What is a pap-smear?

Question

when do you have to get a papsmear? WHy do you have to get a papsmear? and what do they dp when yu get one?

Answer 1

You have to start getting a pap smear at either age 18 or 21 (some drs use 18 others use 21) or whenever you become sexually active whichever comes first. This is done at the same time that a pelvic exam is done to check to make sure there are no abnormalities of the reproductive organs when it comes to shape and size and also making sure there are no masses.

The reason that women must get a pap smear done is to screen for cervical cancer.

As for what they do is use a special brush to take some cells off of the cervix to send off to the lab for analysis to make sure no cancer is starting. This is done during the time they are doing the pelvic exam. Some spotting (a bit of bleeding) is normal for about two days after the test is done because the brush that is used to take the cells can cause irritation to to the cervix which is why the spotting. If it lasts longer than that then the woman must tell her dr about it.

The results come back in about 2 weeks. I had it come back one time in 1 week.

Neither this test nor the pelvic exam should hurt but if it does it's because one of the following 3 reasons:

1. being tense (understandable to be nervous but it is important to stay relaxed during the exam)

2. the dr being too rough (and you can ask them to stop)

3. something wrong (such as an infection)

Answer 2

You want to start getting pap smears every year once you've become sexually active. If you are not sexually active then you probably want to start getting them by the time you are 18.

You get them every year. They check for STDs, and any health related abnormalities. It is fairly quick, like 5 mins. Having a woman doctor helps any anxieties. They will explain everything they are doing. They take an instrument that is cold, but if you are relaxed it shouldn't hurt, and slide it with lube inside you. This allows them to make you wide enough so they can see inside. They take a few swabs with a large q-tip. Another thing they'll do is check your ovaries by pushing on your lower abdomen.

If you're nervous just ask the doctor to explain what they will do before they do it, and make sure you pee before you start. It'll be quick and fairly uncomfortable. It's better to get checked out and stay healthy than avoid them. You'll be fine, good luck!

Answer 3

you should get your first pap smear when you become sexually active or reach the age of 18....whichever comes first. After that you should get one every year. A pap smear is used to detect abnormal cell growth on a woman's cervix. and you have to put your feet in the stirrups while they use something that looks like a q-tip to rub the cervix. That's how they get the sample. Then it goes to the lab and is looked at under the microscope. While it sucks to get one the benefits by far outweigh the risks. So make (or keep) that appointment!

Answer 4

A papsmear is a check for cervical cancer. it should be done after 18 years of age or/and after intercourse. when a papsmear is perfomrmed the gynocologist with place two fingers in your vagina and gently apply pressure to your cervix.

Answer 5

a method for the early detection of cancer especially of the uterine cervix that involves the staining of exfoliated cells using a special technique which differentiates diseased tissue -- called also Papanicolaou smear, Papanicolaou test, Pap test

Answer 6

You generally have to get a pap-smear after you get your period. It is to make sure that your vagina is healthy and normal. Generally they have you lay back with your legs spred and they use a type of clamp to keep you open while they examine the inside of you with their fingers.

Answer 7

It's a culture of your cervix that they test for certain viruses and bacteria, specifically HPV. They just use a q tip and swipe it across the cervix. Then they run tests on teh q tip.

There is now a vaccine that prevents HPV.

Answer 8

A Pap is a very embarrasing thing that woman go thru once a year to check for abnomal cells, Hpv, cancer ect.

Answer 9

it is a test to determine if you have infection inside or possible cancerous growths = it is well worth the time to get it every year

Answer 10

Here is a link to a website that explains it all-too much to copy and paste here.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pap_smear