What is the next step after Pap smear?

Your next step is usually a minor procedure called a colposcopy. This procedure is a visual examination of the cervix using a low-powered microscope used to find and then biopsy abnormal areas in your cervix that may lead to cervical cancer.

What procedures are done after a Pap smear?

If your Pap smear is abnormal, your doctor may perform a procedure called colposcopy using a special magnifying instrument (colposcope) to examine the tissues of the cervix, vagina and vulva. Your doctor also may take a tissue sample (biopsy) from any areas that appear abnormal.

What is the follow up after a Pap smear?

What Happens After an Abnormal Pap Test? If your Pap test results are abnormal, your doctor may recommend a colposcopy. If you're told that you need a colposcopy, don't panic, says Coleman.

What happens if a Pap smear comes back positive?

Abnormal Pap test results: An abnormal test result may also be called a positive test result. Some of the cells of the cervix look different from the normal cells. An abnormal test result does not mean you have cancer. Your health care provider will recommend monitoring, more testing, or treatment.

Do you need a follow up appointment after a Pap smear?

Women aged 25 to 74 years of age should have a cervical screening test two years after their last Pap test. Subsequently, you will only need to have the test every five years if your results are normal.

Abnormal Pap smear...Next step: Colposcopy?! | OBGYN Explains

Why would a doctor call after a Pap smear?

If your results are abnormal, your doctor's office may call you to set up additional tests or procedures. If your results are abnormal, do not panic. Not all abnormal pap tests show cancer or even pre-cancerous cell growth. Your doctor will explain your test results and what your next steps will be.

How long does Pap smear results take to come back?

Pap smear test results typically take four to five days to come back from the lab. In most cases, Pap results are normal. If so, you can expect to have another test in about three years. If your results are abnormal, you will receive a call from our team to set an appointment to confer with Dr.

What happens when a Pap smear is abnormal?

An abnormal Pap test result rarely means cancer is present, especially in someone who has regular, annual Pap tests. An abnormal result means there are cells in the cervix that look unusual, which can be caused by yeast or bacterial infection, irritation, benign growths, hormonal changes, or pre-cancer.

What are bad results from a Pap smear?

Abnormal. An abnormal result means that cell changes were found on your cervix. This usually does not mean that you have cervical cancer. Abnormal changes on your cervix are likely caused by HPV.

How common is it to get an abnormal Pap?

About 5% of all Pap tests will be abnormal, meaning that the sample contains atypical cervical cells. However, the majority of these cells are not cancerous or even precancerous. An abnormal Pap test result does not mean cancer, but it does require follow-up to rule out the possibility of cancer.

What infections can a Pap smear detect?

The STIs that can be diagnosed by Pap smear are trichomoniasis, HPV infection, herpes genitalis, candidiasis, and bacterial vaginosis.

Why would I need an ultrasound after a Pap smear?

Although Papanicolaou test (PAP smear) tests are the preferred screening tool, sonography can be used to assess the uterus, ovaries, and adnexa for any changes that would suggest abnormalities and disease.

Should I be worried about an abnormal Pap smear?

Bottom line? If you have an abnormal Pap smear, don't panic. Your odds are good that it's going to be fine, and your body will resolve the issue on its own. And we'll be there to help you every step of the way.

What is the most common Pap smear abnormality?

ASC-US is the most common abnormal Pap test result. ASC-US stands for atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance. “Squamous” refers to the type of cells that make up the tissue that covers the cervix. LSIL—This means that the cervical cells show changes that are mildly abnormal.

What happens if my smear test shows HPV?

There are 2 different kinds of HPV positive result. You'll be invited for screening in 1 year and again 1 year later if you still have HPV. If you still have HPV after 2 years, you'll be asked to have a colposcopy.

What is the most common abnormal Pap smear result?

ASC-US is the most common abnormal Pap test result. LSIL means that the cervical cells show changes that are mildly abnormal. LSIL usually is caused by an HPV infection that often goes away on its own. HSIL suggests more serious changes in the cervix than LSIL.

Is an abnormal Pap smear an STD?

Possible Causes of an Abnormal Pap Smear Result

There can be numerous reasons why your results came back as abnormal, the most common of which is HPV (human papillomavirus). HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), and it is the cause of an abnormal Pap smear nearly 90 percent of the time.

Can you drive after a Pap smear?

When the examination is complete, you may have some vaginal bleeding. This is normal, but tell your doctor about any heavy bleeding. You can resume all your normal activities, including driving, after the examination. The Pap test is an excellent screening tool, but it's not perfect.

Can ovarian cysts cause abnormal Pap smears?

There are actually lots of reasons your Pap smear may come back “abnormal.” You may have an infection or inflammation, growth or cysts, changes in your hormones (usually due to pregnancy or menopause), problems with your immune system related to diabetes, HIV, or autoimmune diseases.

What does it mean when your Pap smear shows inflammation?

Inflammation of the cervix is common and usually does not mean there is a problem. If the Pap smear showed that the inflammation is severe, your doctor may want to find the cause, such as an infection. You may also need to have another Pap smear in six months to see if the inflammation has gone.

Do doctors judge you during a Pap smear?

An experienced clinician is a professional, and has heard many questions and will not judge you. They want you to have access to good information. The clinician may ask for urine sample before your exam or even if you aren't having an exam. This sample can be tested for pregnancy, and gonorrhea, and chlamydia.

Can stress cause abnormal Pap smears?

But she noted that many researchers speculate that stress may somehow be involved in cervical cancer because stressful times in women's lives can often be associated with abnormal Pap smear results.

Why would my gynecologist order a pelvic ultrasound?

A pelvic ultrasound may be used to diagnose and assist in the treatment of the following conditions: Abnormalities in the anatomic structure of the uterus, including endometrial conditions. Fibroid tumors (benign growths), masses, cysts, and other types of tumors within the pelvis.

Why did my gynecologist order a pelvic ultrasound?

A pelvic ultrasound is an imaging test that looks at organs and tissues inside a female's pelvis. This test allows your doctor to view your uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. Your doctors may recommend a pelvic ultrasound if you are having symptoms that are affecting female organs.

Is the Pap smear a test to detect cancerous changes in cells of the uterus?

A procedure in which a small brush is used to gently remove cells from the surface of the cervix and the area around it so they can be checked under a microscope for cervical cancer or cell changes that may lead to cervical cancer.