Pap smears are effective because cervical cancer grows very slowly, and pre-cancerous changes can be detected with a pap smear long before cervical cancer appears. A abnormal pap smear is often followed up by a colposcopy, which is an examination of the cervix under a special microscope. Regular paps smears with appropriate followup and treatment is nearly 100% effective in preventing cervical cancer.

Pap smears can also detect vaginal infections such as trichomonas, candida (yeast infection), and bacterial vaginosis, though these are better detected with a wet prep, or examination of vaginal secretions under a light microscope.

Some pap smears also detect HPV virus, the virus that causes cervical cancer and genital warts. If needed, your doctor may be able to determine what serotype of HPV is present in the pap smear samples. Some types cause cervical cancer and dysplasia, others cause warts, and others cause nothing at all.

Pap smears are performed as part of a routine pelvic exam, usually on an annual basis. Your physician may recommend pap smears more or less often than annually, based on your specific issues. Pap smears may be performed by a gynecologist, general practitioners, internist, pediatrician, or mid-level providers in those areas.

During your visit for a pap smear other gynecologic issues such as birth control or abnormal bleeding can be addressed.