A pap smear helps identify cervical cancer, one of the leading cancers in young women.
It can also find changes in the cervix and abnormal cells which may be precancers.
When performed correctly, a pap smear doesn’t hurt.
It’s a quick and easy exam but there are a few precautions to take before it.
It’s important that you get as clear and healthy a sample as possible.
For this reason, you shouldn’t have sex before getting a pap smear.
Doctors advise patients to abstain from sex for at least 24-48 hours.
When a lab report notes abnormal cervical cells, further investigation is required.
Why sex with protection isn’t helpful
Having sex while using protection also doesn’t help.
“Using a condom doesn’t necessarily make things better,” Dr. Schaffir explained to Glamour.
The same goes for masturbating using a vibrator or using any other invasive toy (viaHealthline).
Any kind of object can inflame delicate vaginal issues.
Oral sex can also introduce cells to the sample that may be identified as abnormal.
