If you feel pretty damn proud of yourself for scheduling a Pap smear or pelvic exam, we don’t blame you. This kind of preventive care is incredibly important but also easy to put off or cut from your ...

A pap smear screening is one of most effective ways of preventing cervical cancer. But the screening can be frustrating to do regularly—and downright uncomfortable to have performed. Women's expert Dr ...

Although you can get a Pap smear during your menstrual period, some doctors may prefer you do not. A heavy flow may alter your exam results. If in doubt, it’s better to ask your OB-GYN, but try not to ...

Every year, I have a hot date with a cold speculum. I wear my best paper gown and always shave well beforehand. I wouldn’t say I enjoy the ritual (“scoot down, no ...

A pap smear (or pap test) is a screening for cervical cancer. It involves taking cells from the cervix and vagina and examining them under a microscope. The test is looking for cervical ...

Editor's note: anyone with a cervix can get a Pap smear, but for this article, we included sources who generally referred to these people as women. Going to the doctor for any type of exam can feel ...

The Pap smear is one of the least-pleasant parts of an annual OB-GYN exam. Not that the rest is a picnic — what with the paper gown, putting your feet in stirrups and having someone stick their finger ...