Getting your first "Pap smear" is a dubious rite of passage into American womanhood. Though we've all heard that we're supposed to get tested each year, we may not know lots of other important things ...

Although you can get a Pap smear during your menstrual period, some doctors may prefer you do not. A heavy flow may alter your exam results. If in doubt, it’s better to ask your OB-GYN, but try not to ...

Most people should continue getting Pap smears after menopause, as you may still be at risk for cervical cancer, which Pap tests can identify early. Some people may be able to stop Pap smears after ...

A pap smear (or pap test) is a screening for cervical cancer. It involves taking cells from the cervix and vagina and examining them under a microscope. The test is looking for cervical ...

Your healthcare provider may recommend a repeat Pap smear to confirm the abnormal resultsiStock A Pap smear, or Pap test, is a screening procedure for cervical cancer. During the test, cells from the ...

A Papanicolaou test, commonly called a Pap smear, tests for abnormal cells in your cervix — the area connecting the uterus to the vagina — and determines if these cells may be precancerous (called ...

Human papillomavirus (HPV) blood tests and Pap smear tests are methods for detecting cervical cancer. Doctors may recommend a person has both tests to check for cervical cancer. Share on Pinterest ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. There's no need to worry about grooming before a pap smear, doctors say, but there are other considerations to keep in mind. There ...