A pap smear (or pap test) is a screening for cervical cancer. It involves taking cells from the cervix and vagina and examining them under a microscope. The test is looking for cervical ...

Although you can get a Pap smear during your menstrual period, some doctors may prefer you do not. A heavy flow may alter your exam results. If in doubt, it’s better to ask your OB-GYN, but try not to ...

If you’re getting your first Pap, it may feel a little uncomfortable because it’s a new sensation that your body isn’t yet used to. People often say it feels like a small pinch, but everyone has a ...

An abnormal Pap smear means some percentage of your cervix cells appear abnormal in shape or size. In most cases, an abnormal Pap smear does not indicate cancer and is in fact caused by HPV. If you ...

When it comes to preventative exams, they can often seem like an unnecessary bother or even just another item on the to-do list, but they're an opportunity to monitor your health and touch base with ...

Editor's note: anyone with a cervix can get a Pap smear, but for this article, we included sources who generally referred to these people as women. Going to the doctor for any type of exam can feel ...

A Pap smear or Pap test involves a doctor taking a small sample of cells from a person’s cervix using a brush or spatula-like instrument to look for changes in the cervix’s cells. Share on Pinterest ...

Maybe you had a bad experience with your last Pap smear and you’re wary of going back to the ob-gyn. Or maybe you’ve never had one before and are scared to make the appointment. It’s understandable to ...

The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force has drafted a new recommendation for cervical cancer screening. The biggest change: Women ages 30 to 65 should get an HPV test every five years instead of a ...

Many people who have a Pap smear notice light bleeding, or spotting, for a couple of days after the test. This may be due to irritation of the cervix. This symptom may occur because the Pap smear can ...