Quick answer: A Pap smear test checks cervical cells for changes that could turn into cancer. Start screening at 21: a Pap test every 3 years until 29, then an HPV test or co-test every 5 years from 30 to 65. The Pap smear test cost in Yelahanka depends on the method and lab. Call the clinic for current pricing.
Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be largely prevented. The World Health Organization says it is largely preventable through HPV vaccination and regular screening, and can be cured if found early. A Pap smear is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself, and it takes only a few minutes.
Key takeaways
- A Pap smear looks for abnormal cells on the cervix before they become cancer.
- Screening usually starts at 21, whether or not you are sexually active.
- Ages 21 to 29: Pap test every 3 years. Ages 30 to 65: HPV test or co-test every 5 years.
- An abnormal result does not mean cancer. It means you need follow-up.
- Naina Polyclinic does Pap smears and liquid-based cytology routinely at the clinic.
What does a Pap smear test mean?
A Pap smear (Pap test) is a screening test for cervical cancer. During the test, a doctor gently collects a few cells from the cervix, the opening of the uterus. A lab then checks these cells for changes. Finding changes early lets your doctor treat them before they become cancer.
Our Pap smear service at Naina Polyclinic also offers liquid-based cytology, where the sample is placed in a small bottle of preservative liquid instead of being smeared directly on a slide.
Who needs a Pap smear, and how often?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) gives this guidance:
| Age | Recommended screening |
|---|---|
| Under 21 | Screening not recommended |
| 21 to 29 | Pap test every 3 years |
| 30 to 65 | HPV test every 5 years, or Pap plus HPV co-test every 5 years |
| Over 65 | May stop if you meet certain conditions, such as regular normal past results; ask your doctor |
The WHO recommends screening with a high-performance test such as an HPV test every 5 to 10 years starting at age 30, and every 3 to 5 years from age 25 for women living with HIV.
You may need more frequent tests if you:
- Are HIV-positive
- Have a weak immune system, for example after chemotherapy or an organ transplant
- Have had abnormal results in the past
Even if you have had the HPV vaccine, you still need regular screening.
What affects the Pap smear test cost in Yelahanka?
The cost of a Pap smear varies. The main factors are:
- Method: Conventional Pap smear or liquid-based cytology
- HPV testing: Adding an HPV test (co-testing) adds to the cost
- Consultation: Whether a gynaecology consultation is included
- Follow-up tests: Extra tests only if the result is abnormal
Pap smear test cost at Naina Polyclinic: for the current price of a conventional Pap, liquid-based cytology or HPV co-testing, call Naina Polyclinic on +91 88615 22910 (Kogilu Road) or +91 96637 44434 (Yelahanka New Town).
How should I prepare for a Pap smear?
A few simple steps help give an accurate result:
- Book the test when you are not having your period.
- Avoid sex, douching and vaginal creams or spermicides the day before.
- In pregnancy, it is usually safe in the first 24 weeks; ask your doctor.
- After childbirth, wait about 12 weeks for a more accurate result.
Does a Pap smear hurt?
Most women feel only slight pressure or mild discomfort. You lie on an examination table, and the doctor uses a speculum to see the cervix. A small brush or spatula collects the cells. The whole process takes a few minutes. Some women notice light spotting or mild cramps afterwards. Tell your doctor if it continues beyond the day of the test.
What do Pap smear results mean?
- Normal (negative): No abnormal cells were found. Continue routine screening.
- Abnormal: Some cells look different. This does not mean you have cancer. Mild changes are more common than severe ones.
After an abnormal result, your gynaecologist may suggest a repeat test, an HPV test or a closer look at the cervix (colposcopy). Many mild changes clear on their own.
Where can I get a Pap smear test near me in Yelahanka?
Naina Polyclinic does Pap smears and liquid cytology routinely at the clinic, under Dr. Rama Shankarnarayan (MBBS, DGO). Women from Yelahanka New Town, Yelahanka Old Town, Kogilu, Attur, Jakkur and Puttenahalli can book at either of our two centres.
If you prefer a more detailed test, ask about liquid-based cytology. The HPV vaccine adds protection against cervical cancer, and if a result needs a closer look, your gynaecologist may suggest an endometrial biopsy or other tests for abnormal bleeding.
Where is Naina Polyclinic in Yelahanka?
Naina Polyclinic has served families in Yelahanka, Bengaluru, since 1998 from two centres:
- Naina Polyclinic (Kogilu Road): 2, Kogilu Main Rd, Kondappa Garden Layout, Maruthi Nagar, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560064. Phone: +91 88615 22910
- Naina Polyclinic & Physiotherapy Center (Yelahanka New Town): 2057, 13th B Cross Rd, MIG Sector B, Udaya Layout, Yelahanka New Town, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560064. Phone: +91 96637 44434
Dr. Rama Shankarnarayan sees patients at the Kogilu Road clinic Monday to Saturday, 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, and at the Yelahanka New Town centre on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Sunday is a holiday. Full details are on our contact and appointments page.
Related reading: our guides on HPV vaccine age limit and schedule and how to choose a gynecologist in Yelahanka New Town. You can also learn more about our Pap smear test at Naina Polyclinic.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Pap smear test cost in Yelahanka?
The cost depends on whether you choose a conventional Pap smear or liquid-based cytology, whether HPV testing is added, and whether a consultation is included. Please call Naina Polyclinic for current pricing. We will explain the options before your test so you can choose.
At what age should I start Pap smear tests?
ACOG recommends starting cervical screening at age 21, regardless of when you first had sex. From 21 to 29, a Pap test every three years is advised. From 30 to 65, an HPV test or co-test every five years is preferred. Your gynaecologist will set the right schedule for you.
Can I get a Pap smear during my periods?
It is better not to. Menstrual blood can make the result less accurate, so your doctor may ask you to reschedule. Book the test for a day when you are not bleeding, and avoid sex, douching and vaginal products the day before.
Do I still need a Pap smear after the HPV vaccine?
Yes. The HPV vaccine protects against the most common cancer-causing HPV types, but not all of them. WHO advises regular cervical screening even after vaccination, because precancers rarely cause symptoms and can be missed without testing. Keep up with cervical screening as your gynaecologist advises.
How long does a Pap smear take?
The test itself takes only a few minutes. Including the consultation and getting ready, plan for a short clinic visit. Most women feel slight pressure or mild discomfort, not pain. Light spotting afterwards is normal; tell your doctor if it lasts beyond that day.
Book an appointment at Naina Polyclinic
Due for cervical screening? Call us to book your Pap smear, or contact us through our contact page. Kogilu Road: +91 88615 22910. Yelahanka New Town: +91 96637 44434. In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department.
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Rama Shankarnarayan, MBBS, DGO (Obstetrics and Gynaecology), Naina Polyclinic, Yelahanka. Last reviewed: November 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. Please consult a doctor about your own symptoms, tests and treatment.