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A pap smear is an exam a doctor uses to find out if you have cervical cancer. The test can also see changes in your cervical cells that may turn into cancer later. It is named after Georgios Papanikolaou, the Greek doctor who invented it.
The test is done by collecting cells from your cervix, the lower narrow end of your uterus (womb) that connects your womb to your vagina (birth canal). The cells are checked to see if they have any signs of cancer.
A Pap smear looks for changes in cervical cells before they turn into cancer. If you have cancer, finding it early gives you the best chance of fighting it. If you don’t have cancer, finding cell changes early can help prevent you from getting cancer.
You should have the test every 3 years from ages 21 to 65. It’s usually combined with a pelvic exam.
You may choose to: Combine your Pap testing with human papillomavirus (HPV) testing starting at age 30. If you do so, then you can be tested every 5 years instead of every 3 years. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), and it’s linked to cervical cancer.
We recommend you have a Pap test more often than once every 3 years if you have:
Cervical cancer or a Pap test that revealed precancerous cells
HIV infection
A weakened immune system due to an organ transplant, chemotherapy, or chronic corticosteroid use
Been exposed before birth to diethylstilbestrol (DES), a hormone given to pregnant women between 1940 and 1971
You can probably skip the Pap smear if:
You’ve had a total hysterectomy (since your cervix will have been removed)
You shouldn’t have a Pap smear during your period. Heavy bleeding can affect the accuracy of the test. If your test is scheduled for that time of the month, ask your doctor if you can reschedule.
For the most accurate Pap smear, we recommend taking the following steps, starting 48 hours before your test.
Don’t have sex or use lubricants.
Don’t use sprays or powders near your vagina.
Don’t insert anything into your vagina, including tampons, medications, creams, and suppositories.
Don’t rinse your vagina with water, vinegar, or other fluid (such as a douche).
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