 | A Pap Test is the best way to be sure that you don't have cancer in you cervix. The cervix is the opening from the uterus to the vagina. |
| Sometimes a Pap test can find infections, too. |
| If these problems are found early, they can usually be treated with success. |
| A Pap test is done in the doctor's office. It takes only a few minutes, and it doesn't hurt. |
| Your doctor or nurse uses a small metal tube to gently open your vagina. Then your cervix is gently swabbed to get samples. |
| The samples are sent to a lab to be tested. In a week or two, the lab sends the test results to your doctor or nurse. |
| You should have your first Pap test when you're 18 years old--or before 18 if you've started having sex |
| Keep having Pap tests as often as your doctor or nurse recommends. This may be every year, or it may be less often if you've had at least three normal yearly Pap tests. |
| A normal test results means your cervix looks healthy. Come back for your next Pap test when your doctor or nurse tells you to. |
| An abnormal test result means there is something unusual in your sample. This doesn't always mean there's a problem. But you may need to come back for more tests. |
| You may feel a little discomfort at first. The more you can relax, the more comfortable you'll be. |
| Breathe slowly and deeply. Relax your stomach and legs. Look at a picture on the wall, daydream, or ask questions. |
| You may have a little bleeding after the test. This is normal. |
Call your doctor's office now if any of the following is true:
| Its been one to three years since you last Pap test. |
| You're over 18 and have never had a Pap test. |
| You're sexually active and have never had a Pap test. |
Any woman can have a problem in her cervix. But some women have a higher risk of developing cancer or infections. To find out if your risk is higher, answer the questions below.
| Do you smoke? |
| If your sexually active, have you had more than one partner? |
| Have you ever had a sexually transmitted disease (STD)? |
The more "YES" answers you have, the more important it is to have regular Pap tests. Even if you answered "NO" to all questions, Pap tests are still important. They are the best way to catch problems early.
