When Should I Start and Stop Getting Yearly Pap Smears?
The American College of Obstetricians and GYNECOLOGISTS recommends women begin
getting Pap smears within three years of the first time they have sexual intercourse,
or by age 21, whichever comes first.
“Some women may discontinue Pap smears after age 65, but this needs to be a highly
individualized decision based on risk factors and decided in conjunction with their
gynecologist
How Should I Prepare for a Pap Smear?
The presence of any SUBSTANCE in the vagina can lower the accuracy of a Pap smear.
He recommends women avoid douching or engaging in sexual intercourse for two to three
days prior to having a Pap smear to get more accurate results. It’s preferable that women
not be menstruating when having a Pap smear, since this too can interfere with the accuracy
of the test.
What Happens During a Pap Smear?
Pap smears are generally painless and usually done during a pelvic exam.
The doctor will position you on the EXAM TABLE and insert a device called a
speculum into your vagina; the speculum opens the vaginal area wider, giving the doctor
a better view of the cervical area. The doctor will then swab your cervix with a brush or cotton swab to collect cells from its surface,