Pap Definition: All You Need to Know

What is Pap?

Pap, also known as pap smear or cervical smear, is a screening test that checks for pre-cancerous and cancerous cells in the cervix.

The cervix is the opening of the uterus to the vagina.

Pap tests are an important part of women's health care as they can help to prevent cervical cancer, the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide.

Why is Pap Test Important?

Pap tests are important because they can help to detect cervical cancer early, when it is most treatable.

Cervical cancer is a slow-growing cancer, so Pap tests can give women the opportunity to catch it early and receive treatment before it spreads.

Pap tests can also help to detect pre-cancerous cells, which can be treated to prevent them from turning into cancer.

Who Should Get a Pap Test?

All women between the ages of 21-65 should get a Pap test.

Women who have not had a cervix removed should continue to get Pap tests even after menopause.

Women who have had a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) may still need to get Pap tests if they have a history of cervical cancer or pre-cancerous cells.

How Often Should I Get a Pap Test?

The frequency of Pap tests depends on your age, medical history, and risk factors for cervical cancer.

In general, women between the ages of 21-29 should get a Pap test every 3 years.

Women between the ages of 30-65 should get a Pap test every 5 years.

What Happens During a Pap Test?

A Pap test is a simple procedure that takes about 10 minutes.

During a Pap test, your doctor or nurse will insert a speculum into your vagina to hold it open.

They will then use a small brush or spatula to gently scrape cells from the cervix.

What to Expect After a Pap Test?

After a Pap test, you may experience some mild cramping or spotting.

This is normal and should go away within a few days.

You should receive the results of your Pap test within 2-3 weeks.