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Pap Smear
The Papanicolaou test (also called Pap smear, Pap test, cervical smear, or smear test) was invented by Georgios Nikolaou Papanikolaou. He was a Greek pioneer in cytopathology and early cancer detection. The PAP test is a screening test to detect possible pre-cancerous and cancerous cells of the endo-cervical canal. A plastic a speculum is used to open the vaginal canal, and an applicator is used to very gently collect cells from the end of the cervix. Special stains are added to the specimen, which is sent to a lab for processing. Cervical cancers are typically caused by sexually transmitted human papillomaviruses (HPV) which most females contract soon after first becoming sexually active. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and other experts recommend starting screening at age 21 (or between ages 20 to 60, and definitely while sexually active. The test is not painful, though it can be temporarily uncomfortable.
460 Questions
Can a pap smear stop you from conceiving?
A pap smear does not affect your fertility. You are as likely to get pregnant after a pap smear as you are before a pap smear.
How long shoud you wait to get another pap smear after you got an abnormal pap?
Usually the doctor will want to repeat it in 3 to 6 months.
What does a diagnosis of V76.2 mean for Pap test results?
V76.2 is not a disgnosis of pap smear results. It is a code used when a pap smear is done for screening, with no suspicion of disease. Talk with your health care provider about your concerns and your test result.
What is the correct order for taking smears for exfoliated cells for a pap smear?
vaginal, endocervical,cervical
How long after pap smear can you fall pregnant?
A pap smear doesn't change the timing of your fertile period. You could get pregnant that day.
If you done pap smear before can you get pregnancy?
A pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer. It doesn't make it harder or easier for you to get pregnant.
Can check up pap smear before surgery ovarian cyst?
Yes, you can get a pap smear before surgery for an ovarian cyst. It would be wise to do so, so that any abnormal result might be evaluated at the same time as the surgery.
Doctor has request a second pap smear and HIV testing what does this mean?
HIV testing is not a normal type of follow-up for a pap in any case. Repeat smears may be required due to an abnormal result, or a problem in collection of the original result. Contact your health care provider to find out why these tests were recommended in your situation.
What is the utensil called that doctors use to do pap smears on women?
The equipment needed for a pap smear is the patient drape, speculum, warm water, and the pap collection device.
What does blood in a pap smear mean?
A pap smear should not be performed on a woman during her period. If there is blood from the pap smear, it is in most cases because there has been a contact bleed from the gathering of the samples. Some cervix cells can be quite sensitive and the collection of cells from the instruments can cause a bit of bleeding. This is not bad at all. It is good though if the clinicial lets the woman know and a panty liner be offered as the woman may notice spotting afterwards. :)
If you have a Pap smear can a doctor see if you have a tampon inside you?
If you have a tampon in your vagina, your health care provider would have noticed it during your pap smear.
Who should get an annual PAP test?
Annual pap smears are no longer recommended for patients with a history of normal pap smears. The typical interval is three to five years unless you have an abnormal result.
Would obtaining a PAP smear be a surgical or medical asepsis?
Obtaining a pap smear uses medical asepsis. There is no break in skin when getting a pap smear.
What is the new guideline for the pap smear procedure?
Women 21 to 65 with no history of abnormal pap smear get cervical cancer screening about every three to five years. Talk with your health care provider for advice specific to your situation and health history.
I just had a pap at 20 weeks pregnant. How long will the spotting last?
Spotting after a pap normally lasts for less than a day. Sometimes the changes to the cervix from pregnancy can make it last a little longer, but if it does, call your health care provider.
What do Squamous epithelial cells mean on an abnormal pap smear result?
Squamous epithelial cells are the type of cells found on the cervix. That phrase on its own does not indicate any abnormality.
There may be a sign of mild infection or vaginal imbalance in the pap smear results. Call your doctor and ask what the nature of the problem is rather than worrying.
About how much would a pricey pap smear as well as a depo prov era shot cost you without insurance?
Family planning centers provide pap smears and Depo Provera injections based on a sliding scale determined by your income. In many cases, these services are free. Contact your local family planning center to determine how much you can expecdt to pay.
Is the stage of a pap smear that is considered a normal test result?
The speculum (plastic or metal) is placed into the vagina to hold the walls of the vagina apart. The speculum goes under and over the cervix; this is the most uncomfortable you might feel. This lets the doctor visualize (see) the cervix. Then, the doctor brushes the cervix to obtain cells. This used to be called scraping. This is and should be painless. The nurse holds the glass media on which the doctor rubs the brush to transfer your cells to the media. The nurse labels this and sends it to the lab. The doctor removes the speculum and finishes the pelvic exam.
Gyn pap smear results are abnormal cells or ASCUS need colposcopy THAT means I have cervical cancer?
Not at all, do not panic!! Sometimes after pap smear the results unusual, so just wait until your gynaecologist discusses your results, the doctor will go through the whole procedure with you and explain what they are looking for, many such tests require further investigation, it is better to be sure and safe, have faith and patience.
Is coccobacilli in pap smear is dangerous?
It's not usually treated unless a woman has symptoms, or unless overgrowth of coccobacilli might increase her risk of complications from pregnancy or genital/pelvic surgery. You should talk with your healthcare provider to find out specific recommendations given your unique situation.
ASCUS on a pap smear result points out the need for further testing. It is not a precancerous result, but it represents cells that can't be called normal. Talk with your health care provider about recommended follow-up.
