Five Important Questions About The Pap Smear Test

Five Important Questions About The Pap Smear Test

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The Pap Smear is one test that is advocated by healthcare experts from all over America. The test is extremely important for young women as well as middle aged women. It is primarily performed to check if the individual has or may develop cervical cancer. However, that is not the only reason for testing. In the procedure, cells from the cervix are collected and examined in the laboratory for anomalies, abnormal behaviors, growth of tumors or other polyps. For females in the age bracket of 21 years to 29 years, the screening should be done every two years. Women who have had normal results for three times in a row and aged above 30 years can postpone the screening for three years and then under go the test in 3-year-intervals.

We shall discuss a few frequently asked questions here and learn about some important points that one must be aware of.

Why get a Pap Smear done?
As discussed above, it is mainly done to check the health and functioning of your cervical cells. It is important to get screened for the same because earlier detection of medical problems offers the patient more treatment options and successful results.

Why not screen every year?
Against the old school of thought, gynecologists have started promoting a bi-yearly and tri-yearly format for younger and elder women respectively owning to the fact the cervical cancer is one such cancer that grows slowly. It can be arrested in primary stage by testing once in 2 years or one in 3 years. Also, frequent testing is not advisable for women who have not yet conceived because there is a possibility for the cervix to lose its strength.

Does it hurt?
Your genitals are cleansed with a swab and then the sample cells are collected. This process does not hurt at all. Following this, the pelvic exam is generally carried out. This test is performed for the examination of your vagina and uterus. This is also not painful but might make you slightly uncomfortable. Nevertheless, there is nothing to worry as this is a common experience.

When do the results arrive?
It can take about 2 to 3 weeks for results. You must hear from your doctors about collecting the report. If you dont, then you must call up the office and find out the status.

What happens if the results are negative?
If the samples are not normal you might have to undergo one more pap smear test. This might be needed incase of anomalous condition of cells or when the conditions of testing are not normal. For instance, if you have a vaginal infection, or a period during the test, it may affect the results. Following abnormal reports, you might need to undergo a re-test or proceed with treatment.

Online healthcare services as well as hospitals have many facilities for patients. So, one can feel confident about treatment options and remedies.

About the Author:
pap smear testis a screening test used in gynecology to detect premalignant and malignant (cancerous) processes in the ectocervix. Find out about Cervical Smear Test and other Online healthcare servicesfrom our website.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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