A Pap smear, also known as a Pap test, is a routine screening procedure for cervical cancer. During a Pap smear, cells are collected from the cervix and examined under a microscope to detect any abnormalities that could potentially lead to cervical cancer if left untreated.
Many women wonder if they need to shave or trim their pubic hair before getting a Pap smear. Here are some quick answers to common questions about shaving before a Pap test:
Do I need to shave before a Pap smear?
No, shaving is not required before a Pap smear. The doctor or nurse performing the Pap test is focused on the cervix, not the surrounding pubic hair.
Should I avoid shaving before my Pap smear?
You do not need to avoid shaving, but shaving right before the appointment may cause irritation or micro-abrasions that could impact the test results. It is best to shave at least 24-48 hours prior to the exam.
What if I always shave my pubic hair?
If you routinely shave the area, you can continue to do so leading up to your Pap smear. Just be sure to avoid nicking or irritating the skin right before the test.
Can pubic hair impact the results?
Having pubic hair does not affect the collection of cells during a Pap smear or impact the test results. The speculum and collection brush reach the cervix regardless of hair presence.
Should I trim instead of shaving?
Trimming long pubic hairs prior to the exam may make things more comfortable for you. It also avoids potential irritation from shaving. But shaving or trimming is completely optional.
Why Do Women Get Pap Smears?
The main reason women get Pap smears is to screen for cervical cancer. Here is some key information about the purpose and importance of Pap smears:
- Cervical cancer screening aims to detect abnormal cellular changes before cancer develops.
- Early detection from regular Pap smears allows for treatment before cancer occurs.
- Pap smears identify precancerous lesions or abnormal cells so they can be monitored or removed.
- Removing abnormal cells through colposcopy procedures can prevent progression to cervical cancer.
- Pap smears have dramatically reduced cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates.
- The Pap test checks for cellular changes caused by HPV, the virus that causes most cervical cancer.
- Screening guidelines recommend Pap smears every 3-5 years for women aged 21-65.
- Women with risk factors like HIV or previous abnormal results may need more frequent testing.
- Pap smears are a routine part of women’s preventive health care starting around age 21.
Regular Pap smear screening remains the best way for women to avoid cervical cancer through early detection and treatment.
Pap Smear Procedure
Understanding the basic Pap smear procedure can help women know what to expect during this routine screening test:
Before the Exam
- Schedule an appointment during a time when you are not menstruating.
- Avoid sexual intercourse, douching, tampon use, and vaginal medicines for 2 days before the test.
- Consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever before the exam.
- Wear a skirt or loose pants and avoid pantyhose and tight clothing.
During the Exam
- You will lie on an exam table with your knees bent and feet in stirrups.
- A speculum will be gently inserted into the vagina to allow viewing of the cervix.
- The provider will use a small brush to collect a sample of cells from the cervix.
- The brush is placed in a preservative solution and sent to a lab for analysis.
- The provider may also perform a manual pelvic exam checking the uterus and ovaries.
- The Pap test is brief, taking only 1-2 minutes for cell collection.
After the Exam
- You can resume normal activities right away.
- Some mild cramping or spotting can occur after a Pap smear.
- Results are usually available within 1-3 weeks.
- You will only be notified if abnormal results require follow-up.
- If HPV is detected, the sample may also be tested for the presence of cancer genes.
Knowing what to expect can help women feel more comfortable with this quick, potentially life-saving screening test.
Discomfort and Pain
While Pap smears are quick, some women may experience discomfort or pain during the procedure:
Potential Causes of Discomfort
- Insertion of the speculum into the vaginal canal
- Opening of the speculum to widen the vagina
- Scraping cells from the surface of the cervix
- Pinching sensation from the collection instrument
- Cramping during bimanual exam of the uterus and ovaries
Ways to Minimize Discomfort
- Take over-the-counter pain medication prior to exam
- Apply a lidocaine gel to the speculum for numbness
- Ask the doctor to warm/lubricate the speculum before insertion
- Use controlled breathing during the procedure
- Communicate any concerns or issues to your provider
- Have your provider explain each step of the exam
- Schedule the exam when not menstruating
- Avoid appointments during ovulation if cramp-prone
While some discomfort is common, discussing any concerns with your provider or using relaxation techniques can help. Any severe pain should be reported to the doctor immediately.
