Safeguarding our health with important wellness appointments is the ultimate form of self-care. Embracing routine health screenings like Pap smears is a powerful way to ensure we are actively participating in our own well-being.
According to Kings College Hospital Dubai, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in the UAE in women. However, it is also one of the most common preventable cancers, “provided that routine cervical Pap smear tests are carried out, the incidence of cervical cancer can be reduced by 80%”.
So what actually happens at a Pap smear test? And who needs to get one? Cosmo ME spoke to Dr Sura Thamer Alwan, consultant of obstetrics & gynaecology at Medcare Women & Children Hospital, to find out.
How often should women be going for their pap smear tests?
According to Dr Alwan: “Cervical cancer screening (testing) should begin at the age of 25 for women”.
Pap smear tests are often confused with HPV tests, but it is important to know the distinction: “The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancerous changes in the cervical cells that can progress into cervical cancer if left untreated while the HPV test detects the virus that can cause cervical cancer”.
As Dr Alwan explains: “An annual primary HPV test is recommended for individuals between the ages of 25 and 65. If primary HPV testing is not accessible, screening may be done using either a co-test that combines an HPV test with a Papanicolaou (Pap) test every 5 years, or a Pap test alone every 3 years if the results are normal.”
What to expect from your first Pap smear test?
Attending your first Pap smear can appear a bit daunting. Dr Alwan takes us through what to expect.
“Your doctor will review your medical history at the time of your consultation, taking into account your current health conditions or medications you may be taking. This procedure is necessary since it allows your doctor to establish your general health. The doctor will ask you some personal questions about your daily routines and your medical history.
“You will next be asked to undress from the waist down. The physician will then ask you to lie on your back to apply the speculum to obtain the sample from the cervix. The speculum helps to open up the vagina. At this stage, the physician will also administer the brush and culture swab which is like a cotton stick. To remove cells from your cervix, the physician will carefully slide the swab into your vagina.
“The physician will remove the speculum after collecting the sample and insert a white plastic stick with a thin cotton-like material on top. Your physician will take multiple samples by gently touching the cotton tip to your cervix and send these samples for testing in the laboratory”.
Does it hurt?
Fear or apprehensiveness ahead of your appointment is very common, but as Dr Alwan explains, it’s all pretty straightforward, “Altogether, the procedure will take only 5 minutes and usually this test is not harmful as you will not feel pain but you will only sense a little discomfort when the speculum is inserted into you.
“There is no need for any general anaesthesia and no need for any pain relief medications also. If you’re a little sensitive, you can inform your physician of the same and they will help you”.
What happens when you get your Pap smear results?
“Once the results come back, your physician will advise you if the pap smear test results are positive or negative”, says Dr. Alwan. “Even if the results are negative, you must continue to see your physician for regular checkups since abnormal cells can resurface after a few months”.
Where and how can you get a pap smear in the UAE?
Many health centres across the UAE provide Pap smear tests. The Medcare Women & Children Hospital offers pap smear tests that include a consultation with a gynaecologist, an HPV test, and a pap smear for Dhs475.
Looking for other ways to level up your wellness this year? Read our expert guide to gut health here.