Pap Smear Testing For STD

“Is there any pap smear testing for STD?” is a question that many adult females often wonder and search for a definite answer. So, here is a simple explanation to put an end to your speculations. A pap smear is usually a test method for detecting cervical cancer in women. The test determines any cell changes often caused by HPV that can lead to cervical cancer. The Human Papilloma Virus or HPV is the most common or main reason which causes cervical cancer, and HPV spreads through sexual contact. Hence, while a pap smear test is not directly done to determine STD, it can tell whether HPV is present or not. Therefore, the procedure can discover cancerous or precancerous cells as well as an STD. Hence, females from age twenty-one onwards should have a pap smear from time to time.

A qualified gynecologist (other qualified health workers can also perform the procedure) often conducts the pap smear test to detect abnormal cells which happen due to the presence of the Human Papilloma Virus. The doctor collects the samples from different parts of the cervix. If the test determines any abnormality, the doctor will conduct more tests and commence treatment. The doctor will also do pap smear STD testing if he sees other abnormalities.

By now, you must be wondering if it is normal to do pap smear testing for STD too? It is often a big question for many females, as stated earlier. While the pap smear tests are only for detecting the abnormal cells, which can cause cervical cancer, the abnormalities occur due to the HPV infection, an STD. The abnormal cells mean HPV is prevalent. So, while the doctor normally does not conduct pap smear testing for STD, it can still find out the presence of the virus.

Now that you know that doctors do not usually do pap smear testing for STD but can discover HPV, there must be another question in your mind. You must be thinking, do pap smears test for STDs or does a pap smear test for herpes or does pap smear test Chlamydia or whether to do pap smear testing for STD? Just continue reading, and you will know if it can help to do pap smear STD tests.