Pap Smear

What is a Pap Smear?

A pap smear, also known as a pap test, is a screening procedure for cervical cancer. The test aims to identify abnormal cells in the cervix that may be cancerous or could develop into cancer. During the test, a doctor or nurse will collect cells from the cervix to be examined under a microscope. Additionally, a pap smear can detect some types of infection and inflammation.

Understanding the cervix

The cervix is the lower portion of the uterus that connects to the vaginal canal. It allows sperm to travel through the vaginal canal to fertilize eggs. During pregnancy, the cervix remains closed to keep the fetus inside the uterus and opens during childbirth. When not pregnant, the cervix produces mucus to prevent bacteria from entering the body and causing infections.

What does a pap smear look for?

Pap smears are performed as part of a pelvic exam. During a pelvic exam, your doctor will feel and look at your uterus, ovaries, and other parts of your reproductive system for signs of infections, visible signs of cancer and other problems. A pap smear looks for:

• Cervical cancer: A pap smear can identify precancerous cells in the cervix (this is called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or CIN).
• Human papillomavirus (HPV): HPV is a common virus that increases the risk of cervical cancer.

What is an HPV test?

An HPV test is done at the same time as a pap smear, in the same way. Cells are collected from the cervix and examined for certain types of the virus that are known to increase the risk of cervical cancer. Not all types of HPV cause cancer. Cells may be examined for HPV or precancerous or cancerous cells (pap smear), or both.

When should I have a pap smear?

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi recommends that all women aged 25 to 29 have a Pap smear every 3 years, and women aged 30 to 65 have a Pap smear every 5 years. Women over 30 should also receive an HPV test. Testing should be more frequent if there is a history of abnormal Pap smears or if HPV is present.

What happens during a Pap smear?

Your doctor may recommend the following ahead of your Pap smear:

• Avoiding sexual intercourse for two days before the test.
• Avoiding any vaginal creams, lubricants or jellies for two days before the test.

You will lie on a chair in the doctors’ office and place your legs in stirrups. A speculum is inserted into the vagina, which opens it and allows your doctor to see your cervix. A very small brush or spatula is then used to gently scrape away some cervical cells. This may be slightly uncomfortable, but it isn’t painful. The entire procedure only takes a couple of minutes. You may experience very light spotting afterwards. The cells collected are then sent to a laboratory for examination under a microscope.

The result you receive will be one of the following:

• Normal: No abnormal cells or signs of disease are detected.
• Unclear: The result is unclear, and a repeat Pap smear may be needed.
• Abnormal: Cells don’t appear normal and require further investigation. An abnormal result doesn’t mean that you have cancer but additional tests such as colposcopy or biopsy may be recommended for further testing.

An HPV test result will either be:

• Positive: A strain of HPV which increases the risk of developing cervical cancer is present.
• Negative: No high-risk strains of HPV were found.

Pap smears are important screening tools in detecting abnormal cervical cells before they become cancerous. Always attend cervical cancer screening in line with the recommended guidelines. If you notice any unusual bleeding, always talk to your doctor.