{"id":1194,"date":"2021-11-30T15:32:24","date_gmt":"2021-11-30T15:32:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/?p=1194"},"modified":"2021-12-13T15:42:40","modified_gmt":"2021-12-13T15:42:40","slug":"everything-you-need-to-know-about-abnormal-pap-smear","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-abnormal-pap-smear\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything You Need to Know About Abnormal Pap Smear"},"content":{"rendered":"

Waiting for your results after a Pap smear test can be nerve-wracking. Once the results come and they say it\u2019s an <\/span>abnormal Pap smear<\/b><\/a>, it can sound scary, and it\u2019s normal for you to be worried. An abnormal test result indicates that something isn\u2019t good, but it doesn\u2019t say much about it.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This examination is used to detect cervical cancer, so a natural reaction is to think that your results indicate the worst-case scenario. But it doesn\u2019t have to be that, and in most cases, it isn\u2019t.<\/span><\/p>\n

We\u2019ll talk more about do\u2019s and don\u2019ts before a pap smear, what causes abnormal Pap and what you should do next.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is a Pap Smear Test?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

An examination like this is used to detect cervical cancer, and it\u2019s done by swabbing your cervix to collect samples. Those samples are further examined to determine if any changes in cervical cells can be precancerous.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s recommended to do this examination once every three years if you are between 21 and 29, or once every five years if you are between 30 and 65, alongside an HPV test. There are some exceptions based on your personal health history and whether you previously had an abnormal Pap smear.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Prepare for a Pap Smear\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

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If you are reading this even before going to your exam, we will talk a bit about how you should prepare for it, can you get a Pap smear on your period, and what are do\u2019s and don\u2019ts before a Pap smear. We will also answer common questions like does a Pap smear hurt, can you get cramps after Pap smear, and what bleeding after Pap smear indicates.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Do\u2019s and Don\u2019ts Before a Pap Smear\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

You should avoid intercourse for at least two days before having a Pap smear, douching, or using any vaginal creams, jellies, or any vaginal medicine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Can you get a Pap smear on your period is a common question. And technically, the answer is yes, but you should avoid scheduling an appointment around the time of your cycle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Does a Pap Smear Hurt\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s normal to be interested and to ask does a Pap smear hurt. Usually, it shouldn\u2019t hurt, but it also isn\u2019t comfortable. You can feel slight discomfort for a short period.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Does Bleeding After Pap Smear Mean\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Many can notice a bit of light bleeding or spotting after having a Pap smear. It can continue for a couple of days and usually stops by itself. It happens because your blood vessels can be irritated during the examination, but bleeding after a Pap smear in most cases isn\u2019t something alarming.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Do Cramps After Pap Smear Mean\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Cramps after Pap smear are also expected, and many experience them after the exam. This kind of discomfort happens because this area of the body is susceptible. However, it is also nothing to be afraid of; you can always soothe yourself with a warm tea and a heating pouch.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Does an Abnormal Pap Smear Mean?\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Even if your results came in with an abnormal Pap smear, it doesn\u2019t have to imply that there are cancerous cells in your cervix. We know that it\u2019s not easy to stay calm, but there\u2019s nothing to worry about in most cases.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The reason why you might get an abnormal result is because of an HPV virus.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Yes, we know what you are thinking, and you are right. HPV virus is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the U.S. because you can easily spread it through skin-to-skin contact. The HPV virus can cause some types of cancers, like cervical cancer. But there are various HPV viruses, more than 100, and not all of them cause cancers.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

An HPV infection doesn\u2019t have to harm your health, and in most cases with younger people, HPV can fade away from the body in the period of six months to two years.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Due to that, you shouldn\u2019t be afraid, but you should consult with your doctor. You should always ask for more information about what causes abnormal Pap and what you should do next because a follow-up examination is necessary.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Are There More Things That Can Cause an Abnormal Pap Smear?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

The most common cause is the HPV virus, but other things can cause an abnormal Pap smear. And you can know the potential cause by the type of the result you get.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Five types of results that you can get:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n