The last time I was with my GP for a repeat prescription for the pill he said I should book in for a smear test. As I've never had this test done before can you tell me what is involved?
The smear test - or to give it its proper medical name the Papanicolaou (Pap) test - is a simple test which involves scraping cells off the surface of the cervix for laboratory examination. The test is designed to detect early warning signs of cancer of the neck of the womb (cervix).
The early changes in the cervical cells cause no symptoms and in the early stages the woman can feel well and healthy. However, if caught early, cervical cancer is one of the most curable forms of cancer.
The test is performed by the insertion of an instrument called a speculum which is gently slid into the vagina. Once the speculum is open the cervix is clearly visible with the help of a small light. A thin spatula and a soft brush are then inserted and a sample of the mucus and surface cells are removed and placed on a glass slide which is sent to a laboratory for examination.
Is there a good time to have a smear test done and will it hurt?
The best time to have it done is after your period has finished. It's recommended that you do not douche in the 24 hours before testing.
The test itself may feel a little uncomfortable and it's normal to feel a little nervous but the more relaxed you are the easier the procedure will be. Easy to say but harder to do when a relative stranger is performing an intimate examination but my advice is to take deep breaths before and during the test to help you feel more relaxed.
It is recommended that the test be performed every two to three years. Unfortunately, test results often take some time to process and you may be recalled for a follow-up test if the results are not clear.
I have a male doctor but I think I'd be too embarrassed to have him do a smear test.
Well, you know you can't die of embarrassment but unfortunately you can die from cervical cancer so don't avoid the test for this reason. If it makes you feel more comfortable ask for a female member of staff to act as chaperone during the examination or request a female doctor or practice nurse to perform the smear tests.
If there are no female staff available then you could attend a family planning clinic and request a female doctor or nurse at the time of making the appointment.