what stds do papsmears test for? I have them often but I need to know this!
2007-01-15 05:54:19 · 14 answers · asked by *GlensBayB* 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ STDs
A pap smear checks for changes in the cells in a womans cervix, which may be caused by cancer, abnormal cells and infections. If a test finds abnormalities or anything the doctor thinks is a problem you are then advised to have a smear done more often.
Normally tests for STD's are done by either blood tests or a cotton swab is used to take a sample of the vaginal secretions. I don't think they use pap smears to test for STD's.
2007-01-15 05:59:17 · answer #1 · answered by magnolia_76 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-05-24 07:03:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As usual lots of misinformation out there. A Pap smear is intended to test the cervical cells that are collected for evidence of precancerous changes or cancer. It is a screening test and not a diagnostic tool. So is abnormalities come up on the Pap then further testing or repeat testing after a certain length of time is appropriate.
Sometimes when the lab tests the Pap it incidentally finds other infections, even though this is not the intention or the best way of finding them. These are then appropriately treated and a repeat Pap is done.
Also I have found that alot of women call every gyne exam a "Pap test" and it is not that . If you go to your doctor with a complaint of discharge for example and they have you in stirrups and do an exam and swabs, that doesn't mean you have had a pap smear done, actually if there is a known infection then that is not the correct time to do a Pap.
Swabs from the vagina/cercix can be used to detect Gonorrhea, clamydia, yeast, trichomonas, Bacterial vaginosis, viral infections. But these are not Pap smears.
HPV, the virus responsible for cervical cancer is done on another test, albeit often at the same time as a Pap is done, but it is a separate test.
2007-01-15 08:46:27 · answer #3 · answered by Aine 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The test for abnormal cerivcal cells that can indicate problems such as cervix cancer or an infection or other problems. You only need a pap smear once a year so I am not sure what you mean by you have them often.
2007-01-15 05:56:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They only test for abnormal cells on the cervix, they do NOT test for STDs such as HPV unless you specifically ask the doctor to.
2007-01-15 06:02:35 · answer #5 · answered by Double 709 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pap smear tests for HPV, which is a virus that causes cervical cancer.
You should not be having sex outside of marriage. STDs are dangerous. You could get AIDS someday. Please stop this lifestyle.
2007-01-15 05:57:14 · answer #6 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Their primary purpose is to check for cervical cancer, but they can also detect certain bacterial and viral infections.
2007-01-15 05:57:34 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
abnormal cell that can lead to and cause cancer, not just cervical... all types, and other std's as well
2007-01-15 05:57:15 · answer #8 · answered by kellbelle21 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cervical cancer and abnormal bacteria growth
2007-01-15 05:57:53 · answer #9 · answered by Dear need to know 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they dont tet for any std's they check for cervical cancer. if you need to get checked you need to ask to be checked.
2007-01-15 05:57:42 · answer #10 · answered by shimmyshimmer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