It usually does not mean you have cancer. If your test results show cells that are not normal and may become cancer, your doctor will let you know if you need to be treated.
In most cases, treatment prevents cervical cancer from developing. It is important to follow up with your doctor right away to learn more about your test results and receive any treatment that may be needed.
If your test results are normal, your chance of getting cervical cancer in the next few years is very low. Your doctor may tell you that you can wait several years for your next cervical cancer screening test. But you should still go to the doctor regularly for a checkup. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Cervical Cancer. It may cause some discomfort.
After a visual inspection of your cervix, your health care provider will use a cotton swab or a cervical brush to gently scrape cells from 2 places on the cervix:. The endocervix, which is the part next to the body of the uterus. This area is called the transformation zone, and it is the location where cervical cancer typically develops. You may feel pulling or pressure during the collection of the cells, but it typically does not hurt.
Your health care provider will smear the cells onto a glass microscope slide or put the cells into a container with liquid that preserves the sample. He or she will then send the sample to a pathologist for evaluation. You can resume your normal activities right after having a Pap test. You may have a small amount of vaginal bleeding after your Pap test. But tell your health care provider if you experience excessive bleeding.
If the Pap test shows abnormal cells and an HPV test is positive, your health care provider may suggest one or more additional tests. The Pap test is an excellent screening tool, but it is not perfect.
Sometimes the results are normal even when abnormal cervical cells are present. This is called a "false negative" test result. Regular screening is important. Talk with your health care provider about how often you should have a Pap test. Research shows that almost all cervical changes can be found with regular screening and treated before they become cancerous. Pap Test Approved by the Cancer. Who performs my Pap test? How should I prepare for a Pap test?
Also, to avoid washing away abnormal cells, do not use the following for 2 to 3 days before the test: Tampons Birth control foams Vaginal medicines Douches Vaginal creams or powders The best time to schedule your Pap test is at least 5 days after the end of your menstrual period.
Women over the age of 65 with a history of normal Pap smear results may be able to stop having the test in the future. You should still get regular Pap smears based on your age, regardless of your sexual activity status. These recommendations only apply to women who have a cervix. Women who have had a hysterectomy with removal of the cervix and no history of cervical cancer do not need screening. Recommendations vary and should be individualized for women with compromised immune systems or a history of precancerous, or cancerous lesions.
You can schedule a Pap smear with your annual gynecological examination or request a separate appointment with your gynecologist. Pap smears are covered by most insurance plans, though you may be required to pay a co-pay. Try to avoid having sexual intercourse, douching, or using spermicidal products the day before your test because these may interfere with your results. After that, the test may be more painful. You should also wait until 12 weeks after giving birth to increase the accuracy of your results.
Your doctor will slowly insert a device called a speculum into your vagina. This device keeps the vaginal walls open and provides access to the cervix. Your doctor will scrape a small sample of cells from your cervix. There are a few ways your doctor can take this sample:. The sample of cells from your cervix will be preserved and sent to a lab to be tested for the presence of abnormal cells. After the test, you might feel mild discomfort from the scraping or a bit of cramping.
You could also experience very light vaginal bleeding immediately following the test. Tell your doctor if discomfort or bleeding continues after the day of the test. If your results are normal, that means that no abnormal cells were identified.
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus womb , which opens into the vagina. Abnormal cervical cells, if not found and treated, can lead to cervical cancer.
During a Pap test your doctor or nurse puts a speculum a tool that helps your doctor or nurse see your cervix into your vagina and uses a special stick or soft brush to collect cells from the outside of your cervix. The cells are sent to a laboratory for testing.
Certain types of HPV are more likely to cause cervical cancer. During an HPV test , your doctor or nurse puts a speculum a tool that helps your doctor or nurse see your cervix into your vagina and uses a soft brush to collect cells from the outside of your cervix. The cells are tested in a laboratory. A Pap test can save your life. It can find cervical cancer cells early. The chance of successful treatment of cervical cancer is very high if the disease is caught early.
Pap tests can also find abnormal cervical cells before they become cancer precancers. An HPV test can give your doctor more information about the cells from your cervix. For example, if the Pap test shows abnormal cervical cells, the HPV test can show whether you have a type of HPV that causes cervical cancer. Most women 21 to 65 years old should get Pap tests as part of routine health care. Even if you are not currently sexually active, got the HPV vaccine, or have gone through menopause , you still need regular Pap tests.
Experts recommend: 4. Women older than 65 need a Pap test if they have never been tested, or if they have not been tested after age HPV tests are recommended for women 30 and older. Although HPV is common in women younger than 30, it usually goes away on its own in these women. The only women who may not need regular Pap or HPV tests are: 4. Even if you have had a hysterectomy , you may need a Pap and HPV test.
It depends on the type of hysterectomy you had and your health history. Talk to your doctor or nurse about whether you need Pap and HPV tests. It depends on your age and health history. Talk with your doctor or nurse to find out how often you need to get a Pap test or Pap and HPV tests together. Most women can follow these current recommendations from the U.
Preventive Services Task Force: 4. Your doctor or nurse may recommend getting Pap and HPV tests more often if: 4. Some women find Pap and HPV tests uncomfortable, but the tests should not be painful. You will feel pressure as your doctor or nurse puts the speculum a tool that helps your doctor or nurse see your cervix into your vagina.
If you have never had sexual intercourse or if you have had pain when something is put into your vagina, you can ask your doctor or nurse to use a smaller speculum. You can also help lessen or prevent pain by urinating before the test to empty your bladder or by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen, about an hour before your Pap or HPV test.
If you were sexually assaulted or abused in the past, and this experience makes medical exams difficult for you, talk to your doctor or nurse first. It may be difficult to lie on an exam table with your legs in footrests cradles for your feet that help keep your legs bent and open or to have a doctor or nurse put a speculum a tool that helps your doctor or nurse see your cervix into your vagina.
Your doctor or nurse will talk with you about ways to make the Pap or HPV test easier. You do not have to do anything special to prepare for a Pap or HPV test.
Also, you should not douche before a Pap or HPV test. Most doctors do not recommend douching for any reason. You also should not put anything in or around your vagina to clean it, other than soap and water on the outside of your vagina. Yes, you can get a Pap or HPV test during your period.
Depending on how heavy your flow is, your period may affect the results of the Pap or HPV test. You will lie down on your back on an exam table. You will place your feet on either side of the table in footrests cradles for your feet that help keep your legs bent and open.
Your doctor or nurse will put a tool called a speculum into your vagina you may feel pressure and will open it to see your cervix. Your doctor or nurse will use a special stick or soft brush to take a few cells from the surface of and inside your cervix and vagina.
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