Pap smears are essential health screenings that every woman should be familiar with. They are a simple, routine procedure that can detect early signs of cervical cancer and other health issues, potentially saving lives.
What Is a Pap Smear Test?
A Pap smear (also known as a Pap test or cervical cytology) is a simple, safe, and quick screening procedure used to detect abnormal cell changes in the cervix. These abnormal changes, which can be precancerous or indicative of early cervical cancer, are most often caused by persistent infection with high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Why Do You Need a Pap Smear?
Regular Pap smear screening is a key part of women’s preventive health care. While not a test for cancer itself, it detects abnormal cervical cell changes that could lead to cancer if untreated. Early detection enables timely treatment, significantly reducing the risk of invasive cancer and improving reproductive health outcomes.
When Should You Do a Pap Smear in Singapore?
In Singapore, the guidelines for Pap smears are tailored based on age and screening history. Women aged 25–29 are advised to undergo a Pap smear every three years if they have been sexually active. There are two options for those aged 30–69: either continue with Pap smears every three years or opt for HPV primary screening every five years.
Alternatively, co-testing with both Pap smear and HPV primary screening every five years is also recommended. Women can typically stop screening at age 69 if they have had two consecutive negative HPV tests in the last ten years, with the most recent test done within the last five years. Even if you have received the HPV vaccine, regular Pap smears are still recommended because the vaccine does not protect against all cancer-causing HPV types.
Pap Smear Procedure
A Pap smear is a simple, quick procedure performed in a doctor’s office. Here is a brief overview of each step in the process:
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Positioning
You will be asked to lie on an exam table with your feet placed in stirrups. This position allows the doctor clear access to your cervix while helping ensure your comfort.
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Cell Collection
Once you are in position, your doctor will gently insert a speculum into your vagina to open the walls and visualise the cervix. Using a small brush or spatula, they then collect a sample of cervical cells.
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Speculum Removal
After the cells have been collected, the speculum is carefully removed by loosening the locking mechanism and slowly closing the blades while withdrawing it from the vagina. The entire pap smear procedure takes only a few minutes. While you may feel a brief sensation of pressure or mild discomfort, it should not be painful.
How to Prepare for a Pap Smear
To ensure accurate results, avoid the following activities for at least 48 hours before your Pap smear:
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Douching
Refrain from using vaginal douches, as they can remove natural cell secretions needed for assessment.
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Swimming
Avoid pools, hot tubs, or open water, as the moisture and chemicals may affect the quality of the sample.
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Tub Baths
Prolonged soaking in water can interfere with the ability to collect an adequate sample of cervical cells.
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Sexual Intercourse
Sexual activity can irritate the cervix and affect test accuracy. It is best to abstain from intercourse for at least 48 hours before your appointment.
What to Expect After a Pap Smear
After your test, you can resume your normal activities immediately. Light bleeding or spotting for a day or two is common due to minor cervical irritation and typically resolves on its own. During this time, it is best to avoid sexual intercourse and tampon use to prevent further irritation. Some women may also experience mild cramping, similar to menstrual cramps, which typically subsides within a day or two.
Your Pap smear results are usually available within a few weeks. If the results are normal, you will be advised on when to schedule your next test. Your doctor will discuss further testing or procedures if abnormal cells are detected.
At GynaeMD Women's Clinic Clementi, our well-known female gynaecologist and obstetrician, Dr Regina Zuzarte-Ng, is committed to providing personalised, comprehensive care at every stage of a woman’s life. Contact us to schedule an appointment for your pap smear test in Singapore and get your results promptly.