Most women should get a Pap smear every one to three years. Your health care provider will recommend how often you should be tested based on your risk factors for cervical cancer.
Your health care provider may not recommend continuing Pap smears beyond age 65 if previous Pap smears were consistently normal. However, an annual exam continues to be important for other health reasons, including early detection of breast and vulvar cancer.
Preparation
• Do not douche or use vaginal creams during the two days before the test
• Do not have intercourse within 24 hours of the Pap smear, because it can cause inaccurate test results.
• A Pap smear takes only a few seconds and is performed as part of a routine pelvic examination. A Pap test is not 100 percent accurate. You may want to talk to your provider about the results.
Results
• If the cells look normal, no treatment is necessary.
• The Pap test may show that you have an infection. Your health care provider may treat you for the infection and suggest that you have another Pap test in several months.
• If the cells look abnormal, more tests may be necessary. Discuss with your provider when you should return for a follow-up exam.
Benefits
Pap smears can detect precancerous conditions. If these conditions are discovered, there is a good chance that simple treatment will prevent the development of cancer. Pap smears are also useful for detecting some types of cervical or vaginal infections.
source : Sisters of Mercy Health System
