{"id":1354,"date":"2022-11-23T10:04:14","date_gmt":"2022-11-23T10:04:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/new-age-womens-health\/?p=1354"},"modified":"2022-11-23T10:04:14","modified_gmt":"2022-11-23T10:04:14","slug":"what-is-abnormal-pap-smear","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/new-age-womens-health\/what-is-abnormal-pap-smear\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Abnormal PAP Smear?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Having an abnormal pap smear can make you feel worried an<\/span>d anxious. If you are unsure what an abnormal pap smear means, you have clicked on the right article. Below, you will find out what abnormal or positive test results mean, the most common causes of abnormal pap smears, what to do after getting the results, and much more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That being said, visiting a healthcare professional for regular appointments<\/span> and check-ups is crucial. Keeping up with the doctor’s appointments is even more critical if you are sexually active or if you have recently changed sexual partners. If you are in the area or you are seeking the best professionals, we recommend <\/span>Gynecology Specialists in Miami<\/span>.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

What is an Abnormal Pap Smear?<\/b><\/h2>\n

What does “pap smear” refer to, and who should get it? In short, an essential part of a pelvic exam is a pap test or a pap smear. The official longer word for it is “Papanicolaou,” and this name is derived from the name of th<\/span>e doctor who studied cervical cell changes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A professional will typically perform the Pap smear test on women who are at least 21 years old (when patients become sexually active). However, in some cases, the test may be performed on younger women when there are certain health risks, such as a chance of HIV. Currently, the Pap smear test is the sole method that helps analyze the cells on the cervix to find changes that can result in cervical cancer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It is important to know that abnormal Pap smear results are actually very common, but only a small percentage of abnormal results are concerning. Read on to find out what the different abnormal results are and what they mean.<\/span><\/p>\n

Patients who may be at risk of an STI or sexually transmitted infection should consult with a healthcare professional at <\/span>New Age Women’s Health<\/span><\/a> and get a pap smear. By receiving results early, you can begin the treatment sooner.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How Does a Doctor Perform a Pap Smear?<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"Doctor<\/p>\n

If you have never been to the doctor’s office, you may feel intimidated by the Pap smear test. However, there is nothing to be afraid of. The process is simple and, typically, pain-free. A Pap <\/span>smear is performed by a healthcare professional, and the entire process is quickly done, often only taking several minutes. The doctor will begin by inserting a speculum into the vagina to check the cervix for abnormalities. The doctor will use a tiny plastic wand with an attached brush to slowly scrape cell samples from the cervix. The sample will be sent to a laboratory for further testing. If you are currently menstruating, it is best to wait until the end of your cycle if it is heavy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In most cases, patients do not feel any pain. However, some may experience cramping or discomfort when the doctor brushes the cervix. Luckily, the sensation only lasts seconds. The cells will be checked under a microscope for any abnormalities. Finally, the findings will be reported to the doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Common Results of Pap Smears<\/b><\/h2>\n

Usually, the Pap smear test results come back normal. Nevertheless, sometimes the results may be abnormal. By finding out the abnormality<\/span> type, your doctor will help you with further treatment. If there are minor cell changes, you may not need treatment. However, moderate and severe cell changes may signify something more serious. These can be pre-cancerous cells, and they can result in cervical cancer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are some of the terms professionals use to de<\/span>fine different Pap smear results:<\/span><\/p>\n