Pap Test
Overview: The Pap smear (Pap test) is the easiest way to determine if there are any changes in the cervix that could lead to cervical cancer. It is a screening process to see if additional testing should be done. It is a quick, simple test that detects any abnormalities or changes in the cells of the cervix (the opening to the uterus.) Women usually get their first Pap smear by the age of 20, or when they become sexually active if this happens sooner. It is recommended by the physicians at the Thielen Student Health Center that all college-aged women should have a Pap smear every year. Discuss this with your physician to decide what is right for you.
The Pap smear is usually painless and it takes no time at all. Cells are normally shed from the cervix and uterus and collect in the vaginal fluid. A sample is taken from the cervix using a special brush. The cells are placed in a liquid suspension and then sent to a lab for examination.
The pap smear is just one part of an overall gynecological examination. The exam usually includes a Chlamydia (a sexually transmitted disease) test; an examination of the breasts, blood pressure, and thyroid gland; and a pelvic examination, in which the doctor examines the size, shape, and position of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. It is best not to have a gynecological exam during the menstrual cycle. If a woman has had genital warts or any other sexually transmitted disease, she should have a yearly Pap smear because there is evidence that certain strains of diseases are linked to cervical cancer.
The Pap smear is only a screening process. If any abnormalities are found, further evaluation will be performed. This may be as simple as a repeat Pap smear. Other evaluations might include a colposcopy, where a special magnifying scope is used to examine the cervix more closely, or a biopsy, where larger amounts of tissue are obtained for a closer survey of the cells.
What Thielen Student Health Center Can Do For You: To schedule a Pap test with the Thielen Student Health Center, please call 515.294-5801. Appointments can be scheduled around your class schedule.
Follow-up for abnomal Pap tests are also arranged by appointment.
For prevention of STDs, we offer free condoms throughout the health center and campus, and offer sexual health education through the Prevention, Education and Outreach office, located in the Wellness Center on the second floor.
Last update: 09 Dec 2008
For more information, please contact:
Iowa State University
Thielen Student Health Center
515-294-5801
