Pap Smear Guidelines

Pap smear is named after its developer George Papanicolaou. Pap smear test is a basic screening test which helps in the detection of cervical cancer, at an early stage. For this, a pap smear needs to be a part of women's routine medical checkup and it shouldn't be avoided under any circumstances. Cells from the cervix, the narrow opening at the base of the uterus, are collected during Pap smear and examined. Any changes in the cells leading to cervical cancer can be detected during this examination.

Pap smear has gained popularity in the last 50 years and this popularity has resulted in a noteworthy drop of fatalities arising out of cervical cancer. According to the available statistics, about 55 million Pap tests are performed each year in the United States, of which, approximately 3.5 million (6 %) are abnormal that require medical follow-up. In the U.S., about 4000 women die each year because of cervical cancer, but this figure would still drop if more women realize the importance of pap smears. Pap smear actually plays a role of a lifesaver, as 90 percent patients diagnosed with cervical cancer in its early stages, can be cured. Following Pap smear guidelines will inform you a lot about the test.

Regular Pap Tests

Women who are at a high risk of cervical cancer need to get a Pap smear done on a regular basis.

• Women who have had multiple sex partners.
• Women whose partner had multiple sex partners.
• Women who became sexually active at a very early age.
• A woman who has a family history of cervical cancer.
• Women who have been infected with human papillomavirus.
• Women who smoke or use tobacco regularly.
• Those who have HIV.
• Those babies who have been exposed to diethylstilbestrol.
• A woman who has a history or is prone to sexually transmitted diseases.
• If the previous pap smear has shown precancerous cells.
• Woman who have had sex without using any protection should undergo the test.

How to Prepare for a Pap Smear

• At least 2 days before the Pap smear, avoid intercourse or douching or using any medication or spermicidal creams, gels or jellies.
• Do not opt for a Pap smear close to your menstrual period.
• The best time for the test is between 10-20 days after the first day of the last menstruation cycle.

When and How Often Should the Pap Test be Done

• Women should have a Pap test at least once every 2 years, beginning about 3 years after they begin to have sexual intercourse, but no later than age 21. This three years period is recommended to avoid over-treatment for insignificant or temporary abnormal changes. Waiting for three years is considered quite safe as cervical cancer usually develops slowly and it is rarely noticed in women under age 25.
• Women should have their first Pap smear at age 21 (unless the woman has had a previous abnormal Pap smear, which is extremely rare).
• The new Pap smear guidelines suggest that women in their 20s should have a Pap smear every two years (assuming prior Pap smears have been normal)
• Women belonging to the age group 30 plus, who have had three consecutive normal Pap smears can have a Pap smear every three years.
• After hysterectomy, women need not have a Pap test, unless the surgery was done as the treatment for pre-cancer or cancer.
• For abnormal Pap smear results, the doctor may order a repeat test. Sometimes, some other tests are also ordered.
• Women belonging to the age group of 65-70, who have already had at least three normal Pap tests and no abnormal Pap tests in the last 10 years may stop having Pap tests, after consulting with their physician.
• The treatment options for abnormal Pap smears are cryotherapy, laser therapy, conization or loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP).

The above guidelines need to be followed by all women, no matter whether they have been or have not been vaccinated for the HPV (Human papillomavirus).

All women should regularly undergo a Pap test and pelvic exam, as both are considered as important factors of woman's health care routines. They can help detect abnormalities that may lead to invasive cancer of the cervix. Thanks to the modern-day researchers that these abnormalities can be treated before the development of the cancer. Regular Pap tests performed according to the above guidelines help prevent the most invasive cancer of the cervix.