{"id":1148,"date":"2020-02-07T10:11:29","date_gmt":"2020-02-07T10:11:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-care-of-bradenton\/?p=1148"},"modified":"2025-09-24T00:37:38","modified_gmt":"2025-09-24T04:37:38","slug":"9-things-you-should-know-about-pap-smear","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-care-of-bradenton\/blog\/9-things-you-should-know-about-pap-smear\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Things You Should Know About Pap Smear"},"content":{"rendered":"

Visiting your gynecologist regularly means that you undergo certain tests and procedures from time to time for preventive purposes. Although many women avoid going to their gynecologist until they have specific symptoms, it\u2019s a good idea to do all the necessary examinations and tests once a year, Pap smear included.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re new to this and still haven\u2019t found out what does Pap mean<\/span>,<\/b> you\u2019ve come to the right place! We\u2019ll try to explain everything you need to know about Pap smears, their purpose, and use, so read on.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is a Pap Smear?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

A Pap Smear test is a procedure done to diagnose cervical cancer in women of all ages. All women who regularly undergo a Pap smearing test have more chances to prevent and cure cervical cancer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You might also be wondering about what does smearing mean and we\u2019re here to explain it all. When a Pap smear test is done, the gynecologist collects a sample of cells from your cervix, the lower part of your vagina, for further examination. This is extremely helpful in early cervical cancer diagnosis, prevention, and cure.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Is a Pap Smear Done?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Just like we mentioned before, a Pap smear test is done to screen women of different ages and profiles for cervical cancer. It\u2019s recommended that women start with Pap smear testing as early as 21 in order to prevent and diagnose unwanted changes in the cells of the cervix.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Does a Pap smear test for HIV?\u2019 is a question many women ask, but the truth is that a Pap smear test can be combined with an HPV test that can detect the human papillomavirus if it\u2019s present. Human papillomavirus is a very common, sexually-transmitted disease that is known to cause cervical cancer, so in some cases, this test is performed instead of a Pap smearing test.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Who Should Do a Pap Smear?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

In consultation with your OB\/GYN<\/a><\/span>, you should decide when it\u2019s best to start doing a Pap smear test. Most gynecologists recommend starting with Pap testing once a woman turns 21, but there is no universal formula. Every woman is different and should know and take care of her reproductive health well. \"blackboard<\/span><\/p>\n

How Often Should a Pap Smear Be Done?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Your gynecologist will determine how often you should do a Pap smear test, but generally, it\u2019s recommended to do it every three years once you turn 21. Women who are thirty and older can consider having a Pap smear test every five years, but only if it\u2019s combined with an HPV test.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If a Pap smear inflammation is present, or your doctor detects some risk factors, they might suggest doing a Pap smear test more often regardless of how old you are. Some of the factors include the following:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n