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When Should You Get Screened for Cervical Cancer?
What to Expect During a Pap Test
During a Pap test, you can expect the following:
- You will be asked to undress from the waist down and will be given a sheet to cover your lower body.
- You will lie down on the examination table and place your feet in stirrups to hold them in place (stirrups are often cold, so you may want to wear a pair of socks).
- Your doctor will lubricate your vagina and insert a tool called a speculum that will spread the opening and allow access to the cervix.
- Your doctor will take a small brush or cotton swab and use it to take a sample of cells by gently rubbing the cervix.
- The cells are then transferred to a slide or tube so they can be sent to the lab for analysis.
- Once the sample is taken, your doctor will gently remove the speculum and you will be done with your Pap test.
Some women experience mild discomfort, similar to menstrual cramps, but this usually goes away once the exam is finished. If you experience any pain during or after the test, let your doctor know immediately.
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