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Pap smears check for abnormalities in the cervical cells, located in a woman's cervix. Pap smears are highly recommended by health organizations, including the National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC), as part of a woman's health care plan.
Significance
Locating abnormal cervical cells is important for identifying the start of cervical cancer. According to the NWHIC, finding abnormalities early allows doctors to start treatment to prevent cancer from occurring.
Other Uses
Pap smears also check for cervical infections.
Age
Women who are 21 or older are eligible for pap smears. Women who have been sexually active for three years or more and are under 21 can also get a pap smear.
Frequency
Gynecologists perform pap smears to check for abnormalities every year for women between the ages of 21 to 30. Women over age 30 who have had three previous normal pap smears can reduce the frequency of their checkups to once every two to three years.
Preparations
According to the National Institutes of Health, women should avoid sexual intercourse, bathing in a tub, using tampons or douching 24 hours before the checkup. This can interfere with the test's accuracy.
Source:
National Women's Health Information Center: Importance of Pap Tests
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