Pap Smear (Singapore)
A Papanicolaou test, or a Pap smear, is a vaginal examination introduced in the 1940s and is, still to date, a reliable way to detect cervical cancer even in its early precancerous stage.
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is a cancer unique to women and often a complication resulting from the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection, which is commonly sexually transmitted. To prevent cervical cancer, it is recommended that you undergo the HPV vaccination.
While the vaccination is a good protection against HPV and cervical cancer, sexually active women between the ages of 20 and 65 are recommended to undergo a PAP smear yearly for the first two years. If both results come back negative, it is recommended to continue with a PAP smear once every three years.
What Symptoms Does Cervical Cancer Present?
It is not clear what causes cervical cancer, but it is a well-known fact that HPV is closely linked to the cancer. Although HPV is very common, most people recover from the infection naturally and do not develop cancer. This means that other factors in your lifestyle and environment affect the likelihood of developing cancer.
Cervical cancer can take years to develop, after an HPV infection. Early stages generally present no symptoms. In the advanced stages, cervical cancer can cause:
- Pain during intercourse
- Irregular bleeding from the vagina after sexual intercourse, between periods, or after menopause
- Vaginal discharge that may be watery, bloody, and have a foul odour
Cervical Cancer Testing Singapore
At Speedoc, we stand by the most accurate measure of detecting cervical cancer – Pap smear. This vaginal examination involves collecting cells from the cervix, which would then be sent for laboratory testing to detect for any indication of cancer.
What Is A Pap Smear Like?
During a Pap smear, a speculum will be inserted into the vagina to hold its walls open. Samples will be collected using a tiny sweeping brush. This process would be smoother and easier if your muscles are relaxed, and body is calm.
After the Pap smear, you may experience some minor bleeding in the form of spotting. This is normal and should subside within a few hours to a couple of days. There are a few reasons you may experience bleeding:
Cervical Sensitivity
To obtain a sample of your cervical cells, doctors will use a tiny brush to scrape the lining of your cervix. This can irritate your cervix lining and cause bleeding. The bleeding should be light and subside in a few hours.
If you have a friable cervical, you may experience heavier spotting and bleeding because the condition causes your cervical tissues to be overly sensitive and easily irritated.
Birth control pills and other forms of hormonal contraception can also make your cervix more sensitive, by raising your hormone levels. In addition to bleeding, you may experience cramping or pain as well
Polyps
During a Pap smear, a cervical polyp may bleed if accidentally irritated.
Infections
Infections, such as yeast infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), can make your cervix more sensitive, causing blood vessels to bleed more easily during a Pap smear.
Cervical cancer
One of the main telltale signs of cervical cancer is irregular vaginal bleeding. A Pap smear that essentially irritates the cervical tissue can trigger heavier, additional bleeding.
Pregnancy
If you are pregnant during a Pap smear, you may bleed more due to the additional blood vessels that have formed in your cervix. The bleeding should end within two days.
If you experience heavier bleeding that does not subside, you should consult a doctor.
Why Use Speedoc?
We understand that you may feel uncomfortable about disclosing intimate details about your lifestyle. At Speedoc, we safeguard your privacy:
- Consultation is carried out remotely so you get to be in the comforts of your home. Everything you share with us will be kept confidential.
- Medications will be delivered to your doorstep in an opaque, unbranded packaging.
Book An Appointment With Speedoc
Schedule your appointment with Speedoc here.
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