A pap smear is a simple cervical screening test for women. Cervical cancer is one of the easiest gynaecological diseases to prevent and treat with regular screening.

In Singapore, the recommended national pap smear screening programme is for women aged >25 years who have engaged in sexual intercourse before. Women are advised to have a pap smear once every 3 years at the minimum.

A pap smear can be performed by most doctors, not only gynaecologists. Your doctor will start the examination by positioning you on your back, on a patient examination bed.

A device known as a speculum will then be inserted into the vagina, to allow your doctor to see the cervix.

A soft tipped brush or swab is used to gently brush the surface of the cervix to allow for collection of cervical cells.

Updated international guidelines suggest that women should have their first pap smear at age 21.

The old guidelines recommended women have their first pap three years after becoming sexually active or at age 21 – whichever came first.

If you are well over the age of 21 and have never been screened, know that it is never too late to have your first pap smear.

As mentioned, pap smears should be performed once every 3 years at a minimum.

Your doctor may advised you to have your pap smear tests done more regularly, if you have risk factors for cervical cancer, or have a history of an abnormal pap smear.

It’s not advisable to have your pap smear done while you are on your period.

Please ensure that your bleeding has completely stopped before seeing your doctor for this test.

To ensure that you get the most accurate results, it is recommended that you avoid vaginal intercourse, douching, and tampons 48 hours prior to your pap smear appointment.

Some women may experience mild discomfort during the pap smear test.

Speak to your doctor prior to the test if you have any concerns, they can help to assure you that everything is normal.

A pap smear should not cause you significant pain but if you experience any significant discomfort at any pint during the exam, do inform your doctor.

Yes! Cervical cancer in its early stages may not be present with any symptoms at all.

Early detection with a pap smear test is the best way to protect yourself against cervical cancer.

Yes! While Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccines significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer, it does not protect against all the cancer-causing strains of HPV.

Bottom line: You are still at risk of cervical cancer, even after completing your HPV vaccinations.

Text by bauersyndication.com.au / Additional reporting by Natalya Molok & Hazel Joanne Vincent de Paul

This post was updated on February 4, 2020.