Why is it so important to have a smear test?

Top Doctors recently caught up with mightily experienced Windsor-based general practitioner, Dr Usha Sharma, to find out what exactly happens during a typical smear test, and what patients shouldn’t do before having a smear test.

What should you avoid doing before a smear test?

Two days before the smear test, I would advise patients to avoid sexual intercourse, to avoid the use of any vaginal medicines, contraceptive creams, contraceptive foams, or any other form of vaginal treatments. I would also strongly advise patients who are due to have a smear test not to undergo one if they are having their monthly period.

The preparation involves the patient being asked to undress, so it is important to wear comfortable clothing on the day of the smear test.

What happens during a smear test?

During a smear test, you will lie on the examination couch, and you will be told what leg position you will need to have. A very small instrument, a speculum, is inserted with a little bit of lubricant, and the smear is taken by using a very soft and flexible brush.

The whole procedure usually only takes five minutes maximum. It is important that the patient feels as comfortable and as relaxed as possible.

How often and at what age should women have a smear test?

My personal recommendation is that young women should start having smear tests from the age of 21 if they have been sexually active. The first smear will always include checking for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), as the two sub-types of this virus are known to be high risk for cervical cancer.

The recommendation is that if the smear is normal (not containing any pre-cancerous cells), then the smear can be repeated every three years. However, if the HPV virus is present, then the smear is repeated either every six or 12 months.

I encourage all of my female patients between the ages of 21 and 29 to have a smear test every two years. The recommendation for women between the ages of 30 and 65 is having a smear test every three to five years.

Why is it so important to have a smear test?

The reason why smear tests are carried out is to potentially detect any abnormal changes in the cells of the woman’s cervix before they become cancerous. The other main reason is to detect any high-risk HPV sub-types.

We can detect other abnormalities in the cervix, such as polyps, or erosion. The pre-cancerous cells have to be detected and examined in the laboratory.

If my results show something abnormal, what are the next steps?

It depends entirely on what the specific irregularity is. We can either repeat the smear test either six or 12 months later. We could also consider referring the patient to a gynaecologist for a further examination. Various biopsies will be carried out by the gynaecologist and the treatment plan will be tailored accordingly.

Dr Usha Sharma is the ideal medical professional when it comes to carrying out smear tests. If you are due to have a smear test in the coming future, be sure to contact her today via her Top Doctors profile.