What it tests for: Your gyno swabs both the outside of your cervix and the inside of the cervical canal (called the os) to sample the cells. The cells are then scrutinized to look for abnormalities--basically precancerous lesions.  Abnormal results need to get followed up with another pap in a few months or with colposcopy, a detailed look at your cervix with a special microscope.

What it doesn't test for: STDs. Just 'cause your gyno has a speculum in you and is rooting around, doesn't mean she's tested you for gonorrhea and chlamydia. So if you want STD testing, make sure you speak up.

How often you need it: We all grew up with the mantra "get a pap every year." While we still need a physical every year, the pap smear itself has grown up. Because the latest technology is so good at detecting problems, most of us now only need a pap every two to three years. Hooray for fewer speculum exams!

What to do to prepare for it: You can now have a pap during your period--no need to reschedule. No sex or douching for the 2 days before--these can cause a false positive on your pap and may make infection detection more difficult. And no apologies if you don't shave (I get this all the time)!

Have any of you had any strange pap smear experiences?