Pap Smear Test
A pap smear is a quick, minimally invasive test used to examine the cervix for abnormal cells that may indicate cancer or could develop into cancer. It can also help identify certain infections and signs of inflammation.
The test itself typically takes only a few minutes, is not painful and requires no recovery time, allowing you to get on with your day right away.
At Prologue The Lifestyle Medical Clinic, we provide comfortable and discreet Pap smear screening in a supportive environment. Take an important step in protecting your cervical health now.
Many women may not experience noticeable symptoms in the early stages of cervical changes.
By detecting abnormal cells early, a Pap smear allows doctors to intervene. This reduces the likelihood of developing serious health conditions later on. In fact, countries with well-established screening programmes have seen a significant drop in both cases and deaths related to cervical disease, thanks to early detection and treatment.
Regular Pap smear screening also provides:
- Peace of mind — knowing your cervix is healthy and monitored
- Timely management — identifying infections, inflammation or precancerous changes before they cause complications
- Complementary to other screenings – works alongside other women’s health screenings (such as breast checks or HPV testing) for a more complete picture of your health
Even if you feel perfectly well, Pap smears remain an essential part of women’s health. Abnormalities rarely cause pain or obvious symptoms in their early stages, which is why routine screening is strongly recommended for all eligible women.
In Singapore, cervical health screening is guided by recommendations from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Singapore Cancer Society. These national guidelines provide women with timely and evidence-based care at different stages of life.
Pap Test Age Guidelines
- Women Aged 25–29
A Pap smear every 3 years is recommended. The rationale behind this is that in younger women, HPV infections are very common but are also likely to be cleared by the body’s immune system on their own.
- Women Aged 30–69
For women aged 30 and above, the national guideline shifts to a different primary screening method: the HPV test, performed every five years. This is because HPV testing directly identifies high-risk virus strains known to cause cervical changes.
If HPV testing is not available or suitable, you may still undergo a Pap smear every three years. In some cases, your doctor may recommend co-testing — using both Pap smear and HPV testing together every five years — especially if you have a history of abnormal results or other risk factors.
- Discontinuation of Screening (Around Age 69)
For women around the age of 69, screening may no longer be necessary if you have a long history of negative results and no prior precancerous abnormalities.
However, the decision to discontinue screening should always be made in consultation with your doctor, who can assess your overall health and medical history.
Following these guidelines is important because it helps you get screened at the right time: not too often and not too rarely. Keeping to the recommended schedule reduces unnecessary stress and cost, while still providing strong protection.
Knowing who should get screened and when to begin Pap smear screening is important for preventive care.
- Sexually Active Women Aged 25 and Above
Pap smears are recommended for sexually active women aged 25 and above. This age group benefits most because cervical changes caused by persistent HPV infections typically take years to develop.
Starting screening at 25 strikes the balance between detecting meaningful abnormalities early and avoiding unnecessary testing in younger women, where infections often resolve naturally.
- Women Who Have Never Had Sexual Intercourse
Women who have never had sexual intercourse generally do not need to undergo Pap smears, as their risk of developing cervical abnormalities is very low.
However, if they experience symptoms such as unusual bleeding, pelvic pain or abnormal vaginal discharge, a doctor may still recommend an examination or alternative investigations to rule out other health concerns.
Note that women who have been vaccinated against HPV should continue regular screening once they turn 25. While vaccination provides strong protection against many high-risk HPV strains, it does not cover all possible types.
Pap smears and HPV testing remain necessary to monitor for rare infections or other cervical changes that vaccination alone may not prevent.
Pap Smear vs HPV Test: What’s the Difference?
Cervical screening today involves two main types of tests—the Pap smear and the HPV test. While they share the same goal of protecting your reproductive health, they work in different ways and are recommended at different ages.
Test | What It Detects | Key Benefits | When It’s Most Useful |
Pap Smear | Looks for abnormal cervical cells that may signal precancerous changes | Helps identify cell changes early; simple and widely available | Younger women (25–29 years), as HPV infections are common but often clear naturally |
HPV Test | Identifies high-risk HPV strains that can cause cervical changes | More sensitive than a Pap smear alone; detects risk before cell changes appear | Older women (30–69 years), when persistent HPV infections are more likely to lead to abnormalities |
Co-Testing (Pap + HPV) | Screens for both cell changes and HPV infection | Provides the highest level of sensitivity and reassurance | Women with a history of abnormal results, weakened immunity or additional risk factors |
Procedure & What to Expect
A Pap test screening is a routine and swift procedure that is often performed as part of a general pelvic exam. Knowing what to expect can help ease any anxiety and make the experience as comfortable as possible.
