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 ...

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 ...

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, ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Maybe you had a bad experience with your last Pap smear and you’re wary of going back to the ob-gyn. Or maybe you’ve never had one before and are scared to make the appointment. It’s understandable to ...

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 ...

If you get a call from your doctor’s office about an abnormal pap smear, you might start to freak out. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones says it’s a good idea to take a deep breath first. Many times, the doctor ...

Original Medicare (parts A and B) and Medicare Advantage (part C) plans both fully cover regular PAP smears once every 24 months for most people as part of preventive health services. In addition, ...

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 ...