Wikipedia defines Pap test as (also called Papanicolaou test, Pap smear, cervical smear, or smear test) a screening test used to detect pre-cancerous and cancerous processes in the endocervical canal (transformation zone) of the female reproductive system. Changes can be treated, thus preventing cervical cancer.
I have know about Pap test for a while as there are so many ads in the tv about the importance of getting a Pap test .
The information I am aware of so far about Pap smear is
- “If you are between the ages of 18 and 70 years and have ever been sexually active, you should have a Pap smear every two years. A Pap smear can find early warning signs long before cancer of the cervix (neck of the womb) develops.
- If women have regular Pap smears, 90% of cervical cancers can be prevented. A Pap smear can detect changes in your cervix and you can be monitored by your doctor to prevent it developing into cancer.
- Even if you no longer have periods, or you haven’t had sex for years, you still need to have a Pap smear.”
Look at the ad below for Pap test.
I had booked one test a while ago in April 2011 but for some reason I couldn’t go. Everytime I visit my GP , they would ask me if I had one done but I kept telling them that I would do it soon.
On Wednesday , I wasn’t feeling well so went and saw a GP near work. She was a young female doctor so I thought I will mention to her that I will need a Pap test as well. She asked me if I had one done before and my answer was no.
So after so many months of putting it off, I had my first Pap test.
It was really quick and I didn’t fell as uncomfortable as I thought I would. She just asked me to lie on a bed and examined my cervix. She place an instrument called a speculum and took two swapes with wooden spatula which will be sent away to a lab for a test. All it took for the test was 5 minutes of my time.
I feel like a fool now for not doing it sooner. My result will be available by next week.
I am writing this post hoping that if any of my female reader is putting off doing a Pap test, then my experience will encourage you to go and book the appoinment. As I said before it is not as bad as it sounds and it can save your life.
nepaliaustralian 
@ Mel: Hope you are doing yours regularly. I know in Nepal, it is not easy as here.
@tashsn : Thanks Tashsn, I wanted to be in holiday mood so changed the header.
Hope you have made an appointment for Pap test by now 🙂
and M I love your cover picture! 🙂
This is great. I’ve been procrastinating too, putting off my PAP test..but I should really get on with it. 🙂
Great post about woman health. Very informative. Thank you.