Question 1

what is the difference between a papanicolaou test and a pelvic exam?

Accepted Answer

Great question: The papanicolaou test is a specific test that requires the visualization of the cervix. Cells from the cervix are sampled and screened for cancer potential. While a pelvic exam may include the pap test, the exam itself does not require a pap test. A pelvic includes looking at the genitals inside the vagina and out, as well as feeling the internal organs including uterus and ovaries.

Question 2

do all women need pap tests?

Accepted Answer

All with uterus need: The pap test is a screen for cancer cells on the uterine cervix. This can detect very early pre-cancerous lesions. Unless a woman has had a hysterectomy, which means there is no longer a cervix, an annual pap smear can be life saving.

Question 3

do all women need pap tests annually?

Accepted Answer

Can do every 3 years: At least once a yaer for every year starting at age 20 or when you start sexual activity is the standard recommendation.  It you get two consecutive negative annual pap smears, then you can repeat the test every three years.

Question 4

who all does not need regular pap tests?

Accepted Answer

W/2 consec neg Paps: At least once a yaer for every year starting at age 20 or when you start sexual activity is the standard recommendation.  It you get two consecutive negative annual pap smears, then you can repeat the test every three years.

Question 5

are pap tests recommended for a woman over 65 yrs of age?

Accepted Answer

Not always.: Many doctors will stop doing pap tests for women older than 65 or 70, as long as there is no recent history of cervical dysplasia (abnormal paps and precancerous cells), and you don't have any medical conditions that predispose you to cervical cancer, e.g. Hiv. You should still get annual exams so they can determine if everything looks normal and that a pap is still not needed. Hope this helps.

Question 6

does hvp show in a pap as a stranded part of the test and how long would take before it would show?

Accepted Answer

Do not know: In the U.S. We have to order the hpv test extra. She will need to ask her doctor if this was tested for during her pap. 

Hpv is transmitted by direct contact, usually sexual, with an infected person. After that most hpv tests will be positive.

Question 7

what is a pap test?

Accepted Answer

Cancer check: A pap test looks for cervical cancer. The doctor will inserrt a speculum into the vagina to look at the cervix and take a sample of cervical cells to send to the lab.

Question 8

what is the pap test testing for?

Accepted Answer

Pap test: Is done to look for changes in the cells of the cervix to diagnose cervical dysplasia or cancer.

Question 9

should have pap test every years?

Accepted Answer

Hard to say: The recommendations are based on age, sexual activity and any prior testing that may show you at higher risk. Since you provided no such information in your post, it is hard to say what your individual need would be.

Question 10

how is a pap test done? what steps?

Accepted Answer

Pelvic exam: A pap is one part of a routine pelvic exam and testing. You will be undressed from the waist down and laying on a table with your bottom on the edge and your legs positioned in "stirrups." the doctor examines the area, inserts a speculum gently and collects the pap with a swab that touches your cervix. It may be awkward but is not painful and is important to prevent cervical cancer.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Papanicolaou test

A member asked:

What is the difference between a papanicolaou test and a pelvic exam?

A member asked:

Do all women need pap tests?

A member asked:

Do all women need pap tests annually?

A member asked:

Who all does not need regular pap tests?

A member asked:

Are pap tests recommended for a woman over 65 yrs of age?

A member asked:

Does hvp show in a pap as a stranded part of the test and how long would take before it would show?

A member asked:

What is a pap test?

A member asked:

What is the pap test testing for?

A member asked:

Should have pap test every years?

A member asked:

How is a pap test done? what steps?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?