Pap Smears & HPV

Pap Smears

A Pap smear is a method screening for cervical cancer. Pap smears are done by gently collecting cells from the donut shaped neck or entrance to the uterus, called the cervix, in the back of the vagina. Cervical cells naturally shed from the cervix throughout the cycle and mix with cervical and vaginal secretions. These cervical cells contribute to the milky appearance of the vagina secretions as they flow out of the vagina.

To see the cervix to do a Pap smear a speculum is inserted into the vagina, separating the vaginal walls to expose the cervix. We are happy to show women how to insert a small comfortable plastic vaginal speculum themselves so they can watch with a light and mirror while the Pap smear is being done.

The Pap smear in then done by taking a small plastic spatula, similar to a pop-sickle stick, to gently smear across the face of the cervix. A second swab is taken from the hole in the cervix (called the os) with a small soft Q-tip shaped brush. The collected cells are then put into a special vial of liquid preservative and sent to our lab. At the lab the cells are applied to a glass slide, stained with special dyes and examined under a microscope for abnormalities.

A pap smear is normally not painful. Sometimes women feel a pressure-like feeling from the smear. Some women find a speculum to be uncomfortable especially if a medical practitioner uses a speculum that is too large, opens the speculum too wide or pokes hard at the cervix while taking the smear. We find that discomfort can be prevented if women insert a small size plastic speculum and open it themselves. With a mirror and light women can watch while the Pap smear is being done, demystifying the process.

HPV- Human Papilloma Virus

HPV- Human Papilloma Virus, also called genital warts, venereal warts and condyloma acuminata, is a virus that is believed to cause the majority of cervical cancers today.

There are over 100 strains of HPV. Commonly called warts, this virus can infect any part of the body causing contagious leathery spots on the skin. In some strains of HPV cause prominent bumps that have the texture of cauliflower, which is more consistent with the stereotypical appearance of warts.

All strains of HPV are contagious and can be transmitted sexually. When warts infect the cervix women typically have no symptoms and the cervix may not look any different in appearance.

Pap smears is used to detect cervical HPV. A Pap smear can be used to do a DNA typing to identify if an HPV infection is on of the high-risk strains associated with an increased risk for developing cervical cancer. Having Pap smears done annually can increase the chances of detecting an HPV infection.

Safer Sex can help reduce the risk of transmitting HPV to a partner.