What is a pap smear?

This is a simple test which detects any changes in the cells of your cervix which might develop into cancer.

It doesn't hurt. It only takes a few minutes. And it can mean the difference between being able to have children, or not.

Annual tests can prevent cancer of the cervix by detecting it very early.

Before your smear

If you have your period, phone the doctor and ask if he still wants you to keep your appointment. If not, make another one at the earliest opportunity.
Don't use any contraceptive jelly, foams or film for 24 hours before your visit.

How the Pap smear is taken

An instrument called a speculum is placed inside the vagina so the doctor can see the tip of your cervix.

Cells are then taken with a tiny brush and a small stick. These are smeared onto a glass slide and sent to the lab. for testing.

You may feel a tiny pinch as the scraping is done, but it's not really painful.

If for any reason you don't receive your results - which are almost always normal - contact your doctor or clinic to make sure they were OK. The length of time it takes to get results, depends on how busy the lab staff are.