The speculum is a tool that holds open the walls of the vagina. Your provider uses a special swab, brush, or wooden stick to wipe off some cells from the cervix. The cells are sent to a laboratory to be viewed under a microscope. Pap smears can detect precancerous conditions. If these conditions are discovered, there is a good chance that simple treatment will prevent the development of cancer.
Pap smears are also useful for detecting some types of cervical or vaginal infections.