6 Important Questions about Pap Smear Examination

Cervical cancer that is only treated after the appearance of symptoms can be considered too late. This is where the importance of regular Pap smears, so that abnormalities of cells in the cervix that are at risk of becoming cancer cells can be detected early. Pap smears are procedures for taking and examining cell samples from the cervix, to see whether there are abnormalities that can lead to cervical cancer. This check needs to be done regularly, according to age and risk factors.

Important for Women to Know

Although this test is very important, there are still many women who have not had a Pap smear because of lack of information. The following are some frequently asked questions about Pap smears, along with their answers:

• When should a Pap smear be done?

Pap smears should be done every two years, from the age of 21 years. After the age of 30 years, this test can be done every three years. In Indonesia, Pap smears are recommended for women of childbearing age who are married or sexually active. Women of childbearing age are in the age range of 20-45 years. Pap smears can be combined with more specific tests to detect Human Papillomavirus (HPV), especially in women 30 years and over. In addition, doctors can also recommend that the examination be done more often if the patient has certain risk factors, such as suffering from HIV infection, was diagnosed with precancerous cells at a previous examination, had a history of cervical cancer, or experienced a weakness of the immune system.

• What needs to be prepared to undergo a Pap smear?

Before undergoing a Pap smear examination, it is recommended that you do not have sexual intercourse or wash your vagina with a vaginal cleaner for at least 2-3 days, so that the results of the Pap smear can be more accurate. This examination is also recommended to be done a few days after or before menstruation.

• How is a Pap smear done?

During the Pap smear process, the doctor will ask you to lie on the examination table with your legs spread as you bend your knees, and place them on the footrest. Then, the doctor will insert a speculum (a tool that resembles a duck duck) to open the vagina, then carve a soft brush or cotton swab into the cervix to collect cell samples. This sample will be taken to the laboratory and examined using a microscope.

• Does the Pap smear hurt?

This examination is actually not painful, it's just that you might feel uncomfortable, especially when the doctor inserted a speculum into the vagina to take cell samples.

• Are the Pap smear results always accurate?

Like all other medical examinations, Pap smears are not completely accurate. This inaccurate result can occur due to lack of sample of cells taken, the presence of inflammation, or it could also be due to the presence of blood that prevents the appearance of abnormal cells.

• What if my Pap smear test results are positive?

Please note that the actual abnormal cells that are found do not necessarily lead to cancer. Usually the doctor will suggest to repeat the test 4-6 months later, depending on the type of cell found. The doctor can also recommend colposcopy to take cell samples in the cervix. Colposcopy is done by inserting a small tube with a camera through the vagina into the cervix, to see more clearly the signs of cancer cells around the area.

Routine Pap smear examination is very important to detect cervical cancer early. Women of childbearing age who are already sexually active are advised to undergo regular Pap smears. Consult your doctor to find out the recommended schedule according to your condition.