You don't have to do anything special to prepare for a Pap smear, but there are a few things you shouldn't do beforehand, says obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Lauren Streicher. Find out what they are by watching this video.
Read Transcript
No special preparation. The truth is that you don't need to do anything before you come to the gynecologist, but there are certain things that you shouldn't do. You shouldn't douche, you shouldn't use any medication and if at all possible you don't want to have intercourse for at least 48 hours before because the semen can get in the way of paps smear results.
Lauren Streicher, MD is assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University in Chicago. Dr. Streicher is a diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
