Dos and Donts before a Pap Smear

To ensure that your Pap smear is most effective, follow these tips prior to the test:
1) Avoid intercourse or douching for two days before testing due to washing away of abnormal cells. If you cannot abstain from sex during this time frame then try not schedule a test right after menstruation as it may affect results; 2) A doctor will take less than five minutes with the procedure and most patients have little discomfort although some report mild cramps which usually lessen when finished (this can be prevented by taking an anti-inflammatory medication such cares lidocaine/prilAsyncaid); 3). Try not drink liquids 4 hrs beforehand because urine retention might trigger inflammation