A pap smear panorama can detect and remove abnormal cervical cells before they become cancerous. Getting the tests might not be the best part of your day, but the exam is simple. Putting your legs on the stirrups can be uncomfortable, though. Since it is a life-saving procedure, all the brief discomfort is worth it. This is because the tests detect and eliminate the presence of abnormal cancerous cells in your cervix. Here you will learn the top facts about these tests. Keep reading.
What is a Pap Smear Test?
The test also referred to as the pap test, is a simple screening for cervical cancer. Since the adoption of this procedure by gynecologists, the rate of cervical cancer in women has significantly reduced across the globe. This means pap smears are life-savers. During these tests, the doctor will use a tiny soft brush to help in collecting cell samples from your cervix. The health provider will check these cells under a microscope for any abnormal cells. The outcome will take like one week to come back. Here are some facts about pap smear tests;
How Frequent Should the Tests be Conducted?
According to the current guidelines, you should start pap smears tests once you reach 21 years. At this stage, your reproductive system will have fully developed. If you are younger than 30, the tests should be repeated every two to three years. At 30, you are recommended to get tested every three to five years alongside HPV tests.
Suppose the HPV and pap smear test turns out positive you will come after another five years. The intervals of a pap smear test are always three to five years based on your age, but we recommend you keep coming after a year for a well-woman exam.
Once you reach 65 and the Pap smear test has continued to be expected, you can stop getting the tests. This is because your chances of getting cervical cancer are zero. Also, suppose you had a hysterectomy, and your cervix was eliminated. In that case, you do not require these tests unless you had a history of abnormal cervical cells before the hysterectomy.
Relationship Between a Pap Smear Test and Human Papillomavirus
HPV is a typical sexually transmitted infection in the US. This virus causes genital warts but can also infect your cervix and does not cause any symptoms. There are types of HPV, and not all of these subtypes are associated with cervical cancer. Other factors can also cause cervical cancer. The best news about the HPV virus is that vaccines are available
Who Performs Pap Smears and Where They are Performed?
Primary care providers perform most pap smear tests, including obstetricians or gynecologists, certified healthcare practitioners, family medicine physicians, and internal medicine physicians. Make sure to check with the doctor’s office when making your appointment to ensure they include this as part of your yearly examinations.
Final Thought
Above are the many facts you need to consider before getting a PAP smear panorama. As you have noted, these tests are critical and crucial in detecting the presence of abnormal cervical cells and preventing them from advancing further. These tests are not painful, but you can sometimes feel mildly uncomfortable. The pain is tolerable because this screening helps save more lives from cervical cancer, a killer disease.
