Can I have sex after the Pap smear? – Discover it here

The Pap smear, also known as cervical cytology or PAP test, is a clinical examination that is performed on women from approximately 21 years of age in order to detect whether or not there is any anomaly or alteration in the cervix that could become a type of cancer. This procedure consists of collecting cells from this female organ to later be analyzed to see if they are cancerous or could become cancerous (precancerous cells). Thus, by carrying out the test, this type of disease can be detected when it is still very early and it is easier to treat than if it is already advanced.

As in any type of test, it is important to follow the guidelines set by the specialist and avoid some products or activities before having this analysis performed. However, some people also have doubts about what can or cannot be done after cervical cytology, such as: “Can I have sex after the Pap smear?“. Keep reading this unCOMO article where we will explain some aspects to take into account before undergoing this type of medical tests.

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What is the Pap smear and how is it performed Who should have cervical cytology: recommended age Can I have sex after the Pap smear? – here the answer

What is the Pap smear and how is it performed?

As we have indicated The Pap test is an exam where some cells are collected from the cervix. to detect if they are cancerous or if they show any signs that they will eventually become, known as precancerous cells. It is one of the best ways to get ahead of possible cervical cancer or detect it in the early stages.

The cervical cytology It is a simple and non-painful procedure that is performed as follows:

First, the specialist will place a speculum inside the vagina so that it remains open and in this way, he can correctly observe the cervix. Then, with a small spatula, he will obtain a sample of both the cells and the mucus of the ectocervic ( external part of the cervix) performing a light scraping. Finally, the doctor will insert a cotton swab into the cervix to collect a cell sample from the endocervix (it is a part of the cervix that is located just after the external cervical os). For a woman with a removed cervix, cell collection will take place in the upper part of the vagina, also known as the vaginal cuff.

Who should have cervical cytology: recommended age

The PAP test or cervical cytology It is an exam they should undergo all women from 21 years of age or earlier if you have had sexual relations before that age. According to the medical encyclopedia Medlineplus, which is from the US National Library of Medicine, women should have this cytology done with a certain regularity according to the following schedules:

If you find yourself between 21 and 29 years oldyou should regularly undergo this exam approximately every 3 years. If you have between 30 and 65 years, the PAP test will be performed approximately every 5 years as long as it is combined with the HPV test. If not, it must be done every 3 years.

But there are other factors besides age that increase the probability of cancer and, therefore, this medical encyclopedia also recommends that this test be performed regularly on women who are within the following risk groups:

If you previously had a Pap smear with abnormal results. If you have a weakened immune system. If you have currently been infected with HIV or have any sexually transmitted disease (STD). If you have had human papilloma virus or have genital warts. If you have or have had many sexual partners or if your partners have had sexual relations with other people. If before birth you were exposed to diethylstilbestrol, a medication that was prescribed during the period from 1940 to 1971 to prevent spontaneous abortions.

We give you more information about when a cytology should be done in this other unCOMO article.

Can I have sex after the Pap smear? – here the answer

It is normal that you worry about following the requirements so that the results are not altered, especially if it is the first time that you perform this clinical examination. Therefore, questions like “Can I have sex after the Pap smear?“. If you have asked yourself this, we must tell you that the answer is YES, there is no problem that you have sexual relations after the test since the doctor has already collected a sample and, therefore, it can no longer suffer any type of alteration. However, it is recommended that if you have discomfort or a little bleeding from the cytology scraping, it is better that you wait to have intercourse when it has passed, which will be in a short time.

However, before undergoing Pap tests, it is important that you meet the following requirements so that the results are valid, since if they are unclear or unsatisfactory, you will have to undergo this procedure again. Between the Requirements for a correct Pap or PAP test we find:

You should not have sexual intercourse for 48 hours before the test. It is important that when you schedule the appointment, you do so at least 5 days after having finished your period. Some products such as tampons, vaginal creams, spermicidal foam or vaginal medications can alter the results of the exam, so you should not use it 3 days before the PAP. You will not be able to douche 2 or 3 days before the cytology.

Now that you know if you can have sex after the Pap smear, you may also be interested in knowing whether or not you can have it before the test in more detail than what we just told you. If so, come here because we tell you about it in this other article about Can I have sex before a Pap test?

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