Pap Test Tips to Remember

• Do not have a Pap test during your period (menstruation). The best time to schedule a Pap test is between 10 and 20 days after the first day of your last period.
• For about 2 days before the Pap test:
  • do not douche
  • do not put medicines or spermicidal foams, creams, or jellies inside the vagina
• Do not have sexual intercourse for 1-2 days before your Pap test. This may cause unclear results.

Doctor Nguyen: "Many women who never had sex before want to know they are still virgins after a Pap test. The Pap test can be done without affecting virginity. To lessen the discomfort, you can ask your doctor to use the smallest speculum."