{"id":2596,"date":"2025-07-25T09:53:41","date_gmt":"2025-07-25T09:53:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/srwomenchildrenspecialists.com\/?p=2596"},"modified":"2026-01-22T10:04:07","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T02:04:07","slug":"pap-smear-hpv","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/srwomenchildrenspecialists.com\/ms\/news-articles\/pap-smear-hpv\/","title":{"rendered":"Pap Smear &amp; HPV: Perkara yang Perlu Tahu Setiap Wanita"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>A&nbsp;<strong>Pap smear<\/strong>&nbsp;is a simple test that could save your life. It\u2019s one of the most effective ways to&nbsp;<strong>detect early signs of cervical cancer<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 and when paired with&nbsp;<strong>HPV screening<\/strong>, it becomes a powerful tool for protecting women\u2019s health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At&nbsp;<strong>SR Women &amp; Children Specialists Centre<\/strong>, we believe in empowering women with knowledge, proactive care, and early detection. Here\u2019s everything you need to know about Pap smears, HPV, and what to expect during your screening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Is a Pap Smear?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A&nbsp;<strong>Pap smear (Papanicolaou test)<\/strong>&nbsp;is a screening procedure used to detect&nbsp;<strong>abnormal cells on the cervix<\/strong>, the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. It\u2019s designed to catch changes in the cervical cells&nbsp;<strong>before they become cancerous<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A Pap smear&nbsp;<strong>does not diagnose cancer<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 but it helps your doctor determine if further testing is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Is HPV and How Is It Related?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Human Papillomavirus (HPV)<\/strong>&nbsp;is a very common sexually transmitted virus. In most cases, it clears up on its own. However,&nbsp;<strong>certain high-risk types of HPV<\/strong>&nbsp;can cause changes in cervical cells that may lead to&nbsp;<strong>cervical cancer<\/strong>&nbsp;over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s why&nbsp;<strong>HPV screening<\/strong>&nbsp;is often performed alongside or as part of Pap smear testing, especially for women over 30.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How Is a Pap Smear Done?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A Pap smear is a&nbsp;<strong>quick and relatively painless procedure<\/strong>&nbsp;done in a clinic setting. Here\u2019s what to expect:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Positioning:<\/strong>&nbsp;You\u2019ll lie on your back with your knees bent and feet supported.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Speculum insertion:<\/strong>&nbsp;Your doctor gently inserts a speculum into the vagina to open it and visualise the cervix.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cell collection:<\/strong>&nbsp;A small brush or spatula is used to collect cells from the surface of your cervix.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sample sent to lab:<\/strong>&nbsp;The collected sample is sent to a lab for analysis.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>The procedure usually takes&nbsp;<strong>less than 5 minutes<\/strong>. You may feel some mild pressure, but it\u2019s not typically painful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Prepare for a Pap Smear<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>To ensure accurate results:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Avoid intercourse<\/strong>&nbsp;24\u201348 hours before the test<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Don\u2019t use vaginal creams, lubricants, or douches<\/strong>&nbsp;for 2 days prior<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Schedule it mid-cycle<\/strong>, ideally not during your period<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Empty your bladder<\/strong>&nbsp;before the exam for added comfort<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pap Smear Schedule: How Often Should You Get One?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s the general&nbsp;<strong>Pap smear schedule recommended in Malaysia<\/strong>&nbsp;and internationally:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Age Group<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Recommended Screening<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>21\u201329 years<\/td><td>Pap smear every 3 years<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>30\u201365 years<\/td><td>Pap + HPV co-testing every 5 years, or Pap smear alone every 3 years<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Over 65 years<\/td><td>May discontinue if previous tests are normal and no high-risk factors<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Women who are&nbsp;<strong>sexually active<\/strong>&nbsp;or have risk factors (e.g. early sexual activity, multiple partners, smoking, or weakened immunity) may need&nbsp;<strong>earlier or more frequent testing<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re unsure, talk to our experienced\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/srwomenchildrenspecialists.com\/womens-health-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">gynaecologists<\/a>\u00a0about the best schedule for your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/srwomenchildrenspecialists.com\/2025\/07\/25\/when-to-see-a-gynaecologist-what-to-expect-during-your-visit-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">When to See a Gynaecologist and What to Expect<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What If My Pap Smear Is Abnormal or HPV Is Detected?