A pap smear (or pap test) is a screening for cervical cancer. It involves taking cells from the cervix and vagina and examining them under a microscope. The test is looking for cervical ...

An abnormal Pap smear means some percentage of your cervix cells appear abnormal in shape or size. In most cases, an abnormal Pap smear does not indicate cancer and is in fact caused by HPV. If you ...

Maybe you had a bad experience with your last Pap smear and you’re wary of going back to the ob-gyn. Or maybe you’ve never had one before and are scared to make the appointment. It’s understandable to ...

Although you can get a Pap smear during your menstrual period, some doctors may prefer you do not. A heavy flow may alter your exam results. If in doubt, it’s better to ask your OB-GYN, but try not to ...

A Pap smear is a procedure that screens for cervical cancer by testing cells for any abnormalities. If your Pap results are abnormal that does not mean you have cancer, and more likely indicates HPV.

There's no need to worry about grooming before a pap smear, doctors say, but there are other considerations to keep in mind. There's no need to worry about grooming before a pap smear, doctors say, ...

People should avoid having sex for 2 days before a Pap smear, as sex can cause a discharge that may affect the result. People should also avoid douching, applying any contraception or medication ...

A Pap smear (Pap test) is a routine part of your healthcare screening. They are often performed during your first prenatal visit. Research and professional organizations confirm that it is safe and an ...

It’s normal to be a jumble of nerves before getting a Pap smear. A Pap can feel awkward, intimidating, or even emotionally triggering for some. Good doctors know their patients might have these ...

Editor's note: Anyone with a cervix can get a Pap smear, but for this article, we included sources who generally referred to these people as women. Your Pap smear appointment isn't one to miss, though ...

Many women get a Pap smear every few years during checkups at the gynecologist's office. Doctors do these tests to check for early signs of cancer of the cervix, the canal that connects your vagina to ...

Many people who have a Pap smear notice light bleeding, or spotting, for a couple of days after the test. This may be due to irritation of the cervix. This symptom may occur because the Pap smear can ...