What is a Pap smear and what does it test for?

The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately. The HPV test looks for the virus (human papillomavirus) that can cause these cell changes.

Why do they call it a Pap smear?

A Pap smear or Pap test is a screening test for cervical cancer. It is named after Georgios Papanikolaou, the doctor who determined its use in detecting early signs that could lead to cervical cancer.

Can Pap smear detect STD?

A Pap smear can’t detect STDs. To test for diseases like chlamydia or gonorrhea, your healthcare provider takes a sample of fluid from the cervix. Fluid isn’t the same as cervical cells. Blood tests can also identify certain STDs.

Do you need a Pap smear if you’re a virgin?

Yes. Doctors recommend routine cervical cancer screening, regardless of your sexual history. Tests used to screen for cervical cancer include the Pap test and the HPV test.

Can a Pap smear detect STD?

What does it mean if your Pap is normal but HPV is positive?

A positive test result means that you have a type of high-risk HPV that’s linked to cervical cancer. It doesn’t mean that you have cervical cancer now, but it’s a warning sign that cervical cancer could develop in the future.

Can Pap smear detect yeast infection?

Will my Pap smear diagnose a vaginal infection? Although your annual Pap smear is a very important test, it is not typically used as a test for vaginitis. How can my doctor tell if I have an infection? The tests for vaginitis are simple and can be done right in your doctor’s office.

Can sperm cause an abnormal Pap smear?

Brett Worly, M.D., an ob-gyn at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, says semen can even interfere with Pap test results, giving you an abnormal reading when everything is actually OK.

Does smear test break virginity?

Vaginal Exam and the Hymen It’s not a comfortable exam, but if it’s done gently, with a small speculum (which is inserted into the vagina to open it for the pap smear), then it won’t tear your hymen.

Does HPV mean my husband cheated?

HPV persistence can occur for up to 10 to 15 years; therefore, it is possible for a partner to have contracted HPV from a previous partner and transmit it to a current partner. It is also possible the patient’s partner recently cheated on her; research confirms both possibilities.

What can a doctor find in a Pap smear?

Cervical cancer.

Potentially precancerous cells in the cervix ( cervical intraepithelial neoplasia ).

Human papillomavirus (HPV),a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that increases the risk of cervical cancer.

What is Pap smear and what do my results mean?

A Pap smear test is a simple procedure that looks for abnormal cell changes in the cervix. The cervix is the lowest part of the uterus, located at the top of your vagina. The Pap smear test can detect pre-cancerous cells. That means the cells can be removed before they have a chance to develop into cervical cancer,…

What exactly do they do during a Pap smear?

A Pap test, also called a Pap smear, is an exam a doctor uses to test for cervical cancer in women. It can also reveal changes in your cervical cells that may turn into cancer later. What Happens During the Test? It’s done in your doctor’s office or clinic and takes about 10 to 20 minutes.

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