What Doctors Are Really Looking For During A Pap Smear
Start writing a post

7 Things Your Doctor Is Looking For During A Pap Smear That You Want To Keep Track Of

Time to check up on your hoo-ha.

Jennifer Kustanovich
Feb 22, 2020
The State University of New York at Stony Brook
1564
7 Things Your Doctor Is Looking For During A Pap Smear That You Want To Keep Track Of
Unsplash

One trip to the gynecologist and you know that your doctor will get all up in your business. But, it's all for health and wellness. A pap smear, also known as a cervical smear, also known as that smear test all women dread (other than a mammogram) is a screening tool your OBGYN conducts to check up on your vagina health.

You spread your legs, your doctor gets close up and personal, grabs some lube, and then uses a special tool to gently scrape away cells from your cervix – take a deep breath, it's a lot less intimidating than it seems. It shouldn't be painful, but it can be uncomfortable for some. Nevertheless, it's an important routine physical exam that helps your OBGYN do a thorough check-up. Your doctor will be able to recognize any abnormalities and it's good to know what those could be.

Cervical cancer

A pap smear is really a screening tool for cervical cancer, so you bet your doctor's main agenda is to check for any abnormal cells.

HPV

If your pap smear comes back negative, the cause may be an HPV infection. You will need to follow up the pap smear with an HPV test to confirm, but HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases.

Abnormal vaginal discharge

Is it yellow? Green? Orange? Maybe even all the colors of the rainbow?

Cervical dysplasia

In basic words: precancers. Other than cancer cells, your OBGYN may find unusual cells that could turn into cancer in the future.

Yeast infections

The pap smear itself cannot detect and diagnose infections, but the infection may throw off the results of the test and your doctor will find vaginitis.

Trichomoniasis

Trich is a common, curable STD caused by a parasite and can be identified through pap smears. Although, a wet preparation exam should also be carried out to conclude the diagnosis.

Other STDs

Just like trich, your pap smear can also detect other viral and bacterial infections. However, keep in mind, a pap smear is not a replacement for an STD/STI test.

sexual health
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

Siena College
13705
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
small towns
Relationships

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you.

University of New Haven
290865
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College
88739
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
waitlisted
Swoon

Navigating the Talking Stage: 21 Essential Questions to Ask for Connection

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

National Writers Society
151272
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
single life
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

Marist College
57082
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments