The Pap test, also known as a preventive test, is a gynecological test indicated for a woman at the onset of sexual activity that aims to detect changes and diseases of the cervix, such as inflammation, HPV and cancer.
This test is quick, done in the gynecologist’s office and does not hurt, however the woman may feel a little discomfort or pressure inside the vagina while the doctor scratches the cells in the uterus.
The Pap test is done to identify changes in the uterus, which may include:
Pap tests can also be performed by virgin women after age 21, using special equipment and only with the doctor’s advice, to evaluate the cervix and identify possible changes.
The Pap test is simple, fast and is done in the gynecologist’s office. However, for this to be done, it is important for a woman to follow certain guidelines, such as having the test outside of her period, not taking vaginal showers, and using intravaginal creams 48 hours before the test, and not having sex 48 hours before the test. Test. .
At the time of the exam, the woman is in a gynecological position and a medical device is inserted to visualize the cervix in the vaginal canal. Your doctor then uses a spatula or brush to take a small sample of cells to be sent to the lab for analysis. In addition, with the material collected during the examination, two sheets are manufactured that are sent to the microbiology laboratory to identify the presence of microorganisms.
The test doesn’t hurt, but you may feel discomfort or pressure inside your uterus during the exam, but the sensation disappears right after you remove the spatula and medical device.
Learn more about how the Pap test is performed
Preparing the vaginal smear is simple and involves avoiding intimate relationships even with the use of condoms, avoiding the shower for intimate hygiene and avoiding the use of vaginal medications or contraceptives in the 2 days prior to the examination.
In addition, the woman should not have any period, as the presence of blood can alter the test results.
See when more tests are needed to evaluate your cervix
The Pap test is recommended for women from the beginning of sexual activity to the age of 65, but it is a priority for women between the ages of 25 and 65. This test should be performed annually, but if the result is negative for 2 years, the test can be performed every 3 years. This recommendation exists due to the slow progression of cervical cancer, allowing early identification of precancerous and cancerous lesions and the onset of treatment thereafter.
For women up to 64 years of age who have never had a Pap test, the recommendation is to take two tests with a range of 1 to 3 years between exams. For women with lesions that indicate cervical cancer, the Pap test is done every six months. Cervical cancer is caused by human papillomavirus, HPV, which must be identified and treated to prevent it from remaining in the body and leading to the development of cancer. Learn how to identify HPV infection and how treatment is done.
Pap tests may be performed during pregnancy up to the next month, preferably at the first prenatal visit, if the woman has not recently done so. In addition, the test is safe for the baby because it does not reach the inside of the uterus or the fetus.
The lab disseminates the pap test results according to the characteristics of the cells observed under the microscope, which may include:
Depending on the outcome, your gynecologist will tell you if more tests are needed and what treatment is appropriate. In case of HPV infection or cell modification, the test should be repeated at 6 months, and in case of suspected cancer a colposcopy should be performed, which is a more detailed gynecological examination in which the doctor evaluates the vulva, vagina and cervix. Understand what colposcopy is and how it’s done.