What is PAP test, how and where can I do it ?
487939
The Papanicolaou Smear [aka Pap Test, Pap Smear] is performed as part of a routine pelvic exam by your GYN.\n\nThe Test is used detect precancerous cells, inflammation, infection and abnormalities of the cervix – including cervical cancer. Approximately 20,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed annually and account for an estimated 7,600 deaths each year. The Pap Test can detect the earliest signs of this cancer, and is the best way to ensure early intervention and treatment. \n\nThe gynecologist will introduce a speculum into the vagina. A speculum is a small instrument used to open the walls of the vaginal canal, affording visualization of the interior. A sampling of cells is then taken from the cervical canal by scraping the outside of the cervix with a device remarkably resembling a spatula, followed by the insertion of a small brush (the cervix brush or “Papette, which looks not unlike, of all things, a pipe cleaner). Once the cell samples are taken, they are fixed to a slide or placed in a bottle containing preservative and sent off to a lab. \n\nThe entire procedure can range between 10-20 minutes and can be mildly, albeit temporarily, painful. \n\nDo not schedule your Pap during menstruation. The optimum time to undergo the Test is approximately 10-20 days *after* the *first day* of your *last* period. Avoid intercourse, baths, douching and use of vaginal creams, suppositories, foams, medications, deodorant sprays or powders for 24 hours prior to the Test in order to avoid inaccurate results. \n\nIf your results are normal – “negative” – nothing further is needed. If abnormal results are reported – “positive” – further investigation will be performed. In the case of infections, appropriate treatment will be prescribed. In the case of cell changes, a colposcopy may be performed, in which a special microscope is used to examine the cervix very closely. A biopsy will also likely be taken and further tested for abnormalities. \n\nPaps are highly effective, but there is a slight chance of “false positive” or “false negative” results. In such cases, you and your physician will decide on the correct course of further testing and/or treatments.\n\nUnder the updated, new guidelines, women should begin having regular paps after first intercourse or age 21, whichever comes first.
12431
What are false positive and false negative results? \nThe Pap test is a screening test and, like any such test, it is not 100-percent accurate. Although false positive and false negative results do not occur very often, they can cause anxiety and can affect a woman’s health.\n\nA false positive Pap test means that a patient is told she has abnormal cells, but the cells are actually normal. A false negative Pap test occurs when a specimen is called normal, but the woman has a significant abnormality that was missed. A false negative Pap test may delay the diagnosis and treatment of a precancerous condition. However, regular screening helps to compensate for the false negative result. If abnormal cells are missed at one time, chances are good that the cells will be detected the next time.\n\nWhat methods are being developed to improve the accuracy of Pap tests? \nIn April 1996, the Consensus Development Conference on Cervical Cancer, which was convened by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), concluded that about half of false negative Pap tests are due to inadequate specimen collection. The other half are due to a failure to identify or interpret the specimens correctly. Although the conventional Pap test is effective in the majority of cases, the conference made it clear that new methods of collecting and reading specimens are needed to reduce the number of false negatives.\n\nThe Bethesda System requires laboratories to determine whether there are enough cervical cells in the specimen to make a proper evaluation. This requirement helps improve the quality of samples and sample collection. The Bethesda System requires a sample to be categorized as “satisfactory for evaluation” or “unsatisfactory for evaluation.”\n\nOne new method of collecting and analyzing samples is called liquid-based thin-layer slide preparation. This method may make it easier to screen for abnormal cells. Cervical cells are collected with a brush or other collection instrument. The instrument is rinsed in a vial of liquid preservative. The vial is sent to a laboratory, where an automated thin-layer slide device prepares the slide for viewing. Results of this method suggest that it is comparable to, or more sensitive than, standard Pap tests for the detection of significant abnormalities.\n\nComputer automated readers are also being used to improve the reading of Pap tests. This technology uses a microscope that conveys a cellular image to a computer, which analyzes the image for the presence of abnormal cells.
