2006-09-01 04:33:06 · 4 answers · asked by megmb3 2 in Health ➔ Women's Health
Strictly speaking a Pap smear is what is known as 'exfoliative cytology', in which a smaple of shedded cells are collected from your cervix and examined under micrscopy to detect early anomalies. (The part in which your OB/GYN places two fingers in your vagina and feel your tummy with the other hand is actually a pelvic examination, and not part of the Pap smear). The cells are scraped from your cervix with a brush or spatula, fixed in alcohol and examined by a pathologist. Anomalies include premalignant and malignant cervical cells (indicative of cervical carcinoma), inflammatory cells (indicating an infection) and possibly uterine endometrial cells (signifying endometrial hyperplasia or even cancer).
2006-09-01 05:22:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They usually start by checking you breast for lumps or abnormalities. They will then examine you external genitalia. The Dr. then uses what is called a spectrum to insert in the vagina to examine the cervix. They will swab the cervical tissue and send the sample to the lab and check for cervical cancer. The Dr. will also insert their fingers into the vagina to examine the vaginal lining for abnormalities. If this will be your first time having a PAP smear I would suggest on seeing a female Dr. I know it sounds dumb when someone says to try and realax in a sistuation like that but it does help. The more you can relax the less discomfort you will experience.
2006-09-01 04:45:12 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
They also feel your uterus and ovaries for possible problems such as cysts or other growths.
It's unpleasant, but generally not painful. It's for your health.
2006-09-01 04:56:40 · answer #3 · answered by sovereign_carrie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cervical cancer and what size bra you wear.
2006-09-01 04:35:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