Myths and misconceptions about Pap smear

A healthy lifestyle begins with enforcing healthy habits. For women, annual screenings like Pap smear (Papanicolaou test or pap test) should be included in their checklist.

Pap smear is done by collecting a sample of cells from the cervix to check for precancerous and cancerous cells of the cervix.

According to Dr. Mercy Wong, resident OB-GYN of LH Prime Medical Clinic: “A lot of women are hesitant to undergo Pap smear believing the various myths associated with it and knowing that it involves a gynecologist examining the inside of the vagina.” Because of this, she believes that it is important to dismiss common misconceptions about Pap smear in order for women to understand its significance for their health.

Getting a Pap smear is painful. Pap smear is a dreaded exam because of the procedure rather than the actual pain. However, a Pap smear should not technically hurt and if it does create a mild discomfort, one can ease the pain by relaxing.

Pap smear is done for sexually transmitted infections (STI). It is a method of cervical screening to detect abnormal cells that have potential to transform into cancer. If the patient thinks she might have an STI, the gynecologist may examine her during the procedure as well.

Pap smear is not needed for women who have been shot with vaccine against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Although HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer in young women, other factors like immune deficiency, smoking, family history of cancer and other factors not protected by the HPV vaccine may contribute to precancerous changes in the cervix.

Getting a Pap smear before having sex takes away a women’s virginity. Being a virgin means never having sexual intercourse. Getting a Pap smear does not involve having sexual intercourse and will not affect the patient’s virginity.

Pap smear is only required for women who have had sexual intercourse. Cervical cancer may be associated with HPV which is a sexually transmitted virus, but this does not exempt women who have not had sex yet as cervical cancer can be triggered by other factors aside from HPV.

As women grow older, the risk of having diseases are higher, thus the need for regular screenings like Pap smear is a must. Live healthier by having your Pap smear done by Cebu’s trusted OB Doctors at the nearest LH Prime Medical Clinic today! SPONSORED CONTENT