Why do I have to get a Pap smear?
[.highlighted] Q: Dear Teal, [.highlighted] I find Pap smears to be pretty miserable: the speculum, the stirrups, it’s all so uncomfortable! Why do I have to get a pap smear?
A: Let’s start with some good news: the Teal team has developed a more comfortable, accessible, and convenient way to screen for cervical cancer with the first at-home self-collection option. Called the Teal Wand, it allows you to self-collect a sample in under five minutes, from the comfort of your own home and mail the sample to the lab for testing. We are available in select states now. You can check your medical eligibility and order your kit or join our waitlist to be notified when we are available in your state.
We are focused on improving the uncomfortable (and unaccessible, antiquated, we could go on…) cervical cancer screening experience. Trust us, we get it. That understanding also means we’re deeply passionate about making sure all women and people with a cervix know how important it is to stay up-to-date on cervical cancer screening (one of which is a Pap smear).
Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death in American women. The incidence of cervical cancer has since declined significantly due to preventive screening and the HPV vaccine. According to the American Cancer Society, cervical cancers rarely occur in women who have been getting tested regularly for cervical cancer. So, don’t wait. For now, the test may be uncomfortable and unpleasant, but it saves lives. Make sure you and all the women you love understand when and why they should get screened.
Featured articles and stories

The Importance of Menstrual Cycle Patterns

Abnormal Uterine or Vaginal Bleeding

3 Steps to Prevent Cervical Cancer
See if Teal is right for you
We are now available in select states and coming to more soon. Get started below. If we are not in your state just yet, you will be added to our waitlist and notified when we are!