Here's What You Need to Know About Pain After a Pap Smear, According to Doctors

'If you are experiencing severe pain, it is important to let your OB-GYN know right away.'

. While a pap smear is a routine appointment, that doesn't absolve it from potentially causing pain in the lower regions for patients. POPSUGAR spoke with gynecological experts on the possible causes for pain or cramping some might feel after receiving a pap smear.

"A pap smear is a sampling of the cells on a woman's cervix that screens for precancer and cancer of the cervix," says San Diego-based OB-GYN Christine Carter Sterling, MD."It is not a biopsy but rather a gentle swiping of cells with a plastic wand and small bristle brush," she tells POPSUGAR. The sensitivity of the cervix to touch and manipulation could be the reason some people experience cramping after their pap smear.

Everyone can feel pap smear pain differently."The way that organs perceive pain is quite different than those on external skin, which has different nerve pathways," says Dr. Nicole Williams of."There are no direct nerve endings on the cervix, so when it's touched, you feel it all over the lower pelvis as pressure or cramping," says Dr. Williams. Therefore, after a pap test, you could have cramping. This is usually not a cause for concern.

We have summarized this news so that you can read it quickly. If you are interested in the news, you can read the full text here. Read more:

POPSUGAR Fitness /  🏆 401. in US

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Sephora's First-Ever Beauty for All Sale Has Officially Kicked OffYour go-to guide for checking all the beauty lovers off of your list.
Read more »

Here are must-know changes for the 2021 tax seasonThere are significant changes for the 2021 tax season. Here’s what filers need to know and how to prepare, according to experts.
Read more »

An Infectious-Disease Doctor Answers All Your Questions About the Omicron Variant“Masking, handwashing, and strategic distancing continue to be critical tools,” says Dharushana Muthulingam.
Read more »

HBO Reveals ‘Euphoria’ Season 2 Release Date With a New Teaser Trailer Featuring Rue Dancing in Her BedroomIf you're already obsessed with 'Euphoria,' you're in luck, because it's already been renewed for season 2. Here's everything you need to know.
Read more »

Parenting, Baby Names, Celebrities, and Royal News | CafeMom.com
Read more »