More resources on Pap Test:
What is a pap test?
What is a cervix?
- The cervix is the opening of the uterus [womb] found at the top of the vagina
Why do I need a pap test?
- A pap test is part of taking care of your health
- A pap test can finds unhealthy changes early
- These changes can be treated to prevent them from getting worse.
- Many small changes occur on the cervix before cancer develops
- Cancer can grow on your cervix and may take many years to develop
- Regular pap tests can greatly reduce the risk of develping cervical cancer.
When is the best time for a pap test?
- When you do not have your period
- When you have not had sex for one day [24 hours]
- When you have not put anything such as foams or medicine in your vagina for two days [48 hours]
Who needs a pap test?
- All women need a regular pap test within the first three years after they start to have sex
- It is important to continue having a pap test after menopause [when your monthly periods stop]
- Ask your doctor or nurse if you still need a pap test if you have had a hysterectomy [ operation to remove part of or the whole uterus]
- Women over 70 should ask their doctor if they should still have a regular pap test
What can I expect?
- The pap test takes a few minutes
- You may feel nervous or uncomfortable about having a pap test
- Choose a doctor or nurse you feel comfortable with
- You can bring a friend or family member to stay with you while the test is being done
- You may have mild spotting [ very light bleeding] after a pap test. This is normal
- An internal exam will be done following your pap test
- The doctor or nurse will check your vagina, uterus and ovaries by putting a gloved finger in your vagina and pressing on your belly with the other hand
What about my pap test results?
- After your pap test is done, it is sent to a laboratory to be examined.
- It may take several weeks for the results of your pap test to be sent back to your doctor or nurse's office
- Your doctor or nurse will contact you if there is a problem with your results
- you may ask your doctor or nurse about your pap test results
If your pap test results are not normal, you may worry and wonder what they mean
- In most cases, an abnormal result does not mean you have cancer
It may mean that you have an infection that needs to be treated
Often, unhealthy cells change back to healthy cells on their own
If you do have unhealthy cell changes, it is important to talk to you doctor or nurse about what your results mean and what treatments are available
- Human Papilloma Virus [HPV, genital warts] frequently cause abnormal test results. For more information on HPV click here
What happens next
- If your test results are normal, you will need to have another pap test in 1 or 2 years
- Ask your doctor or nurse when it is time for your next pap test
- If your test results are abnormal, you may need to see your doctor or nurse for another pap test early
- You may also be referred to a specialist for treatment
What else can I do
- Protect yourself. Always use a condom. Limit the number of partners you have sex with.
- Avoid tobacco smoke. Smoking and second hand smoke can cause mild cell changes on your cervix that can progress to cancer.
from Cancer Care Ontario, Ontario Cervical Screening Program and the Canadian Cancer Society