| Where It's Done | Who Does It | How Long It Takes | Discomfort/Pain |
| Doctor's office. | Physician or nurse practitioner. | About 10 minutes. | There may be minor discomfort when speculum is inserted. |
| Results Ready When | Special Equipment | Risks/Complications | Average Cost |
| Within a week for Pap smear. | Speculum and pelvic examination table with stirrups. | None. | $ |
Pap test.
PurposeTo diagnose any abnormalities that the doctor can feel or see without a microscope or that will show up on analysis of tissue from the cervix.
How it worksThe doctor inspects and palpates the reproductive organs and takes a sample of cervical tissue for microscopic examination in a laboratory.
PreparationYou undress and don a hospital gown. If the exam does not include your breasts, you may only have to undress from the waist down.
Test procedure- You lie on your back on an examining table with your feet in the stirrups while the doctor examines your vulva, the lips of your vagina (labia majora and labia minora), and your clitoris.
- The doctor then inserts a metal or plastic speculum into your vagina. This device, which will remain in place during the rest of the exam, has two adjustable paddles that spread the vaginal walls and hold them open, allowing a view of the upper vagina and cervix (see figure).
- A long cotton-tipped swab will be used to dab the cervix (a painless procedure) to take a sample of cells for a Pap smear.
- If you have vaginitis or the doctor suspects an infectious disease, a sample of vaginal discharge may also be taken.
- The doctor will insert one or two gloved, lubricated fingers into your vagina while pressing down on your abdomen with the other hand. The doctor will then insert one finger into your rectum and one into your vagina while continuing to press down on your abdomen. These steps help detect structural anomalies or abnormal growths.
During a pelvic exam, an instrument called a speculum is inserted into the vagina to hold it open and allow the doctor to inspect the vaginal tissue and cervix. At this time, a swab can be inserted into the vagina to collect cells for a Pap smear.
You get dressed and return immediately to normal activities.
Factors affecting results- Full bladder.
- Obesity.
The physician will determine if further tests are necessary in response to any abnormalities detected. A pathologist will examine the cervical tissue specimen for any changes in cells he or she may have seen, felt, or discovered from your reactions.
AdvantagesThe test helps detect a variety of disorders at a minimum of discomfort and cost.
DisadvantagesFurther tests are usually required if an abnormality is found.
The next step- If the Pap smear is normal, no further tests are necessary. The test will be repeated in one to three years, depending on your age and history.
- If the Pap smear is abnormal, your doctor may recommend a procedure such as colposcopy.
- Ultrasound, biopsy, or endoscopic procedures such as laparoscopy may be recommended, depending on the findings of the pelvic exam.
