What Is a Pap Test?
A procedure in which a small brush is used to gently remove cells from the cervix so they can be checked under a microscope for cervical cancer or cell changes that may lead to cervical cancer.
A Pap test may also help find other conditions, such as infections or inflammation. It is also called a Pap smear and a Papanicolaou test.
What to Expect with a Pap Test
A Pap test often is done at the same time as a pelvic exam and may also be done at the same time as a test for certain types of HPV. A combined Pap-HPV test is more likely to find abnormal cells or cervical cancer than a Pap test alone is.
Side Effects of Pap Tests
The Pap test may cause a small amount of bleeding or spotting.
Let your doctor know if you have any of these symptoms:
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Bleeding, more than spotting
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Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
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Fever or chills
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Severe abdominal pain
