What is a Pap Smear?
The Pap smear is named after George N. Papanicolaou, a medical scientist who developed the test. A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a simple screening test that checks for cell changes in the cervix. These changes would signal for further testing in prevention against cancer, or infection and inflammation in the cervical canal. Cervical problems, when caught early, can almost always be treated, though, and the sooner a problem is caught, the better. So if you haven't had one already, be sure to call Your OBGYN and get one as soon as possible.

Before the Test
Do not douche, use vaginal creams, or have sex for two days prior to the test.

What to Expect
Prior to the test, a nurse will ask you about your health, and you will fill out a form. You will then go into the examination room, and put on a paper gown, and a sheet to cover you. You will then lie down on the table with a sheet over your legs and stomach in the lithotomy position, with your feet up in stirrups. The doctor will come in the room, and start the procedure. First, the doctor will examine your vaginal area for signs of infection or other problems. Then the doctor will slide a speculum, a thin piece of plastic or metal, into your vagina to spread the walls of the uterus. A small brush will be used to take cells from your cervix for future lab testing. After the Pap test, the doctor will check your ovaries and uterus, feeling from the outside and the inside, for lumps or tenderness.

After the Test
After the procedure, the cells will be sent off to a lab for testing. If they come back abnormal, don't panic. Abnormal Pap results can mean many things, such as inflammation caused by normal cell repair. However, the test may indicate a problem that could cause cervical cancer in the future. Discuss your results with your doctor. Find out about any follow-up tests needed to be done, and be sure to keep track of your follow-up visits.