3years between smears
Most women
From age 21
- Start
- At 21
- How often
- A Pap smear every 3 years, or an HPV test every 5 years, if results are normal
- Stop
- At 65, after a negative HPV result
Back to home
Patient guide
Your Pap smear, simply explained.
A quick, routine test that can find changes in the cervix years before they could become cancer. Here is who needs one, when to start and what to expect.
21the age to start
The test
About 5 minutes
Repeat
Every 3 to 5 years
- 21age to start screening
- 3 yearsbetween normal Pap smears
- ±5 minfor the test itself
- Preventablewith screening and vaccination
A small test, a big difference.
The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the womb that opens into the vagina. During a Pap smear, a few cells are gently collected from the cervix and sent to a laboratory to check for abnormal changes. The same sample can be tested for HPV (human papillomavirus), the virus behind almost all cervical cancers.
- 01
Finds changes early
Cell changes can be treated simply, long before they could turn into cancer.
- 02
No symptoms needed
Early changes almost never cause symptoms, which is why regular screening matters.
- 03
Quick and routine
The test itself takes only a few minutes at your normal consultation.
- 04
Highly preventable
Cervical cancer is common in South Africa, yet screening and vaccination prevent most cases.
Who should be screened?
Anyone with a cervix aged 21 to 65 should have regular cervical screening, whether that is a Pap smear, an HPV test or both.
If you feel healthy
Early cervical changes rarely cause symptoms, so screening matters even when you feel well.
If you’ve had the HPV vaccine
The vaccine protects against the most dangerous HPV types, but not all of them.
In a long-term relationship
Or not sexually active right now. HPV can stay silent in the body for many years.
After menopause
Keep screening until your doctor confirms you can stop, usually at 65.
Anyone with a cervix
Including transgender men and non-binary people who still have a cervix.
If you’re living with HIV
Start at diagnosis, at any age, and screen more often (see below).
You may not need screening after a total hysterectomy (womb and cervix removed) for a reason other than cancer or pre-cancer. Dr. Madri can confirm this with you.
When to start, and how often.
How often you need a test depends on your age, your results and your health. Your schedule starts again from your most recent normal result.
1year between smears
Living with HIV
From diagnosis
- Start
- When you are diagnosed, at any age
- How often
- A Pap smear every year, or an HPV test every 3 years, if results are normal
- Stop
- Keep screening for life
After an abnormal result, you will need tests more often for a while. Dr. Madri will tell you when.
Public clinics offer free Pap smears from age 30, three times in a lifetime, ten years apart (around 30, 40 and 50). Screening more often gives you more chances to catch changes early.
The HPV vaccine
Protection that starts before exposure.
The HPV vaccine protects against the virus types that cause most cervical cancers, as well as genital warts and some other cancers. It works best before someone is ever exposed to HPV.
- 9 to 14
The best age to vaccinate, for girls and boys.
- Grade 5
The Department of Health vaccinates girls aged 9 and older at public and independent schools.
- 1 dose
A single dose gives effective protection to girls in the school programme. We’ll tell you at your appointment how many doses older teens and adults need.
- Up to 26
Teens and young adults who missed it can still catch up. Some adults up to 45 may also benefit.
The vaccine is very safe; a sore arm, mild fever or headache for a day or two are the most common side effects. It doesn’t replace screening: vaccinated women still need Pap smears on the normal schedule.
Your appointment, step by step.
The test itself takes only a few minutes, and the whole visit is usually short.
- 01
A quick chat
Dr. Madri asks a few questions about your health and cycle, and explains what will happen.
- 02
Getting comfortable
You undress from the waist down in private and lie on the examination bed with a sheet to cover you.
- 03
Taking the sample
A smooth speculum gently opens the vagina, and a small soft brush collects cells from the cervix in a few seconds.
- 04
All done
The speculum is removed, you get dressed, and you can go straight back to your day.
Most women feel some pressure or mild discomfort, but it shouldn’t be painful. Light spotting for a few hours afterwards is normal.
Before your visit, a few small things.
These help us get a clear sample and help you feel at ease.
Avoid your period
Book for a day when you’re not bleeding. Mid-cycle is ideal.
Skip creams and tampons
For 48 hours before, avoid sex, tampons, vaginal creams and douching.
Tell us what matters
Let us know if you’re pregnant, had an abnormal result before or feel anxious.
Bring company
You’re welcome to bring someone along or ask for a chaperone.
Breathe slowly
Slow, deep breaths help your muscles relax during the test.
You’re in control
You can ask Dr. Madri to pause or stop at any time.
Your results, and what they mean.
In 1 to 2 weeks
Your results come back from the laboratory, and we contact you either way.
If it’s normal
Most results are. You simply book your next screening on your usual schedule.
If it’s abnormal
It rarely means cancer. Usually there are cell changes that need a closer look, such as a repeat smear, an HPV test or a colposcopy.
What is a colposcopy?
- What it is
- A closer look at the cervix with a magnifying instrument, done much like a Pap smear.
- Why
- To see exactly where any changed cells are, and whether they need treatment.
Can’t remember when your last Pap smear was? It’s probably time for another one.
Your questions, answered.
Does a Pap smear hurt?
Most women feel some pressure or mild discomfort, but it shouldn’t be painful, and it’s over in a few minutes. Tell Dr. Madri if you’re uncomfortable; you can pause or stop at any time.
Can I have a Pap smear during my period?
It’s best to book for a day when you’re not bleeding, as blood can make the sample harder to read. If your period starts unexpectedly, let us know and we can reschedule.
I’ve had the HPV vaccine. Do I still need Pap smears?
Yes. The vaccine protects against the most dangerous HPV types, but not all of them, so vaccinated women still need regular screening.
Can I have one while I’m pregnant?
Yes, a Pap smear is safe during pregnancy. Let Dr. Madri know you’re pregnant so she can plan the right timing with you.
What’s the difference between a Pap smear and an HPV test?
A Pap smear looks for changed cells on the cervix. An HPV test looks for the virus that causes those changes. Both use the same kind of sample, and they are often done together.
How will I get my results?
We contact you once the laboratory results come back, usually within one to two weeks, and explain any next steps.
Book your Pap smear, a few minutes well spent.
If you’re due for a Pap smear, or not sure, book an appointment and we’ll take care of the rest. Ask us about the HPV vaccine for yourself or your children at the same visit.
This guide offers general information based on South African screening guidelines and doesn’t replace a consultation with your doctor.