Papanicolaou test or the pap
smear test is actually used to test whether cancerous cells are present in the
uterus or not. Invented by Georgios Papanikolaou this test is one of the best
way to find whether a woman is suffering from cervical cancer or not. If
something abnormal is found inside the cervix, then it is better that you go
for more advanced diagnostic procedures. First the vaginal canal is opened by
speculum, then the cells are collected from the opening of the cervix at the
junction of the meeting of the outer squamous cervical cells with the inner
glandular endocervical cells.
Then, these cells are checked with the help of a
microscope. Both pre-cancerous and cancerous cells are detected by a Pap smear
test. It can be done from the age of 21 as doctors recommend doing so in order
to prevent cervical cancer later in your life. It can be done once or twice a
year, but is some abnormality is found, then it can be done more than twice but
it after all depends on your doctor’s decision. So, take the advice of your
doctor before going for a Pap smear test. It is mainly done till one is 60-65
and after that it is generally not required. Normally it must be done every three-five
years. Pap test can reduce deaths caused worldwide due to cervical cancer if
done properly and regularly with other treatment procedures and if proper diet
and exercise is maintained regularly.
Pap smear is needed
to be done during pregnancy as well. If abnormalpap smear while pregnant happens, then do check up with your doctor. Pap
smear is important while you are pregnant because it helps in checking whether
any abnormal growth is happening inside the cervix while you are pregnant.
Generally it is done when you have your first prenatal check-up. The results
will reach you within one or two weeks and you can be sure about what is
happening inside of your body. If something abnormal is found, then you will
have to go through another routine check-up and then only the doctor will
decide what treatments you need go through and what precautions must be taken
to save your unborn child and to improve your health. Many women ask can a pap smear be abnormal due to
pregnancy. Well yes it can be cancerous, but you need not worry because
generally the doctor waits till the child is born and then only start the
treatment in order to save the life of the child. Pap smear is also done when
you are pregnant to check whether you are carrying sexually transmitted
diseases or not. It is the best way to check for sexually transmitted diseases
so that early diagnosis doesn’t cause miscarriage and they are generally
treated by medications and late diagnosis can prove fatal for the foetus
growing inside the mother’s body. Colposcopy is done if abnormal condition is
found inside your cervix and then other tests like biopsies are done if the
condition is found to be more serious. Pap smear doesn’t affect pregnancy and
is a must for every pregnant woman.
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