What is a Pap smear test, and when should you have one?
Medically reviewed by our consultant obstetrician & gynaecologist (MBBS, MS OBG). Last reviewed: 1 November 2026.
A Pap smear is a short, simple test that looks for early changes in the cells of the cervix, the neck of the womb, before they can turn into cancer. It takes a few minutes and is done in the clinic. An abnormal result usually means more tests, not cancer. Pai Hospital in Vasco offers Pap smear tests by appointment.
What does a Pap smear check?
The cervix is the lower part of the womb that opens into the vagina. A Pap smear collects a few cells from its surface. These cells are then examined under a microscope.
The test looks for early changes in the cells. These changes usually come years before any cancer, and they cause no symptoms. Finding them early means they can be watched or treated in time. That is why the test is done even when you feel well.
Most of these changes are linked to HPV (human papillomavirus). HPV is a very common virus passed on through sexual contact. In most women the body clears it on its own. In a few, it stays and can slowly change the cells of the cervix.
Who should have a Pap smear, and how often?
Screening is generally advised for women who are or have been sexually active, from early adulthood up to the age when the doctor says it can stop. Women after menopause may still need it.
How often depends on your age, your earlier results, whether an HPV test is done along with it, and your health. Your gynaecologist will advise how often you need the test. If you have had an abnormal result before, you will usually be checked more often.
A Pap smear is a screening test for women without symptoms. If you have bleeding after sex, bleeding between periods, bleeding after menopause or unusual discharge, do not wait for a routine test. See a gynaecologist, who will examine you properly.
How is a Pap smear done?
- You lie on the examination couch with your knees bent and apart. You may ask for a female attendant to be with you.
- The doctor gently places a speculum in the vagina. This is a smooth instrument that holds the walls apart so the cervix can be seen.
- A soft brush or small spatula is turned lightly over the cervix to collect cells.
- The speculum is removed. The whole test takes only a few minutes.
Most women feel only pressure or mild discomfort. A little spotting afterwards can happen and settles on its own. You can go back to your normal day straight away.
When is the right time to have the test?
- You do not need to fast. You can eat and drink as usual.
- Not during your period. A few days after the period ends is a good time.
- Avoid sex for a day or two before the test.
- Avoid vaginal creams, pessaries, douches and washes for a day or two before.
- If you are pregnant, tell the doctor. The test can often still be done, and the doctor will advise you.
- If you have a vaginal infection, the doctor may treat it first and do the test later.
What do Pap smear results mean?
Your report is explained to you by the doctor. Some common words on a report are:
Normal (negative)
No abnormal cells were seen. You go back to routine screening as your gynaecologist advises.
ASCUS (ASC-US)
This means a few cells look slightly unusual, but it is not clear why. Often it is due to infection, inflammation or HPV. The doctor may suggest an HPV test or a repeat smear after some time.
LSIL
This means mild, low-grade changes, usually caused by HPV. Many of these settle on their own. The doctor may suggest a colposcopy or a repeat test to keep watch.
HSIL
This means more marked, high-grade changes. These are not cancer, but they need a closer look. The doctor will usually advise a colposcopy, and treatment of the affected area if needed.
Some reports use other terms, such as ASC-H or AGC. These also need a closer look, usually a colposcopy and sometimes other tests. The doctor will explain what yours means.
Sometimes the report says the sample was not enough to read. This is common and simply means the test is repeated.
Does an abnormal result mean cancer?
No. Most abnormal results show early cell changes, not cancer. An abnormal result usually means more tests, such as:
- A repeat Pap smear after a few months.
- An HPV test, which checks for the virus itself.
- A colposcopy, where the doctor looks at the cervix closely with a magnifying instrument and may take a tiny sample (biopsy).
The doctor will explain your result calmly and plan the next step with you. Please keep your follow-up visits, even if you feel well.
What about the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV linked to most cervical cancers. It is most useful when given before a girl or young woman becomes sexually active, but it can also be given later. Ask your gynaecologist whether it suits you or your daughter.
The vaccine does not cover every HPV type. Women who have had it should still have screening as their gynaecologist advises. Using condoms lowers the chance of passing on HPV and other infections.
Where can I have a Pap smear in Goa?
Women are seen at Pai Hospital, Vaddem, Vasco-da-Gama, by appointment, by the Pai Hospital Team (see gynaecologist in Vasco). The smear is examined under a microscope by a pathologist. Pai Hospital has its own laboratory for routine blood, urine and hormone tests, if the doctor advises any.
Women from any part of Goa can book a visit. If you live in North Goa, see gynaecologist for patients from Panjim. If you live in South Goa, see gynaecologist for patients from Margao. If you have old Pap smear reports, send them by WhatsApp before your visit. Directions are on our contact page.
A Pap smear is often part of a routine check after 45; read about menopause care in Goa and bleeding after menopause. For heavy or irregular bleeding, see heavy or abnormal bleeding. See all our gynaecology services in Goa.
How often should I have a Pap smear?
It depends on your age, your past results and whether an HPV test is done too. Your gynaecologist will advise how often you need it. Women with a past abnormal result are usually checked more often.
Does a Pap smear hurt?
Most women feel only pressure or mild discomfort for a minute or two. It is not usually painful. Breathing slowly and relaxing the tummy muscles helps. Tell the doctor if you feel uncomfortable at any time.
Can I have a Pap smear during my period?
It is better not to. Blood can make the sample harder to read. Book the test a few days after your period ends. Avoid sex, douching and vaginal creams or pessaries for a day or two before.
Does an abnormal Pap smear mean I have cancer?
No. Most abnormal results show small cell changes, often caused by HPV, and many settle on their own. An abnormal result usually means more tests, such as a repeat smear, an HPV test or a colposcopy, so the doctor can look more closely.
If I had the HPV vaccine, do I still need a Pap smear?
Yes. The vaccine protects against the HPV types linked to most cervical cancers, but not all of them. Women who have had the vaccine should still follow their gynaecologist's advice on screening.
Where can I have a Pap smear test in Goa?
At Pai Hospital, Vaddem, Vasco-da-Gama, by appointment. Women from Panjim, Margao and other parts of Goa can book a visit. Bring or WhatsApp your old Pap smear reports before the visit if you have them.
Or call +91 95459 20817 · +91 75582 52088 · 0832 251 3641
This page is for general education and is not personal medical advice. Treatment depends on your own examination and reports, so please speak to a doctor about your situation. We do not carry out or offer sex determination of any kind.