What Happens During a Pap Smear?
A Pap smear is a quick, 5-minute procedure performed during a routine pelvic examination. Dr. Aparna Kalekar gently collects a small sample of cells from the cervix using a soft spatula/brush. The cells are sent to a pathology lab to check for abnormal or dysplastic changes under a microscope.
Screening Guidelines & HPV Co-testing
International gynaecological guidelines recommend:
- Women aged 21 to 29: Routine Pap smear every 3 years.
- Women aged 30 to 65: Pap smear combined with High-Risk HPV DNA co-testing every 5 years (or Pap smear alone every 3 years).
- HPV Vaccination: Recommended for young women and girls (ages 9 to 26) to protect against high-risk HPV strains 16 and 18.
Understanding Your Results
Most Pap smear results are normal. If mild atypical cells (LSIL or ASC-US) are detected, repeat testing or colposcopy guidance is provided to monitor cellular resolution.
Why Choose Kalekar's Star Clinic in Wakad?
Written by Dr. Aparna Kalekar (MBBS, MS OBGY), Specialist Gynaecologist in Wakad
Quick, painless in-clinic Pap smear screening
Comprehensive cervical health & HPV vaccination advice
Evening clinic hours (5–9 PM daily) in Wakad, Pune