1. What happens if I skip Pap smear?

Cervical cancer develops silently and doesn’t have any symptoms in precancerous or early stage of cancer. Precancerous changes exist in cervix for years before turning into cancer. Only way to diagnose it in precancerous stage  is going for regular screening with Pap smears. If you skip Pap smears these early changes remain undetected and untreated, allowing them to progress in advance cancer. By the time symptoms like abnormal bleeding, foul smelling discharge or pelvic pain appears disease is often at a more advanced stage and is harder to treat.

2. What is Pap Smear?

Pap smear test is a simple screening test done as a routine health check even if you don’t have any symptoms. In this test gynaecologist gently takes a small sample of cells from cervix using a soft brush. These cells are examined under microscope to look for abnormal changes. It’s a quick test takes only few minutes. It’s not painful at all however few women feel slight discomfort while getting the test.

3. How long does it take to get the results of Pap Smear?

Usually it takes 3-7 days to get the results depending on laboratory.

4. How can I make Pap smear Comfortable?

Most women fear that Pap smear test is painful however in reality most women experience mild discomfort or pressure not pain. Try to relax your pelvic muscles, tension increases discomfort and Inform your doctor immidiately if you experience any pain. Schedule the test when you don’t have periods. Avoid intercourse and vaginal medicines or douching 48 hrs before test