Pap Smear: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Pap Smear?
Many people have a Pap smear done by their ob/gyn (obstetrics/gynecology) or primary care provider. It is done in a doctor's office or clinic. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
A Pap smear is a test to screen for cervical cancer. The cervix is the lower part of your uterus, the place where a developing baby grows during pregnancy. Your provider collects cells from your cervix and sends them to a lab. The lab checks the cells under a microscope for cancer or signs that they are abnormal and may become cancer.
Cells that may become cancer are called precancerous cells. HPV is the name of a group of related viruses, some of which can spread through sexual contact. A Pap smear does not diagnose cancer.
Why a doctor might recommend it
A Pap smear looks for abnormal changes in cervical cells before they become cancer.
You should start getting Pap tests at age 21. If you are 21 to 29 and your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test. If you are 30 to 65, talk to your doctor about which testing option is right for you.
- A Pap test only. If the result is normal, you may be able to wait three years.
- An HPV test only. If the result is normal, you may be able to wait five years.
- An HPV test along with a Pap test, called co-testing. If both results are normal, you may be able to wait five years.
After age 65, your doctor may tell you that you do not need screening if you have had at least three Pap tests or two HPV tests in the past 10 years with normal results. You also should not have had a cervical precancer in the past.
How to prepare
For 2 days before the test, avoid sex, douching, vaginal medicines, and spermicidal foam.
What happens during it
- Your provider gently inserts a speculum, a plastic or metal instrument, into your vagina so your cervix can be seen.
- Your provider then uses a small, soft brush or swab to collect cells from the cervix.
- The cell sample is sent to a lab to be looked at under a microscope.
Recovery
You may feel some mild discomfort during a Pap smear and have some very light bleeding afterward. It can take as long as three weeks to receive your test results.
An unsatisfactory result means there were not enough cells in the sample or the cells were clumped together.
Risks and side effects
There are no known risks to having a Pap smear, but cervical screening is not perfect. A false-positive result looks abnormal even though no precancer or cancer is present. A false-negative result looks normal even though precancer or cancer is present. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if bleeding will not stop, or if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, or fainting.
Who performs it
Many people get a Pap smear from an ob/gyn or a primary care provider.
Common questions
How often do I need a Pap smear?
Your age and health history help decide how often you need a Pap smear. If you are 21 to 29 and your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test. From age 30 to 65, ask your doctor which testing option is right for you.
What is the difference between a Pap smear and an HPV test?
A Pap smear looks for precancers, which are cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately. An HPV test looks for the virus that can cause cell changes on the cervix.
What does an abnormal Pap smear result mean?
An abnormal result usually does not mean that you have cervical cancer. More serious changes can turn into cancer if they are not removed. If your provider is concerned about your results, they may do a colposcopy to look closely at your cervix.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Pap Smear
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Screening for Cervical Cancer
- National Cancer Institute - Cervical Cancer Screening
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
