Pap smears and HPV tests can catch issues early—long before they become cancer. Learn why these simple screenings matter and how to make the experience more comfortable.

During a Pap smear the most uncomfortable part will be when the doctor inserts a speculum into your vagina. However, the pain should be minimal and brief. Peter Dazeley/Getty Images A Pap smear is a ...

I have a condition called vaginismus that makes traditional cervical cancer screening nearly impossible.

Cervical health is crucial to a woman’s overall well-being year-round, and Cervical Health Awareness Month in January helps highlight how routine screenings and vaccinations help protect women. More ...

Self-swab tests provide a simple way to catch early warning signs of cervical cancer.

Regular cervical cancer screening using HPV testing and/or Pap tests can prevent up to 90% or more of cervical cancers by detecting and treating precancerous lesions early, making it one of the most ...

The need for a colposcopy depends on factors such as the type of human papillomavirus (HPV) detected, your age, and the presence of atypical cervical cells. HPV infections can sometimes cause changes ...

An abnormal Pap smear means some percentage of your cervix cells appear abnormal in shape or size. In most cases, an abnormal Pap smear does not indicate cancer and is in fact caused by HPV. If you ...

A Pap smear is a procedure that screens for cervical cancer by testing cells for any abnormalities. If your Pap results are abnormal that does not mean you have cancer, and more likely indicates HPV.