A Pap test (also called a Pap smear), checks for changes in the cells of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) that opens into the vagina (birth canal). The Pap test indicates if there is an infection, abnormal (unhealthy) cervical cells, or cervical cancer. The vaccine is not a replacement for a Pap test and does not prevent the spread of all types of HPV or other sexually transmitted infections. Education about prevention and protection remain important for teens and young adults.
A woman should have her first Pap test within three years of becoming sexually active, and then every two years after that or as recommended by her health care provider. A Pap test is the only way to detect abnormal cells in the cervix. An abnormal Pap test may mean that there are precancerous cells that have a small chance of developing into cancer. These can be treated successfully at this stage because the progression to cancer is slow, and can take years.
There are no tests available to detect the HPV virus. Most people will have contracted an HPV infection before the age of 50, but will never have known that they had HPV because their infection was harmless, had no symptoms and cleared up by itself.
