|  | Family Health | Womens Health

What to Expect During a Pap Smear

A Pap smear, also known as a Papanicolaou test, is a screening test that a doctor performs on a woman to ensure that her vagina and cervix are healthy. Before having your first Pap smear, it's a good idea to know what to expect.

  1. Discussion

    • Your doctor will discuss your general health with you. You will be asked a few questions. If you have been experiencing any vaginal discomfort, burning or itching you should tell the doctor.

    Preparation

    • The doctor will leave the room to get the supplies while you put on a hospital gown. Remove your pants and underwear and put the gown on. Your doctor will then come into the room and have you lie down and put your feet in stirrups.

    Procedure

    • The doctor will perform the Pap smear. This procedure should not cause you any pain but only some discomfort. The doctor will insert a device that opens the vagina. The doctor will swab the vaginal wall and cervix and send the specimen off for testing. The doctor will feel inside of your vagina with a finger.

    Pelvic Exam

    • Sometimes the doctor will perform a pelvic exam during the Pap smear. The doctor will use a rubber instrument and scrape off some skin inside your vagina to send off for testing. The doctor will put two fingers inside of your vagina and lightly push on your lower abdomen.

    Results

    • Within 3 to 10 days, depending on your clinic, you will be able to call or come back for a visit to discuss the results. The results are confidential so sometimes they do not discuss them over the telephone.

Womens Health - Related Articles