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What to Do to Prepare for a Pap Smear

A pap smear is a test used to discover irregular cells on the cervix. Although this is routine test, there is some anxiety surrounding the issue of what to do to prepare for it.

  1. Appointment

    • Make your appointment on a day you are sure you will not be menstruating, about a week or two after your next period. If your period starts before your appointment, call and try to reschedule within the next two weeks.

    Cleanse

    • Before heading out the door to your appointment, it is important to take a shower. However, the National Institutes of Health suggests refraining from douching for at least 24 hours before a pap smear.

    Intercourse

    • Avoid intercourse within one day of your appointment.

    Inserts

    • Tampons, birth control jellies and birth control foams should be put aside for 24 hours before a pap smear.

    Questions

    • Write down a list of questions or issues that adequately address any important concerns you have. This will help you to avoid forgetting those questions when you are on the spot.

    Answers

    • Be prepared to answer questions on previous sexual health issues, such as an irregular pap smear, birth control methods and whether or not you could be pregnant.

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