A Pap test is a medical examination performed by a gynecologist essential for all women. It allows to know the state of the reproductive system and does not pose any risk. It is a study carried out on an outpatient basis in which a sample of the cells present around and inside the cervix is taken so that, finally, it is analyzed in a laboratory. In this way, an attempt is made to find cells or abnormal changes present in the cervix and, in this way, to be able to detect alterations, such as cervical cancer or precancerous lesions early.
To not alter the medical examination results, it is crucial to have specific considerations. Among the most frequent doubts of women, the fact of intimacy stands out. If you are one of those, who wonder: can you have sex before a smear test? We advise you to continue reading the following FastlyHealarticle.
Table of Contents
When should a Pap smear or Pap smear be done?
A Pap smear or Pap test is a medical test that all women should have. Its purpose is to analyze the cervix cells, which are the narrowest sector of the uterus because it is located at the end of the vagina. What is tried in this study is to find possible existing abnormalities, either in the cells or in the walls of the cervix, which would lead to diagnosing cervical cancer at an early stage, leading to better results for treatment. Also, this test makes it possible to diagnose HPV, that is, the human papillomavirus, which is the leading cause of cervical cancer.
Performing this exam at the indicated times is essential to maintain the correct health of the female reproductive system because the types of cancer it can detect are the most frequent in females.
For all the above, it is essential to know who should undergo this test and how often they should do it. Although it is necessary for all those women who maintain an active sexual life to request it, it should also be done by women over 21 years of age, even if they do not have intimate relationships, at least once a year.
Despite this, it is advisable to consult with a gynecologist how often to undergo cytology, since it may vary depending on each particular case, for example, the general health of a woman; However, other factors can be essential and cause the woman to undergo this test more frequently, among these are:
- Having suffered from diseases such as genital warts or herpes.
- Have a weakened immune system.
- Be carrying out aggressive treatments or using steroids.
- Your mother ingested diethylstilbestrol during pregnancy, which is the synthetic form of estrogen.
When typical values have been found in the Pap smear for ten years, the woman can stop having this test, although it is recommended to be after 65. There are also some instances in which this test is not needed, for example, for those women who have undergone a hysterectomy, that is, the removal of the uterus or a part of it; however, you must consult a gynecologist.
Can I have sex before a Pap smear?
Women who undergo this test have many doubts since it is necessary to take different precautions not to alter the medical examination results. Among the most frequent questions is the possibility of having sexual intercourse before performing the cytology.
To obtain the most precious results possible, specialists are likely to recommend not having sex for 48 hours before performing the Pap smear. This is because penetration and contact with sperm cause the vaginal walls to change, as they become inflamed and sometimes irritated, which could cause more discomfort during the Pap test for women. Also, suppose the sperm enters the interior of the woman. In that case, it has the possibility of remaining attached to the vagina for 72 hours until it is eliminated, which could modify the cytology results.
It is essential to consult this information with a trusted gynecologist despite the above. In this way, he will be able to offer you various instructions so that you follow rigorously and obtain the most accurate results possible.
Recommendations before a cytology
There are other factors to consider so as not to alter the results and, at the same time, feel as comfortable as possible during the medical examination. For this, it is recommended:
- Avoid douching for 24 hours before your Pap smear.
- Do not use deodorants, creams, or lubricants for at least the day before the gynecological exam.
- You should notify the specialist if you are on your period, as the study will not be possible. It must be done three days after the bleeding ends.
- If you are allergic to latex, inform your doctor to use gloves made of another material during the Pap smear.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Can you have sex before a smear test? We recommend that you enter our category of Female reproductive system.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.