Girlfriend
  • News
  • Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Life and Advice
  • Entertainment
  • Role Model Search
  • Dolly Doctor
  • Video
Girlfriend
  • News
  • Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Life and Advice
  • Entertainment
  • Role Model Search
  • Dolly Doctor
  • Video
  1. Home
  2. Dolly Doctor

All Your Pap Smear Questions Answered

'Cause they're more confusing than a PLL storyline. - by Dolly Doctor
  • 04 Aug 2021

Ahhh pap smears - confusing as hell, uncomfortable to think about, and slightly awkward the first time round. BUT, 100% necessary if you wanna prevent cervical cancer.

WATCH: Your Pap Smear Questions Answered 

There’s HEAPS of conflicting info out there about when you should get them (After you first have sex? Every two years even if you’re a virgin? You don’t need to bother if you’ve had the cervical cancer vaccine?) Arghhhh.

So let’s cut through the dodgy info and sniff out the actual facts. Lez go..

...

Like the Scooby Doo gang, we're gathering all the facts.

When do I need to have my first Pap smear?

According to the NSW Cancer Institute, "Under the renewed Program, it is recommended that women start screening at age 25. This is a change to the old Program, where women were advised to start having Pap tests when they were about 18 to 20".

For further information with regards to when to get tested, make sure to visit their website. And always consult your GP if you are confused.

I’m a virgin so I don’t need to be tested, right?

It’s not that clear-cut. About 98 per cent of cervical cancers are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). This virus is passed by genitals touching genitals, so this includes fooling around, even without penetration. 

...

Remember to always follow your doctor's advice when it comes to Pap tests.

What does a Pap smear test for and how is it done?

Basically, a scraping of cells are collected from your cervix and looked at under a microscope to check for any abnormalities caused by HPV which you can catch from sexual partners. In other words, they’re looking for signs cervical cancer could be on the cards in the future.

Does it also test for STIs?

Nope, you need to have separate tests for this. Only abnormalities caused by HPV can be detected by a Pap smear, nothing else.

I’ve had the cervical cancer vaccine. Do I still need to get a Pap smear?

Yes. There’s a bunch of different strains of HPV and the vaccine only protects against some. Also, you may have been exposed to HPV before the vaccine.

...

Make sense?

What exactly happens during the test?

1. The doctor will get you to take everything off from the bottom down then sit up on the exam table. You'll often be given a sheet for modesty (love that). They get you to put your feet into the stirrups at the end of the exam table and spread them wide, and we mean wiiiiide apart.

2. The doc will grab a vaginal speculum – this is a plastic or metal device designed to open the vaginal walls so the doc can get a good look and easy access to the cervix. They often put lube on this first then hook it onto your v-jay. It can be a little uncomfortable at first but certainly not unbearable.

3. They'll insert a spatula or brush to take a swab from the cervix. This isn’t painful and, in fact, you usually can’t even feel this at all.

4. The vaginal speculum is then closed and pulled off. The whole thing if over in less than five minutes – tops.

5. The sample is sent off for testing and your results are usually available in a week.

THAT’S IT! Done for another two years.

...

Phew!

Have a question for Dolly Doctor? Drop us an email - dollydoctor@aremedia.com.au

Subscribe to our sister mag and save up to 35% -

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to our sister mag and save up to 35%

Subscribe to our sister mag and save up to 35% -

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to our sister mag and save up to 35%

Recommended to you

Sophie Monk drops another epic Love Island trailer
Watch 1:00

Sophie Monk drops another epic Love Island trailer

{headline}

{headline}

Don't Panic! Dolly Doctor Explains What A Normal Vagina Looks Like

Don't Panic! Dolly Doctor Explains What A Normal Vagina Looks Like

This Is Why You Should NEVER Share A Razor

This Is Why You Should NEVER Share A Razor

When Can Aussie Teens Get The COVID-19 Vaccine? We’ve Got All The Answers

When Can Teens Get Vaccinated? We’ve Got Answers

Battle of the bras: How to fix these common bra struggles

Battle of the bras: How to fix these common bra struggles

{headline}

{headline}

Dolly Doctor: Yep, There Are Nine Different Types Of Boobs

Dolly Doctor: Yep, There Are Nine Different Types Of Boobs

The Iconic Dolly Doctor Dr Melissa Kang Is Back, And This Time She's Tackling Consent

The Iconic Dolly Doctor Dr Melissa Kang Is Back, And This Time She's Tackling Consent

Giving a voice to the silent disorder Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Giving a voice to the silent disorder Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

{headline}

{headline}

Tossing Up Whether To Get The IUD? Here's What The Docs Say

Tossing Up Whether To Get The IUD? Here's What The Docs Say

World Sleep Day: Our best sleep hygiene tips

World Sleep Day: Our best sleep hygiene tips

"That's such a silly myth." Your OG Dolly Doctor Melissa Kang answers your questions about boobs

"That's such a silly myth." Your OG Dolly Doctor Melissa Kang answers your questions about boobs

Should it hurt to take out a tampon? Dolly Doctor has the answer

Should it hurt to take out a tampon? Dolly Doctor has the answer

How To Safely Navigate TikTok's Toxic Pro-Anorexia Content

How To Safely Navigate TikTok's Toxic Pro-Anorexia Content

Ah, This Is *Actually* Why Your Boobs Hurt During Your Period

Ah, This Is *Actually* Why Your Boobs Hurt During Your Period

Circling Back T0 Your Menstrual Cycle To Find Out What's Actually Happening In Your Body

Circling Back T0 Your Menstrual Cycle To Find Out What's Actually Happening In Your Body

Girlfriend
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • New Idea
  • Practical Parenting
  • That’s Life
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • New Idea food
  • Home Beautiful
  • All Recipes
  • 7plus
  • 7News
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • The West Australian
  • Perth Now
  • 7mate
  • 7Sport
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Girlfriend

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to our sister mag and save up to 35% -

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to our sister mag and save up to 35%