A Pap smear involves a medical provider inserting a speculum into the vagina, then swabbing the cervix before sending the sample to a lab. Reporter Maybe you had a bad experience with your last Pap ...

People should avoid having sex for 2 days before a Pap smear, as sex can cause a discharge that may affect the result. People should also avoid douching, applying any contraception or medication ...

Federal guidelines are expanding the options for cervical cancer screenings beyond the often-disliked Pap smear. According to new recommendations released Monday by the Health Resources and Services ...

Back in May of this year, the FDA approved a new method of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing in a healthcare setting. Rather than a standard Pap smear performed with a speculum -- a test dreaded by ...

A Pap smear (Pap test) is a routine part of your healthcare screening. They are often performed during your first prenatal visit. Research and professional organizations confirm that it is safe and an ...