Preparation
Before the test begins, you will be asked to lie down on an examination bed with legs bent and knees apart your feet placed in stirrups. This position allows your doctor to access the cervix comfortably.
No special preparation is needed for a Pap smear, although it is generally recommended to avoid scheduling the test during your menstrual period, as heavy bleeding can affect sample accuracy.
During the Procedure
A speculum is gently inserted into the vagina to allow the doctor to see the cervix. Using a soft brush or small spatula, a sample of cells is collected from the cervix. This step may cause mild pressure or brief discomfort, but it should not be painful.
After the Procedure
The entire process is quick that there is no recovery time needed. You can get dressed immediately and resume your normal daily activities, including work, exercise and driving, right away.
Some women may experience very light spotting or mild cramping for a few hours after the test. This is completely normal and no cause for concern.
Interpreting Your Pap Smear Results & Follow-up Steps
Results typically fall into two main categories — normal or abnormal — each with specific recommendations for what to do next.
Normal Results (NILM)
If your results are reported as Negative for Intraepithelial Lesion or Malignancy (NILM), it means no abnormal cell changes were detected. In this case, no immediate action is required, and you should continue with your regular screening schedule based on your age group.
Abnormal Results
An abnormal result does not automatically mean you have a serious condition. In many cases, abnormalities may be caused by temporary infections, inflammation or minor cell changes that can resolve naturally.
However, some results may suggest higher-grade changes that require closer monitoring. Depending on the findings, your doctor may recommend:
- Repeat Pap smear or HPV test: Sometimes, a follow-up test is advised after a few months to check if the abnormality has cleared.
- Colposcopy: A closer examination of the cervix using a special magnifying device to assess any abnormal areas more thoroughly.
- Biopsy: If concerning changes are seen, a small tissue sample may be taken during colposcopy for further laboratory analysis.
Risks & Limitations
Like all medical tests, Pap smear tests have certain limitations that patients should be aware of. Understanding these helps you appreciate why consistent follow-up is so important and why the guidelines are structured the way they are.
False Negatives and False Positives
A Pap smear is not 100% accurate. Sometimes, abnormal cells may be missed (false negatives) or normal cells may be reported as abnormal (false positives). These scenarios are uncommon, but they can happen due to factors such as sampling technique, infection or blood obscuring the specimen.
Not a Standalone Test
Pap smears are useful, but they do not detect all potential risks on their own. In women aged 30 and above, HPV testing is often recommended becauserecommendedadded because it is more sensitive at identifying high-risk viral strains that can cause cervical changes.
Not Universally Necessary
Pap test screening may not be beneficial for everyone. For example, women under 25 generally do not need Pap smears because cell changes at younger ages are often temporary and resolve on their own. Similarly, women over 695 who have had consistent negative results and no history of abnormal findings may no longer need regular screening.
Context matters! The decision to start, continue or stop screening should always be individualised. Factors such as sexual history, immune status and past screening results play a role in determining what is best for you.
Pricing & Accessibility in Singapore
At Prologue, we believe Pap and HPV tests smears should be accessible for everyone. As a CHAS clinic and part of Singapore’s National Screen for Life programme, eligible women can enjoy free or heavily subsidised Pap smears.
We also offer Pap and HPV tests smears within tailored screening packages, which can include pelvic examinations, HPV testing and comprehensive well-woman checks to suit your individual health needs.
FAQ
When should I start?
Screening is recommended for women aged 25 and above who are sexually active. Women younger than 25 generally do not need a Pap smear, as abnormal changes at this age are common and usually resolve on their own.
How often should I screen?
For women aged 25–29, a Pap smear every 3 years is advised. From ages 30–69, an HPV test every 5 years is preferred, though a Pap smear every 3 years or co-testing every 5 years may also be options. Your doctor will guide you on the best schedule based on your age and health history.
Can I test during menstruation?
It is better to schedule your Pap test screening when you are not on your period, as blood can affect the accuracy of the results. Light spotting is usually not an issue, but if your flow is heavier, your doctor may recommend rescheduling.
Do I need a Pap smear after a hysterectomy?
It depends on the type of hysterectomy and your medical history. If your cervix was removed for reasons unrelated to abnormal cell changes, you may no longer need Pap smears.
However, if the cervix was left intact or if there is a history of abnormal results, continued screening may still be recommended. Always check with your doctor for personalised advice.