What does pap smear test for?
What does pap smear test for?
The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately. The HPV test looks for the virus (human papillomavirus) that can cause these cell changes.
Is Pap smear test painful?
Is Pap smear test painful? Pap Smear test is not painful, but due to the complexity of the procedure involved in collecting cervical cells, there is an uncomfortable feeling during and after the process, which might persist for a few hours.
Who needs a Pap smear?
Women should start Pap smear screening at age 21. Between the ages of 21-29, women whose Pap smears are normal only need it repeated every three years. Women ages 30 and over should have testing for the human papillomavirus (HPV) with their Pap smear. HPV is the cause of cervical cancer.
When should a girl have her first Pap smear?
age 21
According to ACOG guidelines, PAP smears should begin at age 21, regardless of when a girl becomes sexually active.
Does Pap smear help to get pregnant?
Infertility Tests for Women You may get a Pap smear, which is used to detect abnormal cells around the cervix. The test can detect cervical cancer and other problems with the cervix, or sexually transmitted diseases. Any of these can interfere with getting pregnant.
What is a female check up called?
Wellness visits are also called gynecological exams, pelvic exams, annual exams, or well woman exams. If you have a vulva, breasts, or a uterus, these visits are an important part of taking care of your health (no matter what your gender identity is).
Can a doctor touch your private area?
In a medical setting, looking at and touching the genitals generally isn’t sexual abuse because the doctor is doing both for the patient’s benefit and not for his or her own gratification, nurse practitioner Powell stresses.
Do I need to see a gynecologist if im a virgin?
Even if you’re a virgin (you’ve never had vaginal intercourse), you may need a pelvic exam if you are having certain problems. Having a pelvic exam doesn’t change anything, just as using tampons doesn’t change your hymen (the skin that partly covers the opening to your vagina).
What do the results of a Pap smear test mean?
With the liquid-based Pap smear test, your doctor can reanalyze the sample to check for the presence of certain high-risk types of HPV virus known to promote the development of cancers like cervical cancer. If no high-risk viruses are present, the abnormal cells found as a result of the test aren’t of great concern.
Can a Pap smear be done instead of a pelvic exam?
Why it’s done. The Pap smear is usually done in conjunction with a pelvic exam. In women older than age 30, the Pap test may be combined with a test for human papillomavirus (HPV) — a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical cancer. In some cases, the HPV test may be done instead of a Pap smear.
What’s the difference between ascus and normal Pap smears?
In fact, while an ASCUS Pap smear result may sound alarming, it’s considered only mildly abnormal and is actually the most common abnormal Pap smear result you can receive. 2 There may, in fact, be no immediate cervical cancer risk associated with your ASCUS Pap smear result.
How long does it take to get a Pap smear?
A Pap test, also called a Pap smear, is an exam a doctor uses to test for cervical cancer in women. It can also reveal changes in your cervical cells that may turn into cancer later. What Happens During the Test? It’s done in your doctor’s office or clinic and takes about 10 to 20 minutes.
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