Pap Test: How To Prepare

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How To Prepare

Before a Pap test:

• Try to schedule the test when you are not having your period, since blood can interfere with the results of the test. If your bleeding is light, you may still be able to have a Pap test.
• If you have symptoms such as bleeding after intercourse, get a Pap test as soon as you are able to schedule one.
• Do not use douches, tampons, vaginal medicines, sprays, or powders for at least 24 hours before having a Pap test.

At the beginning of your visit, tell your health professional:

• If you are or might be pregnant.
• If you have any reproductive or urinary tract symptoms such as itching, redness, sores, swelling, or an unusual odor or increased vaginal discharge. If you have been performing regular vaginal self-exams, discuss any changes you have noticed with your health professional. For more information, see the medical test Vaginal Self-Examination (VSE).
• If you are using birth control.
• If this is your first Pap test.
• The first day of your last menstrual period and how long your period lasted.
• If you have had surgery or other procedures such as radiation therapy to the vagina, cervix, vulva, or uterus.

If you have had problems with pelvic exams in the past or have experienced rape or sexual abuse, talk to your health professional about your concerns or fears before the exam.

No other special preparations are needed before having a Pap test. For your own comfort, you may want to empty your bladder before the exam.

Tell your health professional whether you have had an abnormal Pap test in the past. Talk to your health professional about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test or how it will be done. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form (What is a PDF document?) .

Last updated:	August 14, 2007
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer