Did you know that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women worldwide? No? Ok, now you know. Another thing you should know is that having a routine pap smear can drastically diminish the chances of developing cervical cancer. I had never done a pap smear before (stop judging), simply because I never really saw the need. Apparently, there is a huge need for this, especially if there are more women out there like me (I see you). So, if you are reading this, book a consultation asap with your gynecologist, and open wide!
After gaining the courage to take this step, I booked my appointment with Dr. Maria Karakoulaki, a Specialist Aesthetic Gynecologist and Obstetrics in Dubai. She asked me when my last pap smear was done, and I murmured ‘never’. All she said was “you have to get them done at least once a year”, but all my brain could decipher was ‘shame! Shame! Shame!’. But before going ahead with the ‘routine pap smear’, she gave me a lecture on why it is important for these pap tests.
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The Importance of Pap Smear Tests
Also known as a pap test, a pap smear is a cervical screening procedure for cervical cancer. “The check entails testing for the presence of abnormal cells – cancerous or pre-cancerous cells – in the cervix,” explained Dr. Maria, adding that sometimes other forms of gynecological abnormalities can also be detected during this pap test.
During this procedure, cells from the cervix (opening of the uterus) are gently scraped and collected to be examined for abnormal growths. The procedure is usually done at the gynecologist’s office. “Most women who have never undergone the test think that it’s painful but it’s not something to be afraid of. Yes, it can be a bit uncomfortable, but the discomfort goes away after a few minutes.” All true, as I can attest to this fact. Just a slight discomfort, with a bit of pressure.
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How Does a Routine Pap Smear Test Help Prevent Cervical Cancer?
According to Dr Maria, routine cervical screening, and appropriate and timely follow-up of abnormal results gives one a chance at stopping the possibility of cervical cancer, and a greater chance at a cure. “This is because cervical cancer develops very slowly and starts as a precancerous condition known as dysplasia, which is entirely treatable. Also, if the cervical cancer cells are detected early, treatment can start before it gets the chance to spread and become a bigger concern.”
Additionally, continues the doctor, a pap smear can detect abnormal cells which might suggest that cancer might develop in the future. Also, additional tests on these cells might be required to check for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes almost all cervical cancers. “Women who are sexually active are at risk for contracting HPV and it is advisable to get a routine pap smear at least annually.”
However, a Pap smear cannot detect other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). As much as it can sometimes detect cell growth that might indicate other cancers, it should not be relied on for that purpose, and more tests should be done.
Candidates for a Pap smear
It is recommended that any woman over the age of 21 years gets a routine pap smear every year. “Women who are over 30 and are yet to have an abnormal pap test can talk to their doctors about having a pap smear with additional HPV screening.”
Getting regular Pap tests based on your age is essential regardless of your sexual activity status. This is due to the fact that the HPV virus can be dormant for years and then suddenly become active.
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Preparing for a Pap Smear
You can schedule a pap smear appointment with your gynecologist at any given time, however, if you are menstruating you should let your doctor know because it can affect the results. To avoid inconveniences, your doctor might reschedule the appointment to a later date when you’ve stopped menstruating. Also, avoid douching, using spermicidal products, and having sexual intercourse the day before the test. I did it and so can you!
Do you get routine pap smear tests? How does that make you feel? And what are your thoughts on pap smears in general?
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