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what happens at the GP

Although you probably don't check out your vagina every day, it's really important to have regular health check ups to make sure everything is healthy 'down there'. Regular sexually transmitted infection (STI) check ups and regular pap smears are vital.

And naturally, if you are experiencing any pain, irritation, redness, unpleasant odour or abnormal looking discharge in your vaginal region, see your doctor straight away.

Pap Smears

What is a Pap smear?

A Pap smear is basically an internal examination where a doctor takes cells from your cervix in order to test that they are healthy. Unhealthy cells can turn into cervical cancer.

What does a Pap smear do?

A Pap smear checks for changes in the cells of your cervix and acts as a screening procedure to find early warning signs that cancer might develop in the future.

Regular Pap smears are important because it means any abnormal cells can be found at an early stage and easily treated if necessary.

Remember however that Pap smears don't check for other possible problems in the reproductive system, nor do they check for STIs.

How do they do a Pap smear?

To do a Pap smear, your doctor will gently insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina, so that the cervix can be seen. This may be uncomfortable, but shouldn't hurt.

A sample of cells is then collected from the surface of the cervix using a small brush, and this is then spread on a glass slide.

The cells on the slide are sent to a laboratory where they are looked at, and a report of the findings is sent to the doctor within one to two weeks.

You may be asked to return to see the doctor for the results. Sometimes you might be able to phone for the results or you might get sent a letter.

Who should have them?

The general rule is that once you've had sex for the first time, you should have a Pap smear within 2 years of that time, even if you no longer have sex.

It only takes a few minutes and could save your life.

Why should I get one?

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and curable of all cancers. But it is the eighth most common cancer in Australian women. More than 1,000 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year. It is estimated that up to 90% of the most common type of cervical cancer may be prevented if cell changes are detected and treated early..

Does it hurt?

It might be embarrassing, but it's not painful - most girls can hardly feel it. If it does hurt, tell your doctor.

How do I find a good doctor to do my pap smear?

The important thing is that you are comfortable and at ease with the doctor you choose to do your Pap smear. You may prefer to have a female doctor perform the Pap smear. Remember though that male doctors do them all the time so there is nothing to feel embarrassed about!