PAP smears are a test for abnormalities in cervical cells and cervical cancer, and is performed by inserting a mirror into the vaginal canal and collecting cells from the cervix using a special cotton swab. These cells are sent to the lab for inspection.
Pap smears are recommended every few years (depending on your age). Get it frequently. It’s easy to forget what to do before and after booking.
What is one of the most common questions?
After the Pap smear, can you have sex?
There is no official consensus on whether sex can be done after a pup smear. Ultimately, it depends on you and what you feel is right for your body.
That being said, it is not uncommon to experience some bleeding and spots along with the discomfort after the pup smear. This is deterrent when it comes to sex, especially penetration.
Your provider can give you clearer instructions as to whether sex is a good idea for you right after the Pap smear. If you’re feeling it and want a little intimacy, then I recommend choosing non-penetrating activities such as oral sex or good old times makeup.
Can I have sex before smearing?
We don’t advise that.
Since we don’t get PAP smears frequently, when we do so, we want to take the steps to get the most accurate results possible. That includes refraining from sex.
Penetrate approximately 24-48 hours before your appointment, as penetrating gender can affect the outcome just before your Pap smear. It also means avoiding the use of lubricants and sexual toys, as well as oral sex before the pup smear. This is mainly because all of these can introduce bacteria into the vagina.
There are only 1-2 days every few years. Do it (or don’t) for reproductive health!
Pap smear, gender, STI
While you’re here, it’s important to take a little time to talk about STIs.
HPV is Most common STIs There. There are many different strains, some of which can lead to genital warts, while others can lead to cervical cancer, as we discussed.
If your Pup Smear is all clear, does it give you reach to have unprotected sex? That’s not necessarily the case. It may mean you don’t have abnormal neck cells, but you still need to be proactive about your sexual health.
This means using barrier protection methods such as condoms and dental dams if you are with a new partner or have multiple partners. Or, if you decide to have unprotected sex, a clear conversation about your test and STI status is having a clear conversation with your sexual partner.
Pap smears may tell you a lot about your cervical health, but they don’t draw the big picture.
Preparing Pap Smears
Whether this is your first or your fifth Pup smear, being in the office with literally everyone in your business can be nerve-wracking.
In addition to brushing up sex protocols before and after the Pup smear, there are other important tips too. How to prepare a Pap smear.
- It’s fine to get a Pup smear during the period, but if you can avoid it, try to avoid schedule appointments when you’re menstruating.
- Come to your appointment with a list of questions about your sexual and reproductive health.
- To minimize discomfort, you can take OTC painkillers like ibuprofen about an hour before your appointment.
- You may want to wear panty liners in case they are found after a pup smear.
If your results happen to be abnormal, this may be scary to hear. Unusual results are incredibly common and can be cleared yourself within a few years. Your doctor would recommend coming to another Pup smear in a year perhaps.
So, just as a reminder – sex before the pup smear? No, not a day or two ago. Sex after a pup smear? Yes, only if it feels good for you and your body.
