Skip to Main Content

On Feb. 21, 2024, Change Healthcare experienced a cyber security incident. Any individuals impacted by this incident will receive a letter in the mail. To learn more about this from Change Healthcare, please click here or reach out to the contact center at 1-866-262-5342.

What to Expect Before, During and After Your Pap Smear

Date: 07/25/23

A Pap smear, also called Pap test, checks for signs of cervical cancer. Anyone can get cervical cancer. Screenings, like Pap smears, can catch it early and save your life. Cervical cancer is extremely preventable with screening tests. It is also very curable when found and treated early.

If you are over the age of 21 or sexually active, you need to talk with your provider about when you should get a Pap smear. Louisiana Healthcare Connections members ages 21-64 earn $50 in healthy rewards when they complete their cervical cancer screening.

Women under 21 years of age may need to get screened if medically necessary. You may need a screening if you have a weakened immune system, have a history of cervical cancer in your family, and more. Talk with your doctor and family about what is best right for you.

Before Your Pap Smear

Ask your provider if you need the Pap smear only, or the HPV test as well. The best time to be tested is 10 to 20 days after the first day of your period. You should not get one if you’re on your period.

Try to avoid things that can affect your test results. For about 2 days before the test make sure to avoid:

  • Tampons
  • Vaginal creams, suppositories, or medicines
  • Vaginal deodorant sprays or powders
  • Sex
  • Douching

During Your Pap Smear

A Pap smear can feel odd, but it doesn't last long. This is a quick procedure. It takes only a few minutes. You will lie down on the exam table while your doctor does a pelvic exam and pap smear. Your doctor will put an instrument called a speculum into your vagina and use it to see your cervix. You may feel a little bit of pressure when the doctor uses the speculum to look at your cervix.

You might also be a bit uncomfortable when the sample is taken. This will only take a few seconds. Your provider will use a special stick or brush to take a sample of a few cells both on and inside your cervix. During the exam, your doctor will not be able to tell if your cervix is healthy. Your cells will be sent to a lab for testing and the results will be reported to your doctor as normal (or negative), unclear, or abnormal.

If some of your cells are abnormal, your doctor will be able to tell you what types of abnormal cells were found.

Remember: A Pap smear may be mildly uncomfortable but should not be painful.

After Your Pap Smear

It can take up to 3 weeks to receive your test results after your Pap smear. Most results are normal. Your results may come back abnormal. It can be scary to hear, but it usually does not mean you have cancer. If your test shows abnormal cells, your provider will let you know. They will work with you to create a plan.

There are many reasons why test results might not be normal. Your doctor will let you know what type of cells were found and if you need to be re-tested or treated.

Questions? Check out our cervical health and wellness page or talk with your provider, they will be able to answer all your questions.

Need help? Call us at 1-866-595-8133 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., if you would like help scheduling your cervical cancer screening or finding a ride. The screening is included in your benefits, so it won’t cost you a thing.