Whilst there is not much preparation needed prior to a Pap smear, the most important things to remember are that you shouldn’t have sex, and use tampons, or douche in the 24 hours before the test.  Another important consideration is your menstrual cycle. Try not to schedule the test while you are having your period, as blood can make the results less accurate.  If you have unexpected bleeding, don’t cancel the test, as your provider will decide if the test can go ahead. Some birth control pills containing estrogen or progestin may affect test results, so tell your provider which medications you are taking, and also let them know if you may be pregnant or have had an abnormal Pap test in the past. If you, or a loved one, have questions or concerns surrounding Pap smears, contact Smart Choice Medical Clinic today! Our clinic has a strong emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention, and many of our services are available in-office and via telemedicine. At Smart Choice, we’re patient-centered, and we treat each patient with dignity, respect, and appreciation. We also have a unique model of healthcare along with a cost-saving membership option! Call us or schedule an appointment online. We serve patients from Tyler TX, Bullard TX, Troup TX, Dogwood City TX, Whitehouse TX, Gresham TX, Flint TX, and Jacksonville TX.