The cervical smear test is known as the Pap test or smear test and is a test which every woman who is sexually active up to the age of 65 should have on a regular basis. It is a screening measure to try and catch the early signs of cancer of the womb, it is a test which the majority of women hate going for but is one that should never be put off no matter how uncomfortable or embarrassing the procedure is as cancer of the neck of the womb is one of the most virulent forms of cancer in women.
The test will usually be performed in your doctor’s surgery by a doctor or one of the qualified nurses that now perform some minor duties, you will normally be asked to lie on your back on the examining couch and let your legs fall open while bringing the soles of the feet together. The doctor or nurse will then proceed to examine you internally to feel for changes or irregularities to the neck of the womb.
