Understanding Pap Smears: Procedure, Preparation & Importance

An annual pap smear is a relatively simple procedure performed in a gynecologist's office. The goal of this test is to detect abnormalities in the cervix, which may or may not indicate the presence of a more serious problem.

Features

• A periodic pap smear is recommended for women who have been sexually active for three years or who are 21 years of age, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Preparation

• The Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding sex, douches, vaginal medications and spermicides in the two days before a pap smear. It is also best not to have a pap smear during one's menstrual period.

Procedure

• The pap smear is part of the pelvic exam. During the test, according to WomensHealth.gov, a speculum is inserted into the vagina to help the examiner see the cervix. Some cervical cells are removed with a brush and spatula for further microscopic examination in a laboratory.

Results

• The results of a pap smear may be normal or abnormal. An abnormal result means that some cells in the cervix appear to have changed; different types of abnormalities indicate different levels of risk, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Considerations

• Most abnormalities found during a pap smear do not indicate the presence of cervical cancer, according to WomensHealth.gov. Further testing can help a doctor better understand abnormalities in order to decide if treatment is necessary.