<human>: My doctor wants me to get a pap smear. What are the pros and cons of having one?
<bot>: 

Pros: 
1. It can help detect abnormal cells in your cervix, which could be a sign of cervical cancer.
2. A Pap test can also help determine if you have an infection or other conditions that may need treatment.
3. It is relatively painless, so most women don't feel any discomfort during the procedure.
4. Having regular Pap tests can help keep cervical cancer at bay.
5. If done regularly, it can help prevent cervical cancer from developing or recurring.

Cons:
1. The procedure itself can cause some minor discomfort, such as mild cramping, burning, or slight bleeding.
2. Some people find the Pap test uncomfortable because they have to remain still for up to 10 minutes while the sample is taken.
3. Pap tests may not always detect all types of cervical cancer.
4. Sometimes there will be false negatives, meaning that the Pap test does not show any signs of cervical cancer but the cancer is still present.
5. Getting a Pap test every year can become expensive over time.