Everything you need to know about Pap Smears (in V.)

i.   What is a PAP SMEAR?

A pap test (or smear) is a screening of the cells of the cervix (the end of uterus that sits at the top of the vagina) to make sure they are not normal and not precancerous or even cancerous. The earlier an abnormality is detected the easier it is to treat.

ii.  Who should have a pap smear and how often should it be performed?

Pap screening should begin at age 21, regardless of sexual history and is generally recommended to be done every 3 years for women ages 21-65. Women who are 30 and older may have the pap (cytology) combined with a test for the human papilloma virus (HPV), co-testing, and then they can have the pap done less often, every 5 years. if the results are normal. Women over the age of 65 without recent pap abnormality and women who have had their cervix removed for benign conditions, no longer need to have pap testing done.

Certain risk factors may cause your doctor to want you to have more-frequent pap smears than the guideline recommendations (history of pap abnormality, weakened immune system, certain health conditions, smoking, multiple or new sex partners, etc).

iii.   How are pap results interpreted?                                                                   

A pap result is typically available in 7-10 days. A NORMAL result: means the cells of your cervix appear normal and based on your age and risk factors, you can have routine cervical follow-ups. An INCONCLUSIVE or ASCUS result means that the cells did not look quite like normal cells, but they could not be classified as abnormal either.  Your doctor may want to check for HPV, repeat the pap in a short interval of time or take a closer look at the cervix with an office-based procedure called a colposcopy. An pap that is read as dysplasia is ABNORMAL and is further classified into low grade or high grade. Low grade cells are only slightly abnormal and high grade abnormalities have a higher propensity to progress into a cancer.

iv.   My pap was abnormal, and my doctor wants to do a colposcopy.  What is a colposcopy?  

A colposcopy is an office diagnostic procedure that allows your doctor to inspect your cervix under a magnifying microscope. Areas of the cervix that look irregular can be biopsied.  The biopsy results will determine if further treatment is needed or continued surveillance is sufficient.  If the colposcopy shows dysplasia, then treatment may be necessary.  Treatments can include destroying or removing the tissue of concern; cryotherapy (freezing), LEEP or cone biopsy.  If after the treatment procedure the abnormality persists then further treatment or surgery may be advised by your doctor

v.    How can I prevent pap abnormalities?

First and foremost, get an HPV vaccine if you qualify. It can help prevent HPV and its progression (though pap screening after vaccination is still advised). Practice safe sex. Condoms can prevent HPV transmission. Have regular check-ups and pap smear screenings according to recommendations and don’t smoke. If you notice any abnormal symptoms; genital warts, abnormal discharge or bleeding after intercourse, notify your doctor.

.Verbena does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and is not a medical provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.