Pap Clinic

A Pap test is a simple screening test that can help prevent cancer of the cervix (cervical cancer). A Pap test looks for abnormal cell changes in the cervix. It does not test for other cancers in the reproductive organs or for sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea or HIV.

A Pap test is done in a healthcare provider’s office, you will be asked to lie on your back on an examining table. An instrument called a speculum is gently inserted in your vagina so your cervix can be more clearly seen. Cells are taken from the cervix and are sent to a laboratory to be examined under a microscope.

A Pap test looks for abnormal cells in the cervix. Cervical cells can become abnormal when a person has a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Abnormal cells often return to normal on their own. But if they do not, they need to be found and, if necessary, treated. Otherwise, slowly over a number of years, they may become cervical cancer.

Currently, the Ontario Cervical Screening Program recommends that anyone with a cervix (women, transmasculine and nonbinary people) who is or has ever been sexually active have a Pap test every 3 years starting at age 25. If you are under 25, talk to your family doctor or nurse practitioner about whether you should start cervical screening with the Pap test. Sexual activity is having sex with another person or touching another person’s genitals (private parts) with your mouth or hand.

The risk of getting cancer of the cervix does not decrease with age.

Pap tests should be a part of your regular healthcare until you are at least 70 years old.

Pap tests can stop at the age of 70 if you have had 3 or more normal tests in the previous 10 years.

If you have had a hysterectomy, talk to your doctor to see if you still need a Pap test.

You should have a Pap test every 3 years. If you develop abnormal cells, your cervical screening plan will change.

Pap tests are a preventative measure against cervical, vaginal, and anal cancers. Technically, they are not really an STI test as the health care provider is not looking for signs of a specific sexually transmitted infection, they are looking for abnormal cells on your cervix, in your vagina. It’s a kind of check-in to make sure that all tissue is healthy and that there are no concerning conditions developing that should be treated.

During a pap test, your health care provider may ask if you wish to be tested for STIs at the same time. In this case, they will use an additional swab to test for chlamydia and gonorrhea. It is up to you but many people find this a convenient time to get tested. If your health care provider doesn’t ask and you are interested in having an STI test while getting your Pap test done, let them know.

Your doctor will contact you if you have an abnormal test result. The Ontario Cervical Screening Program will also send you a letter telling you whether your test result is normal, abnormal or unsatisfactory and provide you with the next steps.

Most often, your Pap test result will be normal. If your result is abnormal, it does not mean you have cervical cancer. But you will need to talk to your doctor about the next steps, such as a repeat Pap test in a few months. You may also have to see a specialist for more tests if needed.