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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What can I expect during my first pap test?

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    Cancer Cervical Cancer
    I'm 18 and will be having my first pap smear next week. Does it hurt? What should I expect?
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  • Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation

    ACCF’s Vision is to protect and enhance women’s health by eliminating cervical cancer and enabling treatment for women with cervical cancer and related health issues, … View Profile

    First of all, we are thrilled to hear that you will be having your first Pap test. The guidelines recommend that women be screened every 2 years between the ages of 18-70 from when they commence being sexually active.

    The screening should be very quick and painless. Your GP or practice nurse will ask you to undress from the waist down and to lie on a bed. She/He will then insert a speculum into your vagina to be able to see your cervix. They will then take a swab which should not hurt at all. The swab is then sent to a laboratory to be tested. The results should be available for you in a couple of days. If it is your first one then just tell the doctor or nurse that it is your first and ask them to explain to you what you can expect. Good luck and remember to remind all your friends to be doing the same!

    It really should only be a couple of minutes of discomfort to then be able to have 2 years of having peace of mind.

    43% of Australian women aren't having the recommended 2-yearly Pap tests.

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