Women’s Health Guide: About Pap Test

The saying healthy habits are the best way to avoid diseases is true but people tend to skip it due to their daily life chaos. Even though women and men share several correlated health problems but apart from those a woman has other different health problems that need consideration, treatment, and care. One similar condition is cervical cancer caused to women resulting in different health problems and N numbers of tests and other medical conditions.

Overview of Pap Test

A Pap test, also known as a Pap Smear is a lifesaving screening procedure that a doctor does to test for cervical cancer in women. The screening is done to test the presence of precancerous and cancerous cells on the cervix, the opening of the uterus before they turn into cancer.

There are two tests recommended by doctors:

1. Pap test or pap smear: The one that tests for the abnormal cells.
2. Human Papillomavirus (HPV): The one that tests DNA from HPV to detect its presence and type.

The test can diagnosis different changes:

1. Changes in precancerous cells
2. Existence of HPV
3. The existence of cancer cells, if any

Testing Guidelines Established by Age

As per the guidelines issues, there are several factors affecting how often the pap test should be done. In general, it is advised to have the test from the age of 21 every 3 years if not so then in every 5 years. Guidelines established by age:

Under 21: No pap test is needed

At 21: Begin pap testing every 3 years

At 21–29: Begin the testing every 3 years

At 30–65: A pap test every 3 years, an HPV test every 5 years, co-test every 5 years

At 65 or older: A pap test is not necessary after the age of 65

Results of a Pap Test

Pap test results in finding the signs of cervical cancer before the symptoms appear and help detect the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells. The test results drive from a pap test fall under three categories:

1. Normal Pap test: Under the normal pap test result no abnormal cells are detected and there is no situation to panic. The patient is advised to visit after 3 years for another pap test.
2. Abnormal pap test: Under abnormal pap test every time it does not mean that you have cervical cancer but there are some abnormal cells on the cervix. Under this case, your doctor asks you to appear for additional testing like HPV test, Colposcopy, biopsy, etc.
3. Inconclusive pap test: Under the inconclusive pap test it is considered that the lab was unable to see enough cells. The situation is you need to reappear for the pap test.

Bottom Line

As per Dr. Elsa, the Best Gynecologist in Dubai over the last few years the recommendations on pap testing have changed. People are appearing as per the requirements, age, and personal risk factors but in reality, you and your doctor know it well and you can decide what is best for you. Recommendations are all over as they exist to help doctors guide patients correctly.