Women's Health

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

• Menstrual blood on the slide.
• A vaginal infection.
• The use of douches or vaginal creams or preparations within 24 hours of the exam.

What To Think About

• After you have had three or more normal annual pelvic and Pap tests in a row, you may need them less often. This depends on your risk factors for cervical problems and the advice of your health professional. For more information, see the topic Pap Test.
• If you may have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), other testing may be needed to confirm a diagnosis. For more information, see the topics Vaginal Wet Mount, Tests for Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), Herpes Tests, Syphilis Tests, Chlamydia Tests, and Gonorrhea Test.
• Pelvic ultrasound is another test used to evaluate a woman's pelvic organs. For more information, see the medical test Pelvic Ultrasound.
• Vaginal self-exam (VSE) may help you better understand your body, know what is normal for you, and find early signs of infections or other abnormal conditions that might require medical attention. But VSE should supplement but not replace a regular pelvic exam and Pap test done by a health professional. For more information, see the topic Vaginal Self-Examination (VSE).