A little while ago, my daughter and I were talking and I suggested to her, that some time in the near future, she should consider getting a pap smear. She asked me what kind of things will show up in a pap smear. I told her it'll show normal or abnormal cells, caused from HPV or cervical cancer, but are there other things, a pap smear looks for? I just had my results and everything was ok, but I forgot to ask my doctor what she asked me and by that time, the office was closed. I feel like she doesn't believe me and I just wanted to ask any females, was I right about what a pap smear will show or did I leave something out? Thank you.
2006-10-03 14:17:03 · 19 answers · asked by A_WWE_FAN_4LYFE 6 in Health ➔ Women's Health
Good on you for talking to your daughter about pap smears.
Pap smears show changes in the cervix, and can pick up cancer cells. Pap test are not 100% accurate, but is the best method of detecting cell changes.
It is recommended that pap test are down every two years, more if a change has been dectected. From 18-70 years of age, for young women who have recently become sexually active, should start having regular tests a about year after their first sexual encounter.
I have included some links for you and her to check out, the last has a good diagram of repoductive system.
Hope thios helps
2006-10-03 17:16:59 · answer #1 · answered by Georgie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes you're right. mostly it's to look for signs of cancer.
from the link below:
The cells on the slide are checked for signs that they're changing from normal. Cells go through a series of changes before they turn into cancer. A Pap smear can show if your cells are going through these changes long before you have cancer. Cervical cancer is not life-threatening if it's caught early. This is why getting regular Pap smears is so important.
2006-10-03 21:20:34 · answer #2 · answered by littleminx 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Even if she is not sexually active, pap smear is good to have because the Dr can see if there are any abnormalities. When I had mine done, the doctor checked to make sure my ovaries were normal size and also took a sample to check for cervical cancer.
Here is some info I found on-line:
In gynecology, the Papanikolaou test (also called Pap smear, Pap test, cervical smear, or smear test) is a medical screening method for detecting infectious, premalignant, and malignant processes in the ectocervix, endocervix and endometrium. The pre-cancerous changes (called dysplasias or cervical or endocervical intraepithelial neoplasia) are usually caused by sexually-transmitted human papillomaviruses (HPVs). The test aims to detect and prevent the progression of HPV-induced cervical cancer and other abnormalities in the female genital tract by sampling cells from the outer opening of the cervix (latin for "neck") of the uterus and the endocervix. The sampling technique changed very little since its invention by Georgios Papanikolaou (1883-1962) to detect cyclic hormonal changes in vaginal cells in the early 20th century until the development of liquid based cell monolayer technology. The test remains a highly-effective, widely used method for early detection of cervical cancer and pre-cancer.
2006-10-03 21:22:48 · answer #3 · answered by sexyprincess 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a pap smear looks for pre-cancerous changes, cancerous changes, and anything that looks like inflammation caused by the virus HPV which can live on the cervix and can cause cervical cancer. even an untreated yeast infection can cause inflammation on the cervix and your pap smear will be slightly abnormal. there is a new pap test out called the Surepath, which checks the cervical cells and also checks for chlamydia and gonorrhea. you should check with your office if they used that test. hope this helps
2006-10-03 21:34:02 · answer #4 · answered by Boop 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In addition to everything you wrote, it can show infection. And a word to your daughter - early detection is paramount in treating any problems in that area of the feminine works. When I was 20, a routine pap found abnormal cells, which could've very easily turned to cancer were they not discovered and removed. Although they are unpleasant, those pesky paps, they could save your life one day.
2006-10-03 21:23:40 · answer #5 · answered by fearslady 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
honey first of all u r so committed to ur child and that shows that u r so good mother. I have had a pap smear u r right whatever u told to ur daughter. U r doing great job honey by letting her know abt these things. Keep it up.take care and good luck
2006-10-03 21:20:57 · answer #6 · answered by kiran123 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The pap only tests for abnormal cells. They will offer other tests, maybe even require them, if she's sexually active. Which they will most likely be able to tell... and may be her concern???
2006-10-03 21:20:34 · answer #7 · answered by cugalocca 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Really all they check for are changes or abnormalities .. if shes young then i wouldnt suggest taking her there until she has had sex or is in a relationship with someone... how old is she?
2006-10-03 21:36:05 · answer #8 · answered by Sammi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You about covered it. but how old is your daughter? Discuss with your doctor when she should have her first pap.
2006-10-03 23:55:26 · answer #9 · answered by Classy Granny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you pretty much covered it. Most doctors also do a STD screen as well just to be safe.
2006-10-03 21:20:51 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