Pap smears
pap; smear; sexual; cervix; cervical; os; changes; cancer; sex; sexual; intercourse; speculum; womb; vagina; bleeding; discharge; wart; virus; smoking; HPV; human; papilloma; virus;
Contents
A Pap smear is done to check for changes to the cells of the cervix (the neck of the womb at the top of a woman's vagina).
Cancer of the cervix is one of the most preventable of all cancers but it usually develops without any symptoms. A Pap smear can find early warning signs long before cancer of the cervix develops.
- Without early treatment, cancer of the cervix can develop into a very serious problem and can cause death even in developed countries.
- Cancer of the cervix is a common cause of death in women who live in countries where Pap smears are not available.
If you are between the ages of 18 - 70 years and have ever had sexual intercourse you should have a Pap smear every two years. If women have a regular Pap smear 90% of cervical cancers could be prevented.
What happens
To have a Pap smear, you need see a doctor or nurse. It's a simple procedure:
- The doctor or nurse gently inserts an instrument called a speculum into the vagina, so that the cervix can be seen. This may be uncomfortable, but should not hurt. If you feel anxious, the doctor or nurse will talk more about the procedure, and hopefully help you to relax.
- A sample of cells is then collected from the surface of cervix using a small brush and spread ('smeared') on a glass slide.
- The cells on the slide are sent to a laboratory where they are looked at, and a report is sent to the doctor or nurse within two weeks.
- Women are asked to return to see the doctor or nurse for their results. Sometimes this may not be possible, and they might be able to phone for the results.
An 'abnormal' result
Usually the results are normal, but sometimes some of the cells on the surface of the cervix differ from normal cells.
- Often these changes are only minor, and the doctor or nurse will recommend that the woman has another Pap smear in 12 months to see if further changes develop, or if the cells return to normal, which they usually do.
- Sometimes there are changes that suggest that a cancer could be developing.
- Sometimes there may be signs of an infection .
If needed, the woman will be referred to a specialist doctor (gynaecologist) for further investigation and treatment.
Note: Pap smears are usually recommended every two years, but if you have any unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, see your doctor as soon as possible.
Causes of cancer of the cervix (cervical cancer)
At least 95% of women who develop cancer of the cervix have been infected by a few types of the human papilloma virus (HPV). There are many types of HPV, but only a few of these lead to changes in cells of the cervix.
The HPV virus is sexually transmitted, and most women who are sexually active will have HPV infections, though most of these HPV infections will not lead on the cancer of the cervix.
In Australia the government funds an HPV immunisation program for girls aged 12 to 13 years old.
A woman who has been immunised still needs to have regular Pap smears.
- Having the immunisation will give protection from 2 common types of HPV that cause cervical cancer, but it does not protect a woman from all HPV viruses that can cause cancer.
- A woman may had had an infection before she was immunised.
See the topic 'Human papillomavirus (HPV) - immunisation' for more information.
Resources
South Australia
You can see your own doctor, or some young people prefer to go to a sexual health clinic.
References and more information
SA Cervix Screening Program.
http://www.dh.sa.gov.au/pehs/cervix-screening-index.htm
The Cancer Council (South Australia) 'Cervix cancer'.
http://www.cancersa.org.au/aspx/detection_cervix_cancer.aspx
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Youth Healthline on 1300 13 17 19 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).