How you prepare

To ensure that your Pap smear is most effective, follow these tips prior to your test:

• Avoid intercourse, douching, or using any vaginal medicines or spermicidal foams, creams or jellies for two days before having a Pap smear, as these may wash away or obscure abnormal cells.
• Try not to schedule a Pap smear during your menstrual period. It's best to avoid this time of your cycle, if possible.