5 Things you should know before getting a pap smear

huibing

25 Jul 2017

updated the 3 May 2019 à 04:26

Apprehensive about going for a pap smear? Here are 5 things you might want to know before going for your appointment.

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Age to start
The general recommendation as to when you should get your first Pap smear is three years after you start becoming sexually active, or when you turn 21, whichever comes first. However, if you’re past that age, don’t feel like it’s too late to start getting screened.
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Things to avoid prior
It is best to schedule your test two weeks after your period has ended. If you have an irregular cycle and happen to be on your period while on your appointment, ask to switch to a later date, because it will interfere with your results. Also avoid having intercourse, tampons, and douching 2 days before your test.
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Frequency of tests
You don’t need to get a Pap smear every year. Aim for a Pap test once every three years if you are in your 20s, and go once every five after that. After you’ve reached 65, you can stop screening for cervical cancer if all has been well the past appointments. However, it is strongly encouraged that you visit your gynecologist yearly, at the very least. This is because these appointments can keep you informed of your general health, and help you diagnose signs of STIs or breast cancer.
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Inform if you are uncomfortable
Discomfort can be due to a plethora of reasons — whether it may be your first Pap test, or if you have experienced difficulties in the past. But, voice out any concerns if they are present, so that your doctor can adjust appointments accordingly. Just remember to be honest and open - they are there to help you in any way possible.
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Results
If your doctor calls you up with abnormal results, don’t panic. It might be easy to assume you have cancer, but the test simply means that there could be some irregularities. Less than 1% of abnormalities turn out to be cancer, so breathe in and wait for your doctor’s advice for the next steps to take. This may involve retesting, or a test for HPV, but your doctor will inform you as to the stage of abnormality, as well as the appropriate actions to take.

You’ve probably heard about them from your family and friends: Pap smears. Besides a trip to the gynecologist, undergoing a Papanicolaou (often shortened to simply “Pap”) test is highly encouraged as it scans your cervical cells for signs of abnormality. But what exactly is it? Essentially, your doctor will insert a device into your vagina (to ensure the walls don’t close) before collecting some cervical cells with a tool. As cervical cancer is a curable disease, it is better to know of it sooner rather than later. But, if frequenting a gynecologist isn’t routine for you, scroll back up to check out everything you need to know. Our guide includes 5 things you should probably know before getting screened, to adequately prepare you for your appointment.

And if you’re between the ages of 25 and 69 years old, the Singapore Cancer Society has partnered up with General Practitioners around the island. You can get a pap smear screening done for free, up till 31 August. For more information, click here.

Lee Hui Bing

Photos: Getty Images

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