Results and Follow-Up
Understanding Pap smear results and potential follow-up steps is very important after this screening test:
Normal Pap Results
This means no abnormal, precancerous, or cancerous cells were detected. You should continue routine Pap testing based on the guidelines below:
| Age | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|
| 21-29 | Pap every 3 years |
| 30-65 | Pap every 3-5 years |
| Over 65 | Discuss with your provider |
Abnormal Pap Results
Abnormal changes will be classified as:
- ASC-US: Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance
- LSIL: Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (mild dysplasia)
- HSIL: High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (moderate to severe dysplasia)
Follow-up for abnormal results may include:
- Repeat Pap smear in 6-12 months
- HPV DNA testing
- Colposcopy procedure
- Biopsy of abnormal cells
- LEEP procedure to remove precancerous cells
- More frequent Pap screening
Prompt evaluation and treatment of any abnormalities found can prevent progression to cervical cancer.
HPV Testing
Some key facts about HPV testing in conjunction with Pap smears:
- HPV stands for human papillomavirus, the virus that causes nearly all cervical cancers.
- HPV testing looks for the presence of high-risk strains of HPV that could lead to cervical cancer.
- HPV testing is often used to provide more information when Pap results are abnormal.
- A positive HPV test means you have a cervical infection with a high-risk strain.
- HPV infections often clear on their own, but some persist and cause cellular changes.
- Women over 30 may be tested for HPV at the same time as their Pap test.
- If the Pap is normal but HPV is present, the Pap will be repeated in 1-3 years.
- HPV testing is very sensitive and identifies women at higher risk for precancer.
HPV testing provides additional data to determine a woman’s risk of developing cervical cancer in the future based on high-risk viral strains.
Reducing Discomfort During the Pap Smear
There are many tips women can follow to help make their Pap smear experience as comfortable as possible:
Before the Exam
- Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen shortly before appointment
- Apply lidocaine gel to minimize discomfort
- Avoid scheduling exam right before or after period
- Refrain from sex, douching, and irritating products prior to test
- Wear loose-fitting clothing to allow easy access
- Hydrate well in the 24 hours leading up to the appointment
During the Exam
- Tell doctor if you experience pain or discomfort during the test
- Take slow deep breaths through any painful moments
- Keep muscles relaxed throughout the procedure
- Focus on staying calm and still
- Ask doctor to explain steps as they are being performed
- Request smaller speculum if standard size is too uncomfortable
- Communicate needs clearly to your healthcare provider
After the Exam
- Take ibuprofen or use heating pad for cramping
- Engage in relaxing activities to relieve stress
- Avoid sex and tampon use for a day or two
- Call doctor if bleeding persists beyond light spotting
- Discuss continued discomfort at follow-up appointment
Being proactive and communicating with your provider can go a long way towards minimizing discomfort during this important screening exam.
Questions to Ask Your Provider
Don’t be afraid to have an open discussion with your healthcare provider about any concerns or questions you may have about the Pap smear:
- How often should I get screened based on my age and risk factors?
- What should I do to prepare for the Pap smear?
- What happens during the actual exam and cell collection?
- How can we make the exam as comfortable as possible for me?
- How long does it take to get my Pap test results back?
- How will I be notified about my results?
- If any abnormalities are found, what are the next steps?
- Could HPV testing provide additional information?
- Are there any other tests I should have along with the Pap smear?
- What symptoms should I watch out for between exams?
- Please explain what the various result terminology means.
Asking questions can help you better understand the Pap smear process and ensure optimal cancer screening and peace of mind.
Conclusion
While shaving is not required before getting a Pap smear, you can trim or shave pubic hair in advance if it makes you more comfortable. Just avoid nicking or irritating the skin right before the exam. Understand that the procedure checks the cervix, not surrounding hair.
Know what to expect during the exam, how to minimize discomfort, and what results could indicate. Ask your provider any questions you may have to ease anxieties. Pap smears are a quick, potentially life-saving screening that sexually active women should get regularly according to current guidelines. Being proactive about this test could prevent cervical cancer through early detection and treatment.