At what age should young women start having pap smears?
Ideally, young women should have their first pap smear within one year of first having sex.. If you have not had sex, then it is advisable that you have your first pap smear at age 18.
What does a pap smear test for?
A pap smear tests for changes in the cells of the cervix. Cells from the cervix are collected so that they can be examined for any changes - changes in cells can indicate the possibility of their developing cancer. A pap smear also tests for HPV, which stands for human papilloma virus. This is a very common virus in humans which can cause genital warts. The reason this virus is tested for is because the warts associated to it can cause changes in the cervical cells which can later develop into cancer.
What happens if my test result is abnormal?
The results of your pap smear help decide what advise your Doctor will give you if your pap smear test returns an abnormal result. For example, if your smear shows that there are some non-specific minor changes in your cervical cells, then she/he may advise that you have another smear in six months time, (as opposed to in another two years). On the other hand, if your pap smear results indicate severe displasia, (the cells of the cervix have changed considerably) your Doctor will probably advise that you see a specialist. In this case, a specialist will probably advise a colospocy. A a coloscopy is a small instrument which is used to look inside the vagina. Magnifying the cervix, a colposcope helps specialists get an even better look at the cervix and any changes taking place. Depending on the results of a coloscopy, a cone biopsy may be advised. A cone biopsy involves removing that part of the cervix which contains abnormal cells. In the majority of cases of abnormal results, women do not require a cone biopsy.
Do I need my parents permission to have a pap smear?
No! Even if you are under sixteen, you do not require your parents permission to have a pap smear. Doctors and health practitioners are required by law to keep your medical history confidential. In most cases, young women under 16 years of age prefer not to go to their family Doctor for a pap smear.
Are the results of my pap smear kept confidential?
Absolutely! No-one but you, your Doctor, and the pathologist will know the results of your pap smear. Of course, if you have an abnormal result and you choose to see a specialist about it, then the specialist will also know the results of your pap smear. A pathologist is a person who examines the cells taken from your cervix by your Doctor. Cells are examined for changes under a microscope. A specialist is a medical professional who specializes in specific areas of medicine. In the case of abnormal pap smear results, specialists in this field are usually gynecologists.
Will it hurt?
Generally, a pap smear test is not painful, though a small amount of discomfort is also normal. If you do experience discomfort, tell your Doctor.
Do I have to take all my clothes off?
You will need to take off your bottoms, (skirt/shorts/trousers) as well as your underwear. Most Doctors have a screen where patients can undress behind in private. In most cases, you will probably have your bottoms off for a little more than five minutes. Some Doctors advise having a breast examination at the same time a pap smear is done. This is entirely your choice and you can say no. In the case that you choose to have a breast examination, you don't need to take all of your clothes off at once. For instance, once you've had your pap smear, you can then put your bottoms back on and take off your top and bra. Doing it this way means you don't ever have to be completely naked.
Will I bleed afterwards?
Most women do not experience any bleeding after a pap smear. However, some women may experience a small amount of spot bleeding, which is also normal. Any heavy or ongoing bleeding other than a period should be reported to your Doctor.
How long do I need to wait until I get my results back?
Test results usually arrive back at your Doctor or health practitioner's office within 2 weeks of having your pap smear. Most Doctors and practitioners allow women to telephone for results rather than coming in for another consultation. The majority of results are normal.
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