What it is

• ➤ A Pap smear (Pap test) is a preventive screening test that collects cells from the cervix (the opening of the uterus) to check for abnormal changes.
• ➟ The aim is to detect pre-cancer or cancer early, often before symptoms appear.
• ✦ Two main formats:
  • ▪ Conventional Pap test → cells smeared on a slide.
  • ▪ Liquid-based cytology (LBC) → cells placed in liquid for clearer, more accurate analysis (widely used in Korea).
• ➤ Often paired with HPV DNA testing for higher accuracy.
• Important: The Pap smear only screens for cervical abnormalities—not ovarian or uterine cancer.

Why it’s done

• ➤ Primary goal: Prevent cervical cancer by catching precancerous changes (CIN).
• ➟ Indications:
  • ▪ Routine screening for individuals with a cervix.
  • ▪ Follow-up after abnormal results or cervical treatment.
  • ▪ Higher-risk groups (immunosuppressed, persistent HPV).
• ✦ Benefits:
  • ✅ Detects early, highly treatable changes.
  • ✅ Takes just 2–5 minutes, low discomfort, low risk.
• ⟶ Limitations:
  • ▪ Not 100% perfect → false positives or negatives possible.
  • ▪ Requires regular intervals for reliability.
• Bold takeaway: Regular screening drastically lowers cervical cancer deaths.

Alternatives

• ➤ HPV DNA testing: Detects high-risk HPV strains. More sensitive than Pap alone.
• ➟ Co-testing (Pap + HPV): Highly effective, may allow longer screening intervals if negative.
• ✦ VIA (Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid): Used in low-resource settings, not common in Korea.
• ⟶ Colposcopy: Not a screening option; it’s a follow-up diagnostic test.
• Important: Even if vaccinated for HPV, you still need Pap or HPV screening.

Preparation

• ➤ Schedule mid-cycle (day 10–20 of menstrual cycle).
• ✦ Avoid for 24–48 hours before test:
  • ▪ Intercourse
  • ▪ Vaginal creams or medicines (unless prescribed)
  • ▪ Tampons
  • ▪ Douching (never recommended)
• ➟ Tell your clinician if you:
  • ▪ Might be pregnant
  • ▪ Recently had infections or procedures
  • ▪ Take medications affecting immunity or bleeding
• → Bring: ID, past test results, list of medications.
• Important: If you have heavy bleeding, reschedule for best accuracy.

How it’s done

• ➤ Check-in & consent: Quick medical history and confirmation.
• ➟ During procedure (2–5 minutes):
  • ▪ A speculum gently opens the vagina.
  • ▪ A small spatula/brush collects cervical cells.
  • ▪ Sample placed on a slide or in liquid vial.
• ✦ Optional: HPV swab may also be collected.
• → What you feel: Pressure and a brushing sensation—brief but tolerable.
• After: Speculum removed, you return to normal activities immediately.
• Important: Clinics in Korea follow strict sterilization and identity checks.

Recovery

• ➤ Right after: Normal activities are safe.
• ✦ Possible minor effects:
  • ▪ Mild spotting
  • ▪ Slight cramps
• ➟ If spotting occurs: Avoid tampons, intercourse, or vaginal products for 24h.
• → Results:
  • ▪ Normal → continue screening as advised.
  • ▪ Abnormal (ASC-US, LSIL, HSIL, HPV+) → repeat test, HPV typing, or colposcopy.
• ⟶ Seek care urgently if:
  • ➤ Heavy bleeding
  • ➤ Severe pain
  • ➤ Fever or foul discharge
• Important: Keep a personal record of results and never skip follow-ups.

Treatment option in Korea

• ➤ Where to go:
  • ▪ University hospitals in Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daegu, etc.
  • ▪ Specialized women’s centers with international patient services.
• ✦ Why Korea:
  • ▪ Advanced cytology labs with liquid-based cytology & HPV genotyping.
  • ▪ Same-day packages (consultation + Pap + HPV + ultrasound).
  • ▪ Transparent pricing and English-language support.
• ➟ If abnormal results:
  • ▪ Colposcopy + biopsy for diagnosis.
  • ▪ Cryotherapy or laser therapy for mild changes.
  • ▪ LEEP or conization for high-grade lesions.
  • ▪ Oncology care if cancer is confirmed.
• ⟶ For international patients:
  • ▪ Send prior records ahead of time.
  • ▪ Plan 1–3 days for screening & results.
  • ▪ Request reports in English.
• Important: Korea’s system is efficient, but your consistency with follow-up is what ensures success.