Are pap smear and the same?

A Pap smear and a pelvic exam are not the same thing. A Pap smear is a test that is used to screen for cervical cancer. During a Pap smear, a small sample of cells is collected from the cervix and then sent to a laboratory to be examined for any abnormalities. A pelvic exam is a physical examination of the female reproductive organs, including the vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovaries. During a pelvic exam, the doctor will also check for any other problems, such as sexually transmitted infections or pelvic pain.