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>First \u2014 don\u2019t panic.&nbsp;<strong>An abnormal Pap smear or positive HPV test does not mean you have cancer<\/strong>. Here\u2019s how we typically manage results:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mild Abnormal Cells (ASCUS, LSIL):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Often monitored with a repeat Pap in 6\u201312 months<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>HPV testing may help guide the next step<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>HPV Positive (High-Risk Types):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A&nbsp;<strong>colposcopy<\/strong>&nbsp;may be recommended \u2014 a close examination of your cervix using a special microscope<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In some cases, a&nbsp;<strong>biopsy<\/strong>&nbsp;is taken for lab analysis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Moderate to Severe Changes (HSIL):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>May require treatment with&nbsp;<strong>LEEP<\/strong>,&nbsp;<strong>laser<\/strong>, or&nbsp;<strong>cone biopsy<\/strong>&nbsp;to remove abnormal tissue<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These are highly effective and typically prevent progression to cancer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Our team at SR Women &amp; Children Specialists provides&nbsp;<strong>individualised follow-up<\/strong>&nbsp;and gentle, respectful care every step of the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The HPV Vaccine: Prevention Starts Early<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The&nbsp;<strong>HPV vaccine<\/strong>&nbsp;protects against the most dangerous types of HPV and is recommended for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Girls and boys aged 9\u201314<\/strong>&nbsp;(before first sexual activity)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Women up to age 26<\/strong>, and some up to age 45 (depending on risk)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Women previously exposed to HPV (to prevent reinfection with other strains)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Ask us about&nbsp;<strong>HPV vaccination<\/strong>&nbsp;options available at our clinic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why Choose SR Women &amp; Children Specialists?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>All-women O&amp;G team with extensive experience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Safe, private and non-intimidating clinic environment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Timely appointments and clear explanations of your results<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Full suite of women\u2019s health services, from screening to treatment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Take the First Step Toward Cervical Health<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Routine screening saves lives. Whether it\u2019s your first Pap smear or your regular follow-up, we\u2019re here to make it a comfortable and informative experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Visit us at Suite 206\/207, Level 2 SCC, Gleneagles Hospital Johor, Medini Iskandar Puteri<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Call us: [+6011-1992 3585]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Book your Pap smear or women\u2019s health screening today at\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/srwomenchildrenspecialists.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">www.srwomenchildrenspecialists.com.my<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Also read:\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/srwomenchildrenspecialists.com\/2025\/07\/25\/when-to-see-a-gynaecologist-what-to-expect-during-your-visit-2\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/srwomenchildrenspecialists.com\/2025\/07\/25\/when-to-see-a-gynaecologist-what-to-expect-during-your-visit-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">When to See a Gynaecologist and What to Expect<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A&nbsp;Pap smear&nbsp;is a simple test that could save your life. It\u2019s one of the most effective ways to&nbsp;detect early signs [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2597,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2596","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/srwomenchildrenspecialists.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2596","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/srwomenchildrenspecialists.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/srwomenchildrenspecialists.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/srwomenchildrenspecialists.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/srwomenchildrenspecialists.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2596"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/srwomenchildrenspecialists.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2596\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8272,"href":"https:\/\/srwomenchildrenspecialists.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2596\/revisions\/8272"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/srwomenchildrenspecialists.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2597"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/srwomenchildrenspecialists.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2596"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/srwomenchildrenspecialists.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2596"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/srwomenchildrenspecialists.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2596"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}