Why Should We Have a Pap Smear?

Cervical cancer: one of the top cancers plaguing women in Singapore. It can be deadly when left unchecked and untreated, but there are ways to detect them early.

One of these tests is the pap smear, in which the gynae clinic will take a few cell samples from your cervix to check for anomalies that are cancerous or potentially so. Taking this test can help treat the cancer before your condition deteriorates. The gynae can even help address pre-cancer signs so that they do not develop into cancer at all.

Waiting for Symptoms Can Be Detrimental to Your Health

One might assume that it is alright to wait for warning signs, such as irregular periods and odd vaginal discharges, before taking a pap smear to determine if it is indeed cervical cancer. However, this type of cancer typically develops its symptoms when it has already spread considerably. This would make the disease more challenging to treat.

Can Pap Smears Detect Other Health Issues?

Even if the pap smear does not detect cervical cancer, it can still help find other medical problems, such as herpes. Pap smears may also be able to help your gynae detect other gynaecological cancers, such as ovarian cancer, especially if the disease has already spread.

When Should You Start Having Pap Smear Tests?

Instead of watching for symptoms, it is advisable to take the test regularly when you are sexually active. This is because cervical cancer is mainly caused by strains of HPV, which is sexually transmissible.

In Singapore, the rule of thumb is to start having pap smears every three years when you are at least 25 years old. But your gynae may also recommend more frequent testing depending on your condition. For instance, if you carry multiple risk factors for cervical cancer, they could advise you to undergo pap smears every other year.

How to Prepare for a Pap Smear

Here are several things to keep in mind if you want to take a pap smear or are already scheduled for one:

• The ideal time to have a pap smear is a week before your next period or two weeks after your last one. This provides the gynae with the cleanest cervix cell samples.
• Two days before the test, you should avoid certain activities that could contaminate the cervix, such as swimming, having sexual intercourse, douching, or taking a bath in a tub.
• You should also avoid products that could irritate the cervix, such as lubricants, creams, and tampons.

What to Expect During a Pap Smear

During a pap smear, you’ll be lying on your back with your legs spread as the gynae inserts a device to keep the vaginal walls open. They will then gently scrape off some cervical tissue to study in the laboratory.

This test may feel mildly uncomfortable or painful, and there can be some light bleeding afterwards. Long-term effects are uncommon. However, do visit your gynae clinic again if pain or bleeding persists the next day so they can treat it accordingly.

If your test results come out normal, then your cervix is likely healthy. You can proceed with your regular screening schedule.

You May Get Recommended for Other Tests

Should the tests have abnormal results, the gynae can advise you to undergo a colposcopy so they can assess whether it is indeed cancer. This involves the use of a magnifying tool that can closely examine cervix tissue and surrounding parts. They may also take tissue samples for further analysis.

Regular Screening Can Ensure a Healthy Future

Like all screening tests, pap smears are essential to our overall health. Without them, it would be difficult to detect cervical cancer and various health issues that trouble women in Singapore.

So let us be more proactive with our well-being. Always get checked even if you seem healthy, and promptly visit your gynae clinic when you notice something amiss. Doing so can make the difference for your health for years to come.