1172692
They usually are dong a routine checkup which consists of a pap-smear( on a micro-slide) and they are checking for cancers, disease, STD'S,the basic's of making sure that it is all there and working up to par...and I am not sure if ALL gyno's do this, but I know they also check your rectum and they will give you a physical breast exam...hope this is what you were looking for.
1039462
I would say yes.  You might not have to get tested for STD's because you're not sexually active.  But the PAP smear tests for cancerous cells in your cervix, and those can develop any time.  You don't want to risk your future fertility or health - Make, and keep those annual appointments!!
1013928
HIV is a blood test. Chlamydia, gonorrhea are swabs put on specific medias ( the cervix is swabbed) The penis is internally swabbed. Syphyllis is a blood test.Herpes can sometimes be visualized or a blood test given. Pubic lice can be visualized under a microcope with simple skin scrapping of area.The total cost can be very high. Some cities have "free clinics" that are cheaper. Planned Parenthood has resources to give you for better prices. A PAP test is a scraping of cervical cells on a female to check for cancer not an STD.Good luck.
212287
Please visit this website for wonderful information about this.  The good thing is that it can be cured with antibotics.  You have to go to the doctor and get a pap smear done.  Protect yourself when having sex.  Even o.r.a.l.
130983
I don't think so.  They usually order a colposcopy after you have an abnormal PAP test.  And the abnormal PAP is often due to HPV.  There's an HPV test that you should have if you suspect HPV.\n\nWhat is a colposcopy? What are the benefits of colposcopy?\nColposcopy is a procedure that uses a special microscope (called a colposcope) to look into the vagina and to look very closely at the cervix (the opening to the uterus, or womb). \n\nThe colposcope magnifies, or enlarges, the image of the outer portion of the cervix. It is somewhat like looking through a pair of binoculars. This allows the health care provider to see the outer portion of the cervix better. Sometimes a small sample of tissue (called a biopsy) is taken for further study. The tissue samples help the health care provider to figure out how to treat any problems found. And, if cancer of the cervix is found early, or a precancerous change of cells is found, it can be treated and almost always can be cured. Also, for precancers and early cancers of the cervix, sometimes removal of part of the cervix may be the only treatment needed.
853744
Don't you still have your cervix?  Hysterectomy is remove of the uterus and tubes only I think?\n\nIf so then yes, you still need to get a pap to watch for cervical cancers.
444693
You know, sweetie, I've worked in the medical field for 20 years and I've lost count of the girls coming for their first pap.  Here's what I tell them -\n\nFirst, you're doing the right thing.  So many simple things that can become bad things are discovered in a pap smear and prevented.  Plus if you're doing this to get birth control - bravo!  There's no shame in that, sex is the most natural thing in the world and you're taking control of your own life.\n\nSecond, and just as importantly - the human body is nothing to be ashamed of.  The doctor doesn't think any more of looking in your vagina than looking down your throat, and believe me, he's seen thousands.  It's so routine and is conducted so professionally that you should not feel embarrassed.  And everybody's pretty much looks the same.\n\nDeep breaths, try to relax and remember - it's the first thing that distinguishes you as a woman as opposed to a girl.  We all go through it, and after that first one you'll wonder what the fuss was about.
341326
Well first, you will be fully undressed, but covered. Then a nusre will come in and get your vital signs and ask you about every question there is to ask about and concerning your vagina,sexual intercourse and bith control etc...THen the doctor comes in, he will paplate your breasts (gently and it doesn't hurt) checking for lumps and or breast cancer. He will aslo palpate (feel) your armpits and lymph node area for any abnormalities. Then he will fell your tummy and ask you questions,(if it hurts or is it  tender) Then with your legs in the stirrup, he will examine your vaginal area. THen he will put KY jelly on a specula and insert it into your vagina  and a long Q tip to rub your cervix and take a sample of that and send it off to the lab for testing. Then he places a finger inside the vagina and probes around to your ovaries and feels your uterus for any abnormalities and such. Gives yu a towel and tells you to clean up. Usually there is a nurse in the room with the Doc while this is going on. Theres nothing to be ashamed of....Millions of women have to do this everyday. It is very important to tell him any symptoms you may be having and be honest with him especially. Because he can test you forwhatever you needto be testedfor.If you don't tellhimthe truth you are only hurting yourself and maybe setting yourself up for a bad  future....Go for it and hope you get a clean bill of health...
