The Pap test is done in the doctor's office quickly and simply, without the need to use anesthesia or any other type of medication. This procedure does not hurt, it can only cause a little discomfort the moment the doctor shaves the cervix.
The Pap smear, which is used to diagnose vaginal inflammation, sexually transmitted diseases such as HPV and to identify the presence of cervical cancer, should be performed once a year by women who have already started their sexual life, especially those who are between 25 and 59 years old.
What happens during the exam
During the examination, the doctor initially observes if there is any change in the outside of the vagina, and then starts the pap smear:
- A small instrument called a speculum is inserted into the vagina to keep the vaginal canal open and allow observation of the cervix; the gynecologist looks inside the vagina and cervix; the gynecologist uses a wooden spatula and a brush to scrape part of the cervix; the collected material stored and taken for analysis in the laboratory.
The whole procedure takes about 5 minutes, and the woman must remove her clothes below her waist, lying on the gynecologist's stretcher with her legs apart. In the case of virgin women, the doctor uses a special material that maintains virginity.
After the consultation is over, the woman does not need to take special care, being able to do all her daily activities normally. In general, the result takes about 14 days to be ready. See how to understand the exam results here.
How to prepare for Pap smear
Preparing for the pap smear is simple and includes avoiding intimate relationships even with the use of condoms, avoiding showering for intimate hygiene and avoiding the use of medications or vaginal contraceptives in the 2 days prior to the exam.
In addition, the woman must also not be menstruating, as the presence of blood can alter the test results.
See when other tests are necessary to assess the cervix.
