There are many unpleasant situations in life, from forgetting someone’s name after meeting them three times to laughing at a really inappropriate time. But a visit to the gynecologist is definitely at the top of the list. No matter how many times you go, you can’t help but stay calm. And getting a Pap smear can feel just as uncomfortable — not to mention uncomfortable. But it is a necessary discomfort. With between 10,500 and 11,000 new cases of cervical cancer annually, cervical cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related death among women in South Africa. We can’t emphasize this enough: getting tested is a must. But what if you’ve never had a pap smear because you don’t really know much about it? Here are 10 Pap smear tips to help you prepare for your next (or first) appointment.
1. Avoid sex the night before
Ideally, you should not have sexual intercourse before a Pap smear, as this can obscure the cells and make the test less accurate. You don’t necessarily have to stop the test – just talk to your doctor first. Add these to the list too: tampons, douches (you should definitely avoid douches), and creams.
2. Reschedule your Pap smear when you have your period
The best time to have a Pap smear is 14 days after the first day of your period. It’s not a good idea to get a Pap smear during your period as it can also make the result less accurate. If you experience light spotting, this will not have such an impact on the result and your doctor will continue with the smear test.
3. Be honest when asked questions
Doctors are here to help you – but accurate information is critical to providing appropriate care. You need to tell your doctor everything about your sexual habits and your cycle – now is not the time to be shy. Specifically mention sexual partners and status, contraception, condom use, and any discharge you have noticed. Based on your answers, you may need different or more frequent testing, but don’t be afraid – it’s all about your health.
READ MORE: The 4 most common questions women ask about their sexual health
4. And also have your say
Ask your doctor about any questions you have about the smear test itself or any other questions. Make your appointment count. Tell your doctor about any factors that could affect your well-being, such as: B. certain health conditions (endometriosis, vaginismus), recent childbirth, anxiety, previous sexual trauma. During your Pap smear, a doctor may:
- Use a smaller speculum or lubricant to make things easier (yes, really!)
- Try a different position to feel more comfortable
- Help yourself relax with breathing exercises
5. Try deep breathing
A Pap smear is more uncomfortable than painful, but for some people – and due to a variety of factors – it can be emotionally and physically difficult. A tip: the more you tense up, the more uncomfortable it becomes. Try to relax while taking deep breaths and tell your doctor how you feel. They can offer customizations to make it more convenient for you. And: When inserting the speculum, press down slightly to relax the pelvic muscles.
6. You may feel unwell after (or during) a Pap smear
A Pap smear shouldn’t cause pain – but it can feel uncomfortable due to factors like vaginal dryness, anxiety, previous trauma, or certain health conditions like vaginismus or endometriosis that can cause muscle tension. Discomfort with speculum insertion may be due to physical factors, such as a smaller vaginal canal or birth history. Psychological factors such as nervousness can also contribute to the pelvic muscles tensing up and the puncture becoming more noticeable. You don’t necessarily need to take painkillers before a Pap smear, but if you experience pain, talk to your doctor immediately.
READ MORE: Did you know that you can have a Pap smear done by a primary care doctor?
7. Know when it’s time to get tested
Women should begin having a Pap smear starting at age 21 or when they become sexually active. Further examinations depend on your results. If you are low risk, such as having a normal Pap smear and a sexual partner, you typically only need to get tested every three to five years and can stop after age 65. Note: HIV-positive women should begin testing at diagnosis and will require more frequent testing.
If you are not sexually active (and never have been), you still need a Pap smear. This is because HPV (Human Papillomavirus), the leading cause of cervical cancer, can be transmitted through various forms of genital skin-to-skin contact, not just penetrative sex. Previous exposure to HPV through sexual activity can lead to precancerous cell changes. Therefore, a regular cervical exam is essential for anyone with a cervix to detect and prevent cervical cancer early.
8. A primary care doctor can perform the Pap smear
Yes, a GP can do a Pap smear and you can also have one done at your public health clinic, Dis-Chem or Clicks clinics or Marie Stopes. In some cases, you can get a package of tests that complement other health exams, even at a discount.
READ MORE: Painful periods? PCOS? Get to know hormone-balancing dietary supplements
9. No, you don’t have to shave
Rejoice – you don’t have to shave before your Pap smear. That’s because it’s not a Miss World pageant – and your doctor won’t care. More specifically, the presence of hair does not affect the result of your test.
10. Don’t worry about unusual results
Your Pap smear could reveal abnormal cells that are not cancerous. ASCUS means atypical cells of undetermined significance. This can be caused by an infection, inflammation or HPV. The cells should return to normal. So what are you doing? It is important to repeat the Pap smear every six to twelve months. If ASCUS persists, it is best to have a colposcopy performed by a gynecologist as it may develop into a precancerous lesion. That’s exactly why Pap smears are so important – so give yourself a pat on the back for being proactive.
READ MORE: Why it’s important to talk about your period and how to do it
