Pap smears: why are they worth doing and what are they about?

Pap tests are one of the most basic in gynecology. They are used for the proper prevention of women’s diseases and cancers, as well as the first precancerous lesions, which enable the start of appropriate treatment and prevention. This protects the urinary and reproductive systems. What does such a study look like and why is it worth doing? About it below!

What does a Pap smear look like?

It is a virtually painless examination, but it is associated with a certain zone of intimacy. The gynecologist inserts a speculum into the vagina, using which he takes pieces of exfoliated epithelium. These fragments are then analyzed and the examination for the woman ends. Preparation for the examination, together with the examination itself, takes literally several minutes and is performed with the help of a gynecological chair.

When can you see a doctor?

You can visit a gynecologist whenever you notice any disturbing symptoms. Cytology tests are also often performed as preventive tests for women of different ages or in the risk group. However, it should be remembered that the pap smear should be performed at the earliest about 2-3 days after the end of menstruation, but not later than 4-5 days before the start of the next menstrual bleeding.

Why?

• The test is simple and painless for a woman, it takes literally a dozen or so minutes, and it can save your life!
• It allows for excellent diagnostics of women’s changes and diseases
• It helps in the early diagnosis of cervical cancer, contributing to the complete cure of cancer when it is detected early enough. Cancerous diseases are detected even at an early stage 

Preparation for the test:

1. Appropriate testing time. Ensuring that the test is done in the middle of the cycle
2. Abstaining from sexual intercourse for about 24 hours before the test
3. Refraining from using vaginal medications, vaginal irrigation or tampons even 4-5 days before the test itself
4. Preparation of all information that the doctor may ask for, i.e. the date of the last menstrual period, length of the cycle, all medications used, use of contraception, information about diseases and pregnancy

Invalid result – further actions

The correct result of the cytology testifies to the full health of the patient. However, an abnormal result does not necessarily mean the disease and the “worst”. It’s just a sign that something is starting to happen that we should control. Therefore, the doctor will order a series of additional tests or recommend repeating the cytology test every six months. Your doctor may also order a colposcopy, which is an examination of the cervix. Thanks to this, the gynecologist can very carefully examine this organ and determine whether there are any disturbing neoplastic changes.