Cervical cancer is the second largest type of malignant cancer that affects women. Therefore, you can do a pap smear as a step to early detection of cervical cancer.
A Pap smear is an examination of the condition of cells in the cervix (cervix) and vagina. This examination is carried out to conduct routinely, for women who have had sexual intercourse, in addition to assessing the health of patients, as well as an effort to detect cervical cancer early.
Cervical Cancer Examination Procedure
For sampling in a pap smear, the doctor uses a device called a speculum inserted through the mouth of the vagina. This tool is to clean the room by opening the mouth of the vagina. Cervical and vaginal areas can be seen more clearly.
After that, a sample of cells on the cervix will be worn with a plastic spatula (such as a long spoon with a long stem) and a small brush. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for pressure.
The sampling procedure is usually a short time, about five minutes. During the procedure, you can remain relaxed, to be more comfortable when the pap smear is done.
When doing a pap smear, doctors can also combine with human papilloma virus (HPV) examination. HPV is a virus that causes sexy infectious infections, which is also one of the main causes of cervical cancer.
Medically, as long as it is in accordance with the provisions of the procedure, pap smears are safe to do, and provide accurate results. Even so, there are still your alternatives. Receive the wrong inspection results. For example, the examination results show cells in the cervix are normal, even though there are actually malignant cells in the cervix. Results that cannot be repaired if abnormal cells are normal or very different. However, chances are that normal cells can be felt after the next pap smear.
In order to get an accurate Pap smear test, avoid intercourse, clean the vagina or use drugs or creams in the vagina, about two days before the test.
Who Needs a Pap Smear?
Women aged 21 years and over are advised to do pap smears. However, if you are active, please prepare it.
Pap smears are recommended every three years for women aged 21-65 years. For women aged 30-65 years who finish pap smears at the same time with HPV examination can inject every five years.
Doctors will state pap smears more often if the examination shows abnormal results, has a weak immune system, has the HIV virus, undergoes chemotherapy, or has had an organ transplant.
With regular pap smears, you can detect cervical cancer early. If cancer cells are found, the doctor can handle them earlier than the high cure rate. Consulting a doctor will give you more ways to prevent and detect cervical cancer, as well as early treatment.