During the routine procedure, cells from your cervix are gently scraped away and examined for abnormal growth. The procedure is done at your doctor’s office. It may be mildly uncomfortable, but ...

During a Pap smear the most uncomfortable part will be when the doctor inserts a speculum into your vagina. However, the pain should be minimal and brief. Peter Dazeley/Getty Images A Pap smear is a ...

Learn what can cause an abnormal Pap smear, what a positive result means, and what next steps to take.

A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, checks cervical cells for abnormal changes. An abnormal result does not automatically mean that you have cervical cancer. Changes in the cervical cells can occur ...