Jakarta (ANTARA) – September is commemorated as Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month, and one of the diseases that most women suffer from is cervical cancer, which can be diagnosed by testing. pap smear.
Around the world, many women are undergoing pap smear and this test is often referred to as having a painful taste. Many questions about this test that cause women to discourage from doing it.
Also read: The right time to get the HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer
Citing the Indian Express on Tuesday, Dr. Kavya Krishnakumar, consultant obstetrics and gynecology at Motherhood Hospital, Chennai, India explains some questions about the test pap smear from the pain to the procedure.
Dr. Kavya says pap smear It’s not painful, but can sometimes be uncomfortable. Some people often describe it as a small pinch, but everyone’s pain threshold is different.
Pap smear used to determine if your cervical cells are normal. If you have abnormal cells, the medical staff will suggest to undergo additional tests to see if the cells are cancerous, even you will be advised to destroy the abnormal cells and lower the risk of cervical cancer.
One of the common questions about the test pap smear is the possibility of bleeding after the test. Dr. Kavya says although it doesn’t happen to everyone, bleeding after pap smear could occur.
It is often caused by a small scratch or scrape on the cervix or in the vagina. Bleeding is usually light and should stop within a day. Call your doctor right away if the bleeding becomes heavier or lasts more than three days.
Pap smear is not the same as a pelvic exam, although doctors often do it during a pelvic exam. The reproductive organs, including the vagina, vulva, cervix, ovaries, and uterus, are examined during a pelvic exam.
Your doctor will examine your vulva and vaginal opening for any unusual discharge, redness, or other irritation.
Also read: Getting cervical cancer doesn’t mean a death sentence
How much do you need to test pap smear
Pap smear can detect precancerous cells in the cervix and thus help in the prevention of cervical cancer. Although cervical cancer is often caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted through genital or anal contact, every woman should do pap smear regularly, ideally after being sexually active.
Your pap smear should be done every three years for women over 21 years. For women aged 30 to 65 years should have it every five years along with the HPV test.
The act of performing both tests at the same time is referred to as co-testing. People with HIV or who have a weakened immune system should do pap smear more often and the doctor will make recommendations for specific testing.
what pap smear can be done during menstruation? do pap smear during the menstrual period can have an impact on the accuracy of the results. Due to the presence of blood, it may be difficult for the examining doctor to obtain a clear sample of cervical cells.
Test procedure
A doctor or nurse will first ask about your medical history, including experience pap smear previously.
This test progresses quickly. The doctor or nurse will insert a speculum and take a sample of cells from the cervix which usually takes less than a minute.
Before doing the test, it’s a good idea to urinate first. Practice deep breathing and try to relax and if you feel scared and ask the doctor to use the smallest size of the speculum.
Pap smear it may be uncomfortable for some, but it is a basic test that can detect changes in the cervix very early.
Also read: Does a pap smear hurt?
Also read: “Oase” optimizes the role of PKK in preventing cervical cancer
Reporter: Maria Cicilia
Editor: Ida Nurcahyani
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