A Pap smear is a method used to test cells in the cervix for the presence of cervical cancer. These important tests are conducted beginning at age 21 or when a woman becomes sexually active, and are repeated every two to three years in order to find abnormal cells under a microscope.
How Does Douching Affect a Pap Smear?
The practice of douching involves using a special type of wash or water marketed to rid the vagina of odors, blood or bacteria. Douche products typically contain some mixture of the following: water, vinegar, baking soda or iodine, according to womenshealth.gov. While women believe that douching is a healthy practice, the opposite may be true: Douching can remove healthy bacteria from the vagina, causing increased risk of yeast or other infections.
In the case of Pap smears, douching can remove abnormal cells on the cervix needed to detect abnormalities. This could lead to a false negative on a Pap smear that could have prevented early detection of cervical cancer or some other abnormality.
Recommendations
While most physicians do not recommend douching at any time for women, a woman should not douche for 24 to 48 hours prior to a Pap smear. Doing so could mask abnormal cells.
In addition to avoid using a douche prior to a Pap smear, other factors, such as sexual activity, tub baths, menstrual bleeding, a yeast infection, use of certain medications (such as digitalis or tetracycline) or vaginal cream use can affect a Pap smear's results. Refrain from these types of activity for 24 to 48 hours prior to a Pap smear as well.
Indications for Rescheduling
If you have used a douche 24 hours prior to a yearly appointment with your physician, you may wish to reschedule the appointment or schedule another time to have the Pap smear. Inform your physician if you have used a douche in the time frame before the test, as the doctor should be observant of potential difficulties or abnormalities in a Pap smear.
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