What is a Pap smear?
For more than 75 years, a Pap test or a Pap smear has actually been used as a screening test to detect cervical cancer. If they can turn cancerous, it examines the cells in the location to determine. Depending on your age, it is recommended that you get tested every 3-5 years, specifically if youre over 30.
Sexually active ladies are more at danger of getting cervical cancer since the human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection which can cause cervical cancer, and is really the most typical cause of this cancer.
How is it done?
Throughout a Pap smear, the physician collects cells from your cervix and passes them on to a lab for further assessment. If any of the results come back as abnormal or if the cells are considered pre-cancerous, your doctor will talk about the next steps with you.
It is essential that you prevent making love, douching (which must be prevented at all times truly) or utilizing any vaginal medications or spermicides for at least two days before opting for the test. Doing any of these might remove unusual cells or make it harder for them to get detected.
When should you get one?
Typically, physicians recommend getting a Pap smear done every few years unless you experience abnormal symptoms or have had an earlier test result that your doctor deems problematic..
Often, your physician may also recommend that your Pap smear be likewise evaluated for HPV, which typically fixes by itself. However, it can often end up being cervical cancer in a year or 2, that makes it vital for it to get discovered.
Is it possible to get a pap smear on your duration?
Technically, it is possible to get a Pap smear when youre on your duration. However, the blood can hinder the accuracy of the outcomes, specifically if your flow is on the much heavier side. For this factor, your gynaecologist might ask you to reschedule your appointment.
As per guidelines, it is normally advised to get Pap smears done mid-cycle or about 9 to 20 days after your very first day of bleeding. Given that this is an essential exam, it is advised that you get it done whenever you can fit it into your schedule.
Will it impact the test results?
The pH of your vaginal area changes slightly when youre on your duration, plus the truth that youre bleeding can make it hard for your doctor to gather your cervical cell samples. You might require to reschedule your consultation because a proper sample is needed to find cervical cancer.
In case you cant reschedule, ask your medical professional for recommendations as in some cases, depending upon your circumstance, it may be much better to get the test done rather of skipping it. In case you have it during your period, your doctor may advise getting checked again in 3 years.
What about light circulation or spotting?
Its typically fine to get tested when your flow is light or youre experiencing spotting, as the chances of a percentage of blood impacting your test results are low. Your medical professional might likewise recommend rescheduling the test to about a fortnight after the first day of your last period.
On an unassociated note, if your circulation is too light or youre finding in between durations, it could be indicative of an underlying condition. Talk to your medical professional and get treated appropriately for any issues with your duration.
Bottom line.
To conclude, yes, its still possible to get a Pap smear done when youre on your duration, however the test results might not come back as precise. If you have a Pap test scheduled and unexpectedly get your period, speak to your doctor for suggestions regarding what your next action must be.
This content was originally released here.

For more than 75 years, a Pap test or a Pap smear has been used as a screening test to spot cervical cancer. It examines the cells in the area to figure out if they can turn cancerous. Depending on your age, it is advised that you get checked every 3-5 years, specifically if youre over 30.
Technically, it is possible to get a Pap smear when youre on your duration. The blood can interfere with the precision of the results, especially if your circulation is on the heavier side.