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 ...

Most people should continue getting Pap smears after menopause, as you may still be at risk for cervical cancer, which Pap tests can identify early. Some people may be able to stop Pap smears after ...

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 ...

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 ...

When it comes to preventative exams, they can often seem like an unnecessary bother or even just another item on the to-do list, but they're an opportunity to monitor your health and touch base with ...

A Pap smear involves a medical provider inserting a speculum into the vagina, then swabbing the cervix before sending the sample to a lab. A Pap smear involves a medical provider inserting a speculum ...

A Pap smear is a screening tool that healthcare professionals use detect abnormal cells and cancer. During the Pap smear, a healthcare professional takes a cell sample from the cervix. Cervical cancer ...

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 ...

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, ...

Anita Lim receives funding from Cancer Research UK. This work has won a category in the Research Paper of the Year (http://www.rcgp.org.uk/researchawards) awards from ...