A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a procedure to test for cervical * in women.
A Pap smear involves collecting cells from your cervix — the lower, narrow end of your uterus that's at the top of your vagina.
Detecting cervical * early with a Pap smear gives you a greater chance at a cure. A Pap smear can also detect changes in your cervical cells that suggest * may develop in the future. Detecting these abnormal cells early with a Pap smear is your first step in halting the possible development of cervical * .A Pap smear is used to screen for cervical * .
The Pap smear is usually done in conjunction with a pelvic exam. In women older than age 30, the Pap test may be combined with a test for human papillomavirus (HPV) — a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical * .