Pap Smear Screening in Singapore

A Pap smear is an essential component of routine women's health screenings, crucial for the early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. It is recommended for women between 25 and 29 years who have had sex before.

Pap smears are crucial for detecting cervical cancer early, often before any symptoms emerge, underscoring their importance even for those who feel healthy and lack a family history of the disease. Moreover, the necessity of Pap smears extends beyond the protection offered by HPV vaccines.

Given that vaccines do not guard against all cancer-causing HPV strains and considering other risk factors influenced by lifestyle choices and sexual behaviour, regular Pap smear screenings remain an indispensable part of women's health care.

It's best to schedule your Pap smear 5 days after your menstrual period has concluded to avoid inaccuracies due to menstrual blood.

Walk-ins are available. Our clinic can help to perform this subsidised test for eligible Singaporeans aged 25 years and above. Please feel free to contact us if you are unsure about your eligibility for subsidies.

Prior to your Pap smear, you should avoid the following:

• Sexual intercourse
• Douching
• Use of vaginal medications
• Use of spermicidal products (such as foams, creams or jellies)

You are not required to shave or wax, as this does not impact your test results.

Individuals who are sexually active, or have been in the past, should consider Pap smears essential, particularly women between the age of 25 to 29.

The procedure involves using a speculum to widen the vaginal canal. A small brush is then used to obtain a sample of your cervical cells. It's quick, typically causing only mild discomfort and possibly light bleeding afterward. The entire process should not last more than a few minutes.

For women over 25, Pap smears should be done at least every three years, though those with abnormal results or higher risk factors may need more frequent screenings.

While experiences vary, you might feel:

• A sense of pressure or discomfort
• A scratching sensation
• A minor pinch
• Abdominal pressure

Emptying your bladder beforehand can alleviate some discomfort. It's important to communicate with your doctor if you experience significant pain during the procedure. Our doctor will do his or her best to minimise discomfort for you.

Your results will be ready in approximately one week. A doctor will call to discuss with you the results.

While both tests are crucial for detecting cervical cancer risks, HPV tests specifically look for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) known to cause the disease, whereas Pap smears detect abnormal cell changes in the cervix.

Beyond detecting pre-cancerous conditions, Pap smears are not designed to screen for STDs.

Want to skip the queue at the polyclinic? We are a one-stop health screening centre equipped with Chest X-Ray, Mammogram and Ultrasound scans for your medical examination and full body check up.

Our clinic is conveniently located in the Central Business District (CBD) at Anson Road, and just a 4-minute walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT station (EW15). Our Orchard clinic branch is strategically located in central Singapore, and just a 2-minute walk from Orchard Boulevard MRT station (TE13).

If you need any help, please WhatsApp / call us at 88838892 or email us at camden@atamed.sg. We will be more than happy to assist you.

Comprehensive Health Screening: You may also be keen to explore our routine and comprehensive health screening packages. Our Crown Plus ($485*), Royal ($667*), Jewel ($1415*), and Marvel ($2289*) packages have various Ultrasound and even Mammogram tests bundled with them.

*Prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.