Pap Smears

The Pap test (also called a Pap smear) checks for changes in the cells of your cervix (the lower part of the womb that opens into the vagina). The Pap test can tell if you have abnormal cells, or cancer. Pap smears can sometimes also suggest an infection.

The Australian Medical Association recommends that all women who have ever been sexually active should start having Pap smears between the ages of 18 to 20, or one to 2 years after they first had sexual intercourse, whichever comes first. Pap smear every two years is sufficient for Women with no signs or symptoms.

Pap smear registers now operate around Australia through the National Cervical Screening Programme, and if you are on the register, they will send you a reminder when your next Pap smear is due. You will automatically be placed on the register when you have a Pap smear, unless you request otherwise.

You should not have a Pap test when you have your period. The best time to have one is between 10 and 20 days after the first day of your last period.

If the cells are normal, no treatment is needed. If the cells look abnormal, or pre-cancerous, more tests may be needed. A Pap test is not 100% accurate all the time, so it is always important to talk to your doctor about your results.