what is a pap test?

Question

ok im 16 and my mom wants to take me to get a pap test but im nervous she knows that im not a virgin but she doesnt know that ive had sex recently and we are going to the doctor on the 7th of this month and i dont know the type of stuff that these test look for b/c its my first time can any one please give me an answer

Answer 1

It's just a swab of your cervix. The lab can then determine if you have any abnormal cells which are cancerous or pre-cancerous. Basically it is a check for cervical cancer.

If you are going for the whole annual check-up...expect the doc to insert a scapula to open up your vagina (to do the pap), and she will also stick one hand up and the other hand on your lower abdomen to feel around for anything abnormal there. She may also do a breast exam.

Answer 2

A pap smear is a test that is used to screen for cervical cancer and when it's caught in its earliest stages (such as precancerous) the treatment process is much easier. They do it at the same time that they check your ovaries, and uterus and such to make sure they are normal (this is the pelvic exam).

With the pap smear they take a special brush to scrape some of the cells off the cervix to put on a slide that is then sent off to the lab for analysis.

The results will take about 4 weeks to get back but I've had it come back as soon as a week before.

Some spotting (a bit of blood) may occur for a couple of days afterward and this is normal. It is caused by the irritation of the brush taking the samples.

It is normally a painless test. The only time it would be painful is if there is something wrong such as an infection for example.

If you have other questions pls feel free to e-mail or IM me privately any time.

I wish you well with your first visit to the gyn.

Answer 3

A Pap test is done to look for changes in the cells of the cervix. During a Pap test, a small sample of cells from the surface of the cervix is collected by your health professional. The sample is then spread on a slide (Pap smear) or mixed in a liquid fixative (liquid-based cytology) and sent to a lab for examination under a microscope. The cells are examined for abnormalities that may indicate abnormal cell changes, such as dysplasia or cervical cancer.

It is important to have your first Pap test within 3 years of starting to have sex or by age 21. You may be able to stop having regular Pap tests after you are 65 to 70 years of age, if you have had 3 normal Pap tests in a row, and you do not have a high risk of cervical cancer. Women who do not have a uterus may not need a Pap test if the uterus was not removed because of cervical dysplasia or cervical cancer. You may need more frequent Pap tests if you have more than one sex partner or have had an abnormal Pap test in the past. Talk with your health professional about how often you should have Pap tests. See attached website for more info.

Answer 4

Sure...Iim a OB/GYN nurse practitioner....a pap test is principally doine to detect cancer cells on the neck of your uterus called the cervix. A small amount of cells will be brushed from your cervix and put on a slide which will be viewed by a cytotechnologist. During this exam the physician or practitioner can also look for STDS that might be there without your knowledge, such as HPV and Chlmydia.
There will be no evidence of when you had your last sexual contact,
(unless it was the night before) so if you choose not to tell them that, that is your business...as long as all STD tests come back negative.

Answer 5

The Pap test, also called a Pap smear, checks for changes in the cells of your cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) that opens into the vagina (birth canal). The Pap test can tell if you have an infection, abnormal (unhealthy) cervical cells, or cervical cancer

Answer 6

It is a simple test, doesnt involve use of any needles. What the doctor do is take swab from lower end of uterus (called cervix) which is then examined microscopically to see if there is any abnormality. This test can show evidence of some infection but most important of all it is a screening test to detect early cancer of cervix. It is strongly recommended by all doctors of whole world and may be life saving. It doesn't matter when you have had sex as far as this test is concerned.

Answer 7

A pap smear is basically where they take a sample of the skin in your vagina to test for any STI's or cancers or anything like that!I know it's knid of scary when you don't know whats going to happen to you but if you check out you tube theres a video on showing how they do one if you type in 'GYNO Female exam' it should come up, the only thing is you'll have to register as a member and say that your over 18 to watch it!But if your going to get it done I think you should watch it!I hope it all goes well!

Answer 8

A "pap smear" is a test for cervical cancer. The doctor will take what looks like a long "Q-tip" and use it to scrape some cells off of your cervix. They will send the "Q-tip" to a lab and they will look at the cells under a microscope to see if there are any cancer cells.
Try looking at webmd.com they will probably answer any questions you might have.

Answer 9

A pap test is where they will ask you to lay on table like chair, they will ask you to put your legs on these strips and they will stick this little cotton swab thing in you and rub it on your cervix, just to get a sample, they will leave it in for only 5 secs. The doctor will walk you through everything they will tell you what they are about to do and why they are doing it . It really isn't as bad as it sounds.

Answer 10

When you go to the Dr they will have you lay on the table and have you wear a paper gown. They will put your legs up in stirrups and spread them. Then the Dr will take this plastic tool that is usually referred to as the duck. Then they take this swab (a big Q tip). And just stick it in you and rub it around. They send that to the lab just to check for problems, disease's. Depending on age they will let you in the room alone. You could try calling ahead of time to speak with a nurse and ask her they may be nice enough to tell your mom when it comes time for you appt that she has to wait in the lobby and then you can tell them whatever you need and she wont know.