If you are a woman 21 years of age or older, it is important to your health to see your OBGYN for a Pap smear. These examinations are standard for adult females and are essential in testing for cervical cancer and abnormal cells. Before you make your appointment, read the women’s health guide below to learn more about what to expect before, during, and after the evaluation. 

An OBGYN’s Guide to Pap Smears 

Before 

While you should follow your physician’s specific preparation instructions, there are a few general guidelines for preparing for a Pap test. The day before, avoid sexual intercourse. You should also refrain from using spermicide or douching. These activities can alter test results.

Once you arrive at your OBGYN’s office, you will fill out a medical and sexual history questionnaire. This will help your doctor understand your current health status and determine if you are at risk for cervical disease. If you are menstruating at the time of your test, call your women’s health clinic to reschedule. Having your period at the time of the exam can affect the accuracy of your results. 

During 

After you talk with your doctor, you will undress for your test. Try to stay as relaxed as possible as you prepare to have the exam. Taking slow, deep breaths will help loosen your muscles. When your OBGYN comes back in, they will ask you to lie down on the examination table and put your feet in stirrups. This will help the physician perform the test. 

A few tools, including a speculum, are used to examine your vagina and cervix. A specialized spatula and brush will help take a lab sample that will then be tested for abnormal cells. Keep breathing deeply throughout the exam. While you may experience some discomfort, evaluations are relatively quick and painless. 

After

Once you are done with your Pap smear, your specialist will send your collected cervical cells to a laboratory. A review under a microscope will determine if your results are normal or abnormal. Most women receive a call from their clinic with normal findings after a few days. If results are abnormal, you will be asked to return for further care. Treatments will depend on whether your doctor finds evidence of cancer or abnormal cells. 

Women with normal Pap smear results will return every year for another test. If you are ready to have your first exam, TTNYD& D OBGYN in Honolulu, HI, will provide you with compassionate, experienced service. To make an appointment with an OBGYN, call them at (808) 599-4200. Review directions to their women’s health center on Google.