Pap Smears, test to examine cervical cancer in women

Trinidad and Tobago: Pap Smears, a screening test for cervical cancer, is one of the necessary tests for sexually active women. The Ministry of Health Trinidad and Tobago, through a social media post, informed the public about cervical cancer among women and one of the tests to examine it.

In their shared post, the Ministry highlighted that Cervical Cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women and is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). This is the most common sexually transmitted infection, however several of the vaccines are available to protect the people from high risks of the infection.

Considerably, the vaccines may prevent cervical cancers to an extent, although they cannot assure complete prevention. This highlights the need for getting the screening test, generally known as Pap Smears or the Pap test.

This test is a safe and secure test which detects abnormal cells in the cervix which if not treated, can get converted into cancer. Importantly, the test can give a clear identification of the course of treatment required for the prevention of the progression of abnormal cells into cancer.

Reasons to have Pap Smears

No doubt, the examination of cervical cancer is the biggest reason to have it, however, it becomes necessary for the women who are at higher risk. Notably, the ministry even outlined the recommendations for the general people regarding the Pap Smears screening.

As per the recommendations, women under 21 years of age are recommended not to have the test. However, sexually active women with abnormal bleeding should have a clinical exam. Moreover, women between the ages of 21 and 29 should have it at least every three years, and HPV testing is not recommended for them.

Further, women between the ages of 30 and 65 years should also take the test at least every 3 years. And, every 5 years if HPV testing is negative. For over 65 year old women, the screening is not recommended.

Preparations for Pap Smears

The test is basically conducted when a woman is not menstruating. And the accuracy gets increased when she refrains the activities like douching, tampon usage, any sexual activity and the use of vaginal creams, deodorizers and sprays at least two days prior to the test.

The procedure followed in Pap Smears

The test involves intimate examination by the healthcare professional, and the woman will recline on the table with her knees bent. Then, the instrument named spectrum is gently inserted into the vagina, which further holds the walls of the vagina apart to allow the cervix to be seen easily, and this allows the samples to be taken.