Improving the quality of post-menopausal Pap smears
Research status
Completed
Overview of Study
This study involved a single-blinded randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effect of two topical oestrogen regimens on the quality of post-menopausal Pap smears.
After menopause the decline in oestrogen can result in both difficulty in the interpretation of a Pap smear and discomfort during the procedure. Women are sometimes prescribed low-dose vaginal oestrogen prior to a Pap smear to minimise these problems.
Objectives of study
The study objective was to compare the quality of smears and the level of comfort experienced for two different regimens of vaginal oestrogen with a control group who receive no oestrogen prior to the Pap smear.
Post-menopausal subjects were recruited during routine Pap smear visits at two Family Planning NSW centres over a one-year period. The cytology unit at Symbion reviewed the smears and assessed their adequacy.
