Pap Smear 101: Everything You Need to Know About This Essential Screening
Consider this post your crash course on Pap smears. (PHOTO: Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash)
By Dr Laylah Fayker | MBChB (STELL)
Everyone with a uterus has learned, at some point or other, that a Pap smear is an essential procedure. You’re told that by a certain age it’s necessary and the importance is highlighted, along with it being an annual screening. But how often are you taught the ‘why’?
As this is one of the most frequent procedures done at the practice, we chose to write this post which covers everything you need to know about Pap smears. From preparation to the procedure and what to expect before and after – we’ve got you covered.
WHAT IS IT?
It’s a procedure done to see if there are any irregularities in the cervix as it allows doctors to have a direct look at the cervix. A Pap smear is a useful method of screening for cervical cancer by checking for cancerous cells on the lower end of the uterus (womb). In addition, a Pap smear is used to test to see if you have a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, and HPV (Human Papillomavirus), as HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer.
Did you know?
A screening test identifies potential disease in asymptomatic individuals to detect problems early, while a diagnostic test confirms or rules out disease in symptomatic individuals or those with abnormal screening results.
Understanding the procedure: A visual guide to the anatomy involved in this essential screening test for cervical health. (PHOTO: U.S Government)
HOW IS IT PERFORMED?
At Dr Laylah Fayker’s Practice Rooms, Pap smears are conducted during a consultation. The procedure is done on the examination bed and we try our best to make it as comfortable as possible for you.
Your visit to the practice will begin with a consultation where your medical history will be taken. This helps our doctors determine if there are any risk factors that need to be noted. The procedure will be explained to you and you’re welcome to ask any questions you may have.
If at any point during the consultation you feel that you’ve changed your mind about the procedure, please inform us and we can reschedule for another day.
A urine test is conducted which requires a urine sample on your part. The sample will be tested for pregnancy and used for a urine analysis. Your heart rate and blood pressure will be looked at and an abdominal examination will be conducted.
You’ll be asked to get undressed from the waist down, get onto the bed and lay down with your knees bent upward and spread out.
The speculum (see below) gets placed into the vaginal canal and gently opened, which allows the doctor to view the vaginal walls, cervix, and lower section of the womb.
Thereafter, a non-invasive silicone brush is used to gently brush cells off the cervix so that the doctor can collect a sample for testing.
Once done, the speculum is closed gently and removed.
The speculum, which resembles a bird’s beak, is the medical device used during the procedure.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR IT?
The good news is that there’s no preparation involved when it comes to getting a Pap smear. You’re welcome to do it any time in your cycle, even while you’re menstruating. You’re not required to wear specific clothing as you will need to get undressed for your appointment and there’s no need to shave or wax before your appointment.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER?
The sample is sent to the laboratory, where it gets viewed under a microscope to see if the cells on the cervix are normal and to detect any infections that may be present.
The specimen testing at the laboratory is viewed under a microscope to check if the cells on the cervix are normal and to detect any infections that may be present.
The silicone brush used during the procedure has a head that spans less than 2cm in height and width.
IS IT PAINFUL?
Patients are usually afraid of the speculum device and the associated procedure due to the pain that others have associated with it. These concerns are usually surrounding the invasive nature of the test. At our practice rooms, we have varying sizes of speculums ranging from extra small to large. As each person has a different pelvis, different sizes are required.
Our doctors always begin with the smallest size and will request consent if a bigger size is required to better visualise your cervix. There usually is an element of discomfort in the procedure but it is very brief. Our practitioners make a concerted effort to communicate with you as we are doing the procedure and create a space where you have the opportunity to let us know if you are experiencing pain or discomfort.
WHY IS IT NECESSARY?
Cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer in South African women yet the disease is simultaneously the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. By having a Pap smear done, you are not only screening for it but once you receive your results, can also begin the process of preventing cervical cancer.
In South Africa, more than 22 million South African women older than 15 years of age, are at risk of developing cervical cancer. The National Library of Medicine has confirmed that Cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer worldwide.
“Women in South Africa have a one in forty-one risk of developing this type of cancer in their lifetime.”
WHO SHOULD GET IT?
Any person with a uterus.
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE OUTCOMES?
The results will indicate if any of the infections tested for are present. This includes a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis and HPV (Human Papillomavirus).
If there are abnormal cells they are graded as low risk or high risk for cancerous change or presence of cancerous cells.
If you’re interested in booking a Pap smear with our practice, you can do so here.
SOURCES: National Library of Medicine: Cervical Cancer, National Library of Medicine: Cervical Cancer Epidemiology, CANSA, NICD
