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What to Expect During Your Next Pap Smear

Westover Hills Women's Health Blog What to Expect During Your Next Pap Smear
What to Expect During Your Next Pap Smear

Is scheduling a Pap smear on your to-do list for 2026? If it’s been a while since your last Pap smear, or if you’re feeling a little nervous about your upcoming appointment, you’re not alone. 

But don’t let the jitters keep you from this test. Pap smears are a key component of preventive care, and understanding what to expect can help you feel more comfortable and confident as you walk into your visit.

This month, our team of midwives and OB/GYNs at Westover Hills Women's Health explains what you can expect during your first (or next) Pap smear.

What is a Pap smear, and why does it matter so much?

A Pap smear is a simple screening test to detect abnormal cells on your cervix. It can also screen for precancerous or even cancerous changes.

These abnormal changes often occur long before cervical cancer develops, which means early detection can help address the issue even before those abnormal cells turn cancerous.

In other words, even if you feel perfectly healthy, regular Pap smears help protect your  gynecologic health.

How to prepare for your appointment

Preparing for a Pap smear is easy. Try to schedule your exam when you’re not on your period. For 24-48 hours beforehand, avoid intercourse, douching, or using vaginal creams or medications unless we advise otherwise. 

When you follow these instructions, we can get the most accurate results. For example, semen, vaginal creams, or even lubricants can obscure your cells, which makes it harder for the lab to see any problems with your sample.

What happens during your exam

A Pap smear is just one part of your gynecological exam. A full exam may include:

When it’s time for your Pap smear, you lie comfortably on an exam table while we gently insert a speculum, which allows us a good view of your cervix. We use a small swab (which may resemble a brush or spatula) to collect a sample of cervical cells. 

The process typically takes just a few minutes. You may feel mild pressure, a brushing sensation, or brief discomfort, but it shouldn’t be painful. We guide you through each step and check in with you along the way. 

In some cases, you may also need an HPV test at the same time as your Pap smear. This is called co-testing, and it’s also done with a swab. 

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that women between the ages of 30 and 65 have a HPV test and Pap smear every five years. Your HPV test looks for high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus. Certain strains, such as HPV 16 and 18, are linked to higher risks of cervical cancer. 

What happens after your Pap smear

Once your exam is complete, you can return to your normal activities right away. Some women experience light spotting, which is normal and temporary. 

We send your sample to a lab, and the results are usually available within a couple of weeks. If anything looks abnormal, we reach out to explain what it means and outline your next steps, if needed.

Stay on track with your preventive care this year

Schedule your next Pap smear at any of our Westover Hills Women’s Health locations in San Antonio, Texas.

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