smear check
