Usually, the speculum is warmed and then gently inserted into the vagina. The practitioner then checks the woman's vaginal walls for lesions, inflammation, or unusual discharge, and also checks the cervix for the same. The smear does not actually detect disease, but identifies inflammation and infection in the cervical area that may be evidence of abnormalities in the cervical cells. Younger women may be more vulnerable to infection since the surface of their cervixes contain relatively immature, less resistant cells. This stresses the importance of annual gynecological exams for young women.
Some women feel a slight cramping when their cervix is touched.
The collected cells are mounted and sent to a lab, where they are examined by a technician. The pap smear does not detect sexually transmitted diseases, vaginal infections, pregnancy or any other gynecological problems. You sound like a good mom. Click on her picture for her bio. Shop O2 .