1014571
Don't be nervous about the abnormal pap. The reason for the colposcopy is to help detect any pre-cancerous abnormalities in your cells. It is a good thing to try to detect it early. I just went through this 3 months ago. My doctor told me that it can take 10 years for it to become cancerous and not to worry. The process is a little uncomfortable, but very tolerable. \n\nDo not stress out about the horror stories from other people. \n\nBest of luck with everything.
906006
The pap smear and breast exam is what a yearly pap consists of. However, they usually will do a claymidia test and a HPV test if the pap comes out with any abnormalties. If I was you-I would get the HPV vaccine as soon as possible because it will save you from alot of stress. The vaccine will not protect you from all the different strains of HPV becasue there are hundreds but it will protect you from 16 and 18 which are the ones that can cause cervical cancer(they usually dont-but they can) The pap is worth it so you will know everythign is healthy and it isnt that bad.
536909
It's better to wait until the bleeding has stopped.  It may interfere with Pap test results, and can make visual inspection of the cervix and vagina walls more difficult.
742350
Doctor's do a variety of things when you get a physical, depending on whether you are sexually active, your age, and just the doctor.\n\nA GOOD doctor should at the very least:\n\nCheck your blood pressure\nWeigh you\nExamine your eyes, ears, and mouth\nListen to your heart and lungs\nTest your reflexes\n\nDoctors may also:\nDo a breast exam\nPalpitate your internal organs\nAsk you to close your eyes, stand on one leg and touch your nose (to check your balance *lol*)\n\nIf you are sexually active they will want to:\nPreform a PAP test\nTest for STDs\n\nHowever I want you to know that you can decline the PAP test and that there is a more accurate blood test version available to those in the US (and possibly other countries, but not yet where I live in Canada) http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=27364\n\nYou may also do the swabs required to test for certain STDs yourself.  You do not have to let a doctor examine you in any way that makes you uncomfortable.  If you are feeling pressured by your doctor consider finding another one.\n\n\n\nIf you are older there are other tests such as\nBone density\nMammograms\n\nMost doctors will also run some blood work depending on your age and any concerns.
191968
The main purpose of Paps are to find an early cervical cancer.  It does not find vaginal, ovarian, uterine or endometrial cancer, however.  \n\nWhat is a Pap smear? \nA Pap smear is a test your doctor does to check for signs of cancer of the cervix.  http://familydoctor.org/138.xml#2
909953
What this means is that either the doc or the lab screwed up.  Your cervix is like a donut with an almost closed hole.  That hole is the endocervix canal which is actually the opening to the uterus.  The pap test is really two smears.  They take a sample of cells around the outer part of the cervix and then they use a small brush or wooden spatula to get a scraping from just inside the cervix.  When the lab got your pap, they looked at the cells on slides, found the outer part of the cervix cells but could not find the endocervical cells (or component) of the smear.  Call the doc's office and speak with the nurse to see whether you need the test repeated or if you can wait until your next exam.
117827
HPV causes changes in the cervical cells, and can cause a pre-cancerous condition called dysplasia.  You can go to your nearest Planned Parenthood and get a Pap Smear, and they have a sliding scale as to how much you pay.  You should have yearly Pap Smears.  I'm sure you can save enough money to have ONE doctor's visit a year.  Besides you're protecting your general health and reproductive health and you can't put a price on that!