Have you been wondering if a Pap smear is right for you? If so, we created this guide just for you.
Now, a Pap smear is also known as a Pap test or Papanicolaou test. It is a procedure for detecting cervical cancer or cell changes that could lead to it.
During the test, a small brush is used to gently remove cells from the cervix and surrounding area for microscopic examination. See a detailed description of what to expect during your Pap smear on Singapore on this page; https://dbclinic.com.sg/cervical-cancer-screening/
This test can also identify infections or inflammation. Typically, it is done alongside a pelvic exam and sometimes an HPV test. To collect the cells, a speculum is inserted into the vagina to allow the doctor to view the cervix, and the collected cells are sent to a lab for analysis.
Who needs a Pap smear, and how often?
If you’re a woman (an adult female human), cervical cancer screening is an important part of your healthcare. It is recommended that screening begins at age 21.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re already started having sex or not. The type and frequency of testing depend on age and health history though.
Women between ages 21 and 29 should have a Pap test on its own every three years. For women aged between 25 and 29, HPV testing alone can be considered but Pap tests are generally preferred.
Women aged 30 to 65 have three options: co-testing (Pap and HPV test), Pap test alone every three years, or HPV testing alone every five years. Women over 65 can stop screening if they have no history of abnormal cervical cells or cancer and have had negative test results.
Can Pap Smear Detect STD?
The primary purpose of a Pap smear in Singapore, just like any other area is the detection of cervical cancer or any cell changes that may lead to it. Now, as earlier said it does involve the collection cells from the cervix and examining them under a microscope.
So, it is easy to think that a Pap smear can detect an STD but that isn’t always the case though there are some conditions it can help detect. This is because the Pap smear isn’t designed for directly detecting STIs.
If there is a need to test for infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea for example, your OB/GYN would typically take a separate swab from your cervix. This swab specifically targets these STIs’ presence and helps diagnose them accurately.
It is a different procedure altogether from the Pap smear. If you’re concerned about STIs or your health in general, discuss the concerns with an OB/GYN.
A knowledgeable obstetrician/gynecologist will assess your concerns. Based on their assessments of your concerns, they will recommend the most appropriate testing methods for you.
What happens if you never get a Pap smear?
Skipping your Pap smear in Singapore is not recommended as it is a crucial screening test for detecting cervical cancer and cell changes that could lead to it. Early intervention and treatment can potentially save lives.
If you never get a Pap smear, there several things that may happen. Here are five most notable ones;
- Undiagnosed Cervical Cancer: Without regular Pap smears, cervical cancer may go unnoticed until symptoms develop in later stages. This cannot just delay the diagnosis and treatment. It can also significantly, slash down your chances of successful outcomes.
- Progression of Pre-Cancerous Cells: Pap smears can detect cell changes that can potentially become cancerous. If you skip screening, these abnormal cells may continue to progress. The end result would be the development of cervical cancer over time.
- Limited Treatment Options: Delayed diagnosis due to the absence of Pap smears may limit treatment options for cervical cancer. Advanced stages of the disease often require more aggressive interventions. For example, you may need surgery, chemotherapy, or even radiation therapy, potentially reducing the chances of a complete cure.
- Increased Risk of Complications: By forgoing regular screenings, there is a higher risk of complications associated with undiagnosed or untreated cervical cancer. Key among these complications is metastasis. This is the spreading of cancer to other parts of the body. You may also suffer fertility complications and even worse, poorer overall health outcomes.
- Missed Opportunities for Early Intervention: Pap smears can detect other conditions besides cervical cancer, such as infections or inflammation. Without these screenings, such conditions may remain undiagnosed and untreated. This puts you at significant risks of long-term health problems or complications.
How do I prepare for my First Pap smear?
Preparing for your first Pap smear can be a mix of nerves, anticipation, and uncertainty. You do not have to panic though. Here are three essential steps to ensure you’re well-prepared for your Pap smear in Singapore;
- Mind the Timing: It’s generally advised to avoid booking your appointment during your menstrual period. The reason behind this is simple: blood can interfere with the accuracy of the results, making it more challenging for your OB/GYN to examine your cervical cells properly. For a more accurate Pap smear, it would be best to choose a time in your cycle when you are not menstruating.
- Abstain from Intercourse: Do not engage in any sexual activity, including vaginal intercourse, for at least two days before your Pap smear in Singapore. Sexual activity can lead to the introduction of foreign substances into the vagina. For example there could be semen, lubricants, or spermicidal products. These substances might interfere with the clarity of your test results, making detecting any potential abnormal cells more challenging.
- Steer Clear of Vaginal Products: In the days leading up to your Pap smear, it’s essential to avoid using any vaginal medicines, douches, or spermicidal foams, creams, or jellies. These products can alter the natural environment of the vagina and may wash away or obscure abnormal cells that the test aims to detect. Refraining from using these substances increases the chances of obtaining accurate results from your Pap smear.
The Bottom Line
The information we’ve shared on today’s blog post are just general guidelines. Individual circumstances may require different approaches.
So, communicate regularly with your women’s health specialist and follow the recommended screening intervals for early detection and management of potential cervical health issues. To schedule a consultation with a women’s health specialist in Singapore, call or visit us at;
Dr. Ben’s Medical Singapore
SBF Center Medical Suites
160 Robinson Road
#03-09 SBF Center Medical Suites
Singapore 068914