Written by Tavishi Dogra | Updated : July 14, 2023 11:05 AM IST
A pap smear is a test gynaecologists use to screen for cervical cancer. It is done during routine gynaecological examination. Dr Vaishali Joshi, a senior Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Kokilaben Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, now answers the most frequently asked questions about Pap smear and its testing:
Cervical cancer develops over 8-9 years, mainly due to Human Papilloma Virus ( HPV) infection leading to pre-cancerous changes in the cervix. We can treat the tumour completely if a test detects these changes before cancer sets in.
Pap smears cannot be performed during periods.
Having sex, usage of vaginal pessaries or tampons, application of vaginal creams and vaginal douche.
One could avoid it in women above 65 yrs of age if they had all their previous Pap smears reported negative for cancer.
It needs to be done from 3 years till the age of 65 yrs.
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