A pap smear (or pap test) is a screening for cervical cancer. It involves taking cells from the cervix and vagina and examining them under a microscope. The test is looking for cervical ...

Although you can get a Pap smear during your menstrual period, some doctors may prefer you do not. A heavy flow may alter your exam results. If in doubt, it’s better to ask your OB-GYN, but try not to ...

Editor's note: anyone with a cervix can get a Pap smear, but for this article, we included sources who generally referred to these people as women. Going to the doctor for any type of exam can feel ...

There's no need to worry about grooming before a pap smear, doctors say, but there are other considerations to keep in mind. There's no need to worry about grooming before a pap smear, doctors say, ...

Claire Gillespie is an experienced health and wellness writer. Her work appears across several publications including SELF, Women’s Health, Health, Vice, Headspace, and The Washington Post. A Pap ...

A Pap smear (Pap test) is a routine part of your healthcare screening. They are often performed during your first prenatal visit. Research and professional organizations confirm that it is safe and an ...

A Pap smear or Pap test involves a doctor taking a small sample of cells from a person’s cervix using a brush or spatula-like instrument to look for changes in the cervix’s cells. Share on Pinterest ...

More than 13,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer this year A routine pap exam can help women lower their risk of developing cervical cancer It's important to ...

An abnormal Pap smear means some percentage of your cervix cells appear abnormal in shape or size. In most cases, an abnormal Pap smear does not indicate cancer and is in fact caused by HPV. If you ...

The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force has drafted a new recommendation for cervical cancer screening. The biggest change: Women ages 30 to 65 should get an HPV test every five years instead of a ...

Many people who have a Pap smear notice light bleeding, or spotting, for a couple of days after the test. This may be due to irritation of the cervix. This symptom may occur because the Pap smear can ...