Everything you wanted to know about pap smears but were too afraid to ask

The pap smear is an important screening test for cervical cancer, but many women are still nervous about the painless procedure. Are you one of them? The doctors of “Pinoy MD” are here to break it down for you.

What is a pap smear?
A pap smear tests for cervical cancer, a disease that kills 12 Pinays every day. According to DOH undersecretary Janette Garin, cervical cancer is a “silent killer” because symptoms do not manifest until the mutation of cells reaches the advanced stage. It is the fifth leading cause of death among women in the Philippines.

This is why a regular pap smear is important for all women over 21 years of age. The recommended interval is once every 3 years. “Sa panahon ngayon, mas maganda ‘yung prevention,” says Dr. Karen Torredes. “Hindi ‘yung iintaying magkasakit bago pa gamutin.”

How does a pap smear work?
When undergoing a pap smear, the OB-Gynecologist will ask you to lie down and spread your legs. A small instrument called a speculum is inserted into the vagina so that the OB-Gyn can see the cervix. The OB-Gyn will then use a cotton swab to take a sample of your cervix cells, and send it to the laboratory for testing.

Pap smear FAQs
Where is my cervix?
The cervix is located inside a woman’s body, in between the vagina and the uterus. This acts as a passageway that goes both ways: Sperm must pass the cervix going to the uterus, and menstrual blood passes through the cervix going down to the vagina. The cervix also expands during childbirth.

Will I get my period after a pap smear?
No. However, it’s normal to have spotting (light bleeding) for one to two days after getting a pap smear. If you experience a strong flow similar to your period, that is abnormal and you have to inform your OB-Gyn.

Will it affect “virginity”?
“Ang pagkakawala ng virginity, sa totoo lang, dapat nakipagtalik ka,” says Dr. Torredes. “Dapat may sexual contact. Ang paggawa ng pap smear ay hindi nakakawala ng virginity.”

I haven’t had sex. Should I still undergo a pap smear?
Yes. Sexual contact isn’t the only factor that influences whether you’ll get cervical cancer. It’s also genetic, and can be affected by lifestyle choices like smoking. All women should get tested every three years starting at the age of 21.

Does a pap smear hurt?
Not really. Like any medical procedure, it isn’t the most comfortable feeling in the world. But if you can handle the discomfort of peeing into a cup, or getting poked by a syringe, or any other other tests doctors subject you to, you can handle this.

Is it embarrassing?
OB-Gyns examine many women in a single day. They’re used to the female anatomy and know that women are sometimes nervous, so they’re very professional during the procedure. You’ll be fine! —Cristina Tantengco/CM, GMA News