Pap smears or pap tests are a vital part of taking care of your body. Luckily, they are usually quick and painless, and they can tell you a great deal about the health of your cervix and uterus. 

Many women get pap smears without actually knowing what they are! So let’s find out. 

Pap Smear

what exactly are pap smears?

If you haven’t had a pap smear before, or even if you just want to understand a bit more about how pap smears actually go and why they’re important, you are not alone. 

When Dr. Kim performs a pap smear, he will first enter a speculum into the vagina so that he can access the cervix and vaginal walls. From there, he will enter a small brush to collect cells from the cervix and the walls. 

These cells will be tested for abnormalities, including cancerous cells, and can tell you have HPV. 

tests to diagnose pelvic pain

While every woman is a little different, most should get a pap smear at least once every three years. 

However, if you have contracted HPV, Dr. Kim will likely recommend that you get them more frequently in order to continue screening for cervical cancer.  HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, is a common STD that can cause cervical cancer. Although not all women with HPV develop cervical cancer, it’s crucial that you continue with routine checkups in case it does happen to you. 

And in addition to pap smears, you should also schedule regular STD tests if you are sexually active. This way, you can catch the HPV early, as well as know if you have contracted other STDs such as Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, Hepatitis, or HIV.