A Pap smear is a special screening test a healthcare provider uses to check the health of your cervix. During a Pap smear, a provider will place a tool called a speculum into your vagina and then check the health of the tissue at the entrance to your uterus, which is called your cervix. If you’ve never had a Pap smear before, it can be intimidating. A pap smear should not be painful, but some individuals may experience mild discomfort or pressure during the procedure. Inform your healthcare provider so they can explore ways to ensure your comfort.
Understanding HPV (Human papillomavirus)
You may have heard the term “HPV” when reading about reproductive and sexual health. HPV is a very common virus, known also as human papillomavirus. It can be spread through contact between sexual organs (like the vagina or penis) and also through contact of the anus or mouth. Most people who are sexually active will contract HPV at some point in their lifetime.
HPV is really common. About 43 million people in the United States have HPV. Most people with healthy immune systems clear the virus on their own after 1 to 2 years. But, certain types (or strains) of HPV put you at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. This is why it’s still important to protect against HPV with regular HPV screening and also HPV vaccination. The combination of the two is important because the HPV vaccine doesn’t protect you from all forms of HPV that can cause cancer.
Role of Pap Smears in HPV Detection
Getting a Pap smear can help you detect early signs of cancer. An HPV test can be done at the same time as a Pap smear. During an HPV test, a healthcare provider uses a swab, like a long Q-tip, to check for a viral infection on your cervix.
It’s important to start getting Pap smears when you turn 21. If your first Pap is negative (meaning no cancerous cells were detected), you should get a repeat Pap test every 3 years until you turn 29. Your provider may want you to get tested on a different schedule if your test was positive.
Once you turn 30, you can choose between continuing to get a Pap test every 3 years, getting an HPV test every 5 years, or getting both done together every 5 years. Again, these recommendations will be based on your results and your health status.
The Bottom Line
Even though most HPV infections will clear on their own in time, some will not. Certain high-risk HPV strains may put you at risk of developing cervical cancer. Luckily, getting a regular Pap smear can help you detect an HPV infection.
To schedule a Pap smear today, or for any other concerns about sexual and reproductive health, use this helpful Find a Health Center feature from the New Jersey Family Planning League (NJFPL) to find a health center near you.