PAP Smear Test: Purpose, Procedure And Cost
Pap smear tests screen for cervical cancer, which is the opening of the uterus. Typically, it helps test the presence of cancerous or precancerous cells in your cervix. The cervix is the beginning of your uterus. During the test, the doctor tends to gently scrape the cells from the cervix and use them to examine for abnormal cells. The tests will be conducted at the doctor’s office and are mildly uncomfortable, but the pain is not long-lasting. Pap smears are also known as pap tests. The procedure is for screening for cervical cancer in women. If you are 21 and above, you must find a pap smear clinic near me and get tests. Learn more about these tests here.
The Purpose of a Pap Smear Test
This test is conducted to look for changes in your cervix. Suppose you have cancer. Finding it early will enable you to fight it. Suppose you do not have, finding the cell changes can prevent you from getting cancer. If you are 21 to 65, you must have a pap smear test regularly. This will depend on your overall health and whether you have had a positive pap smear test in the past. According to the American Cancer Society, you must begin cancer screening at 25 years old. Some women might be at risk of getting cervical cancer. these risks include;
- If you are HIV positive.
- If you have a weak immune system due to chemotherapy or organ transplant.
If you are above 25 years old and tests have been negative all through, you will be required to come back every five years. This time the tests will be combined with the HPV tests. According to current guidelines, women between 25 to 65 should undergo human papillomavirus tests alongside pap smears.
HPV is a virus that results in warts, increasing your chances of getting cancer. HPV type 16 and 18 and the leading causes of cervical cancer. Suppose you have the HPV virus. You will need frequent pap smear tests because you are at risk of getting cervical cancer.
After 65 years with a history of regular pap smear tests, you will need to stop undergoing these tests. This is because you are no longer at risk of getting this disease. Getting frequent pap smears is critical because it will enable you to be a healthy mind regarding your reproductive health. This virus tends to be dormant for years and can suddenly become active.
How often you should take these tests depends on your age factor and the risks. For instance, if you are 21 years and above, you will need to take the tests every three years. When you clock 30 to 65 years, you will need to take them after every five years and HPV together. When you reach 65 years, you will no longer require those tests.
The procedure recommends for women with a cervix. If you have had a hysterectomy involving removing a cervix and have no history of cervical cancer, you will not require these tests. The recommendations tend to vary and must be individualized for women with weak immune systems or a history of precancerous or cancerous cells.
The Procedure of a Pap Smear Test
Preparation
You will need to find a pap smear test clinic near me to prepare for these tests and schedule a consultation session. Your annual gynecologist can conduct the tests, or you can request a separate appointment with the gynecologist. Most insurance plans cover these tests, but you might need to pay a copay.
Suppose your menstrual period comes on the day of the appointment. You will be required to reschedule the tests because the tests could be inaccurate. You will also need to avoid sexual intercourse, douching, or using spermicidal products the day before these tests because they might alter the outcome.
Typically, it is safe to have the tests in the first 24 weeks of the pregnancy. After this, the procedure might be too painful. Also, you will have to wait until you are 12 weeks after giving to help increase the accuracy of the tests.
During the Pap Smear Procedure
Pap smear tests tend to be uncomfortable, but the trials are quick. You will have to lie on your back on the examination table during the tests. Your legs will be spread, and the feet will rest on the stirrups. The gynecologist will then insert a speculum tool into your vagina. The device helps open the vaginal walls and offers access to your cervix.
A small sample of the cells scraps from your cervix. During the brief scrapping, you will feel some slight push and irritation. The models will then go to the lab for testing. After these tests, you will feel some little discomfort or some cramping. You can as well feel some slight vaginal bleeding immediately after the test. Inform your doctor if this persists.
The Results of the Procedure
There are two possible results of this treatment. There are normal or abnormal.
Normal Pap Smear Tests
Suppose the tests come out standard, which means you have no precancerous cells. The typical outcomes are sometimes negative. If the result is specific, you probably do not need a pap smear test for the next three years.
Abnormal Pap Smear Tests
Suppose the tests are abnormal. It means you have abnormal cells in your cervix. Some of these cells could be precancerous. Based on what these tests results show, the doctor might recommend the following;
- A regular pap smear test.
- Colposcopy is getting a closer look at your cervical tissue.
Pap Smear Costs
Pap smear costs vary, as it is with other health procedures. Typically, these tests run between $50 to $150 based on the clinic and if you do not have insurance. Health insurance does cover the difficulties. The estimates, however, do not include the costs for a pelvic exam. Check with your provider to see if your health insurance covers these tests.
Conclusion
Pap smear tests are critical. Therefore ensure you find a pap smear clinic near me. The tests help save many lives from cervical cancer, a deadly disease. Make sure to avoid sex before the tests for two days to help get accurate results. Pap smears go well if you are more relaxed. Therefore, ensure you are calm and take deep breaths during the procedure. If the outcome of the tests is abnormal, your doctor will ask you to come for frequent tests.