What is a PAP smear, and why is it done?

A pap smear refers to a sample of cervical wall cells which are obtained by scraping the cervix during a pelvic examination. Doctors generally also visually observe the cervix during the smear to detect any abnormalities.

Basically you lie on your back or your side on the couch. An instrument called a speculum is slid gently into your vagina and then opened so that the doctor can see the cervix clearly, with the help of a light. The smear is then taken with a thin spatula and a soft brush. It is really a very thin amount of mucus with cells that sit on the surface and the small opening of the cervix. The smear is then placed on a glass slide, which is sent away to be tested.

Papsmears are important because they can detect cancer of the uterine cervix or precancerous conditions - abnormalities of the cervix that may lead to cancer.

Every woman should have a pap smear done regularly once she becomes sexually active and is 18 years of age or older. Over here in Australia, it is recommended that a smear should be done every 2 years, it may be different in the US / UK / Europe and elsewhere.

Good luck :)

A pamp smear exam is an exam that checks for abnormal cells in the uterus, those abnormal cells often convert to cervix cancer. So thats why its better to have that exam every year. I was so scared of the first time that I had the exam but I felt nothing! It really isnt that bad.

I don't know why you couldn't just google this yourself. The info is EVERYWHERE. Here you go.

http://www.medicinenet.com/pap_smear/article.htm

http://www.ehealthmd.com/library/papsmear/PAP_what...