To keep your health in tip-top shape, the Centers for Disease Control recommend that a woman receive a pap smear and exam once each calendar year. A pap test detects certain cancers and infections of the cervix. Scheduling your pap test at the right time and avoiding certain chemicals can help ensure an accurate test.
The Pap Procedure
The pap smear--a simple test that involves a visual inspection and tissue swab of the cervix--is a critical procedure that is painless and can be lifesaving in some instances. The health care provider will note any abnormalities she observes. A quick swab of the cervix with what looks like a Q-tip takes only seconds. The sample is transferred onto a glass slide that will be evaluated under a powerful microscope by a lab technician.
The lab's evaluation of your cervical tissue sample will note the existence and severity of any abnormal cells, if present. These abnormal cells are often precancerous and, in severe cases, can indicate that a patient has cervical cancer.
HPV and Cervical Cancer
Pap smears also test for the presence of the sexually transmitted disease HPV, or the human papillomavirus, which can lead to cervical cancer in infected patients. While HPV is common, patients who test positive for the virus must be monitored closely with more frequent pap smears. Cervical cancer is treatable and often cured when caught early.
Scheduling a Pap Test
The best time to schedule a pap smear is 10 to 20 days after your menstrual period. You should never schedule a pap smear during your period because your cervix changes to allow blood and tissue out of your uterus, making it hard for the doctor to visually inspect your cervix and difficult for lab technicians to evaluate any samples.
Preparing for Your Test
If you douche frequently, you must refrain from doing so for 72 hours before your pap test. Douching can alter the pH of your vagina and cause incorrect or inconclusive results for your pap smear.
You also should not use any vaginal creams, suppositories, sprays or ointments for a few days before your test. The application of chemicals to your vagina also can affect the results of your pap.
Other Considerations
Do not use a tampon within three days of your pap smear. While your test ideally should be done in the 10- to 20-day window after your period, don't use a tampon for any reason during this time. Also, if you're using tampons for anything other than menstrual fluid, you run a high risk of infection; tampons should only be used for menstrual flow.
You should refrain from having sex for three days before your pap. Intercourse, like other vaginal insertions, can affect the outcome of your test results.
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