How Should A Woman Prepare For A Pap Smear?
- A woman who is still menstruating should schedule a Pap smear about two weeks after the start of the menstrual period. That's the stage of the cycle when the doctor can obtain the clearest, cleanest sample of cervical cells.
- A woman who has reached menopause can schedule a Pap smear at any time of the month.
- A woman who is having abnormal bleeding or any other gynecological problem should see her doctor right away.
What Activities Should A Woman Avoid Before Having A Pap Smear?
In the 48 hours before having a Pap smear, a woman should not
- douche
- have intercourse
- take a tub bath
- swim
- use tampons, spermicides, vaginal lubricants, or feminine deodorant sprays or powders
These activities can irritate the cervix. Avoiding them helps ensure collection of an adequate cell sample.
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Nice To Know:
It's a good idea to avoid scheduling a Pap smear during a holiday season when lab technicians may be preoccupied.
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Nice To Know:
Questions A Woman's Healthcare Provider Will Ask
The healthcare provider who performs a Pap smear will want to know the date of the first day of a woman's last menstrual period and whether she
- is sexually active
- has ever been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease (STD)
- has ever had an abnormal Pap smear
- is pregnant
- has one or more risk factors for cervical cancer
- has had surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy
- is taking hormones, birth control pills, or other medications
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