THE PAP SMEAR

Bear with me but it's just that after my experience at the recent talk I attended, I just felt that I needed to delve a little deeper into this. So here are my two cents worth.

A Pap smear is simply a sample of cells taken from the surface of the cervix. (The cervix is the lower end of the uterus, which extends down into the vagina and vulnerable to cancer.)

The Pap smear is not for diagnosing cancer; it's really a screening test to determine if cells are normal and free of infection that may lead to cervical cancer. Early treatment may not only save a woman’s life, but also her womb.

The Pap smear is a simple procedure in which a speculum is inserted into the vagina to allow the cervix to be clearly seen. Using a wooden scraper or small cervical brush (as my gynae uses), a sample of cells is taken from in and around the cervix area.

This specimen is then smeared onto a glass slide and a liquid fixative sprayed onto the slides to hold the samples in place. These cells are then sent to a cytologist (a specialist in reading cells) who will then screen them for abnormalities such as abnormal cell growth, infection and inflammation.

A Pap smear is also useful in detecting cell changes on the vaginal wall which are signs of vaginal cancer, and picking up yeast and human papillomavirus, which causes genital warts.

Pap smears should be done at least once a year and continue until age 65. The best time to have this test is between 10 and 20 days after the first day of the menstrual period. It is advised that douching, use of tampons or vaginal medication, or sex should be avoided for about two to three days prior to the test.

I hope this helps. Please ladies, take it seriously. It has saved many women, me included, but that is a story for another day, like is a mammogram. For now, just know that I nipped it in time thanks to a regular Pap smear. Guys, your job hear is to remind your loved one to get one. See it as a chance to let her know what it's like to be nagged!

Missus Singapore out!

Missus Singapore or Miss Us Singapore (at your own peril) - A married woman on the loose

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