Are you or someone you know getting ready to have a pap smear done and wondering what happens if the results come back abnormal? Don’t worry; there’s no cause for alarm!
While an abnormal result can be concerning, it is actually far more common than most people realize. By understanding why your gynecologist might recommend further testing and the potential causes of abnormalities in pap smears, you can remain informed and take comfort in the fact that many cases do not indicate serious risks to your health.
This blog post will provide a comprehensive overview of what happens when a pap smear returns abnormal. Read more to know what to do with an abnormal Pap smear result.
Should I be Worried about Abnormal Pap smear?
Abnormal Pap smears can cause worry as they often indicate underlying issues such as cervical cancer, pre-cancerous cells, and other potential health problems. However, really, there is no reason to panic.
Although an abnormal result can be concerning, it could also mean that further testing may be needed to determine if something more serious is going on. In most cases, an abnormal Pap smear is caused by inflammation or infection and can be easily treated with antibiotics or other medications prescribed by your doctor.
When determining the cause of an abnormal Pap smear, it’s important to look at the potential causes to ensure all angles have been looked at. Some common causes of abnormal Pap smear results include HPV (Human papillomavirus), changes in the cervix due to aging, past history of STIs, presence of polyps or other growths in the cervix, and weak immune system caused by certain chronic conditions like HIV/AIDS or diabetes.
It’s important to note that an abnormal Pap smear does not necessarily indicate cancer. Even if you do have a pre-cancerous cell change detected in your Pap test, regular screenings and follow-up tests will help identify any abnormalities early so that further action can be taken as needed. It’s recommended that women over 30 visit their gynecologist once a year for regular health checks, which should include a full range of tests, including a Pap test from time to time.
What is the Next Step after an Abnormal Pap smear?
As mentioned above, an abnormal Pap smear result is not necessarily a cause for worry, as it can be caused by several variables. However, the next step depends on the test results and your doctor’s recommendations.
If the abnormal results are mild or low grade, the doctor may advise that you wait and get another Pap smear in six months to one year, depending on your particular situation. This allows for any changes over that period to be monitored to ensure that all abnormalities go away without further treatment.
More frequent follow-up tests may be recommended if there are still mild abnormalities after this additional testing period. If an abnormality is found to be a moderate-to-high grade or suspicious of pre-cancerous cells (dysplasia), the next steps could include colposcopy, biome scopic examination of an area of the cervix, destruction of pre-cancerous cells and/or removal of a small piece of tissue for biopsy analysis.
Depending on the severity and type of abnormality detected during these tests, additional treatments such as cryosurgery or loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) might be necessary. Nowadays, HPV vaccination can help prevent cervical cancer due to pap smears being performed regularly over long periods of time.
It is recommended that women begin cervical cancer screening at age 25 and have one every three years up until they reach age 65 when screenings are then done every five years if results remain normal. Therefore prevention measures like HPV vaccinations can help decrease abnormal pap smears, but regular screenings will still be necessary when needed.
Again, it is important to remember that an abnormal Pap smear does not always indicate cancer. However, depending on many factors, such as risk level, it is important to heed any recommendations from the doctor regarding follow-up testing or treatment options so that adverse effects can potentially be avoided in future scenarios.
How do you reduce the Risk of Abnormal Pap smear Results?
In addition to regular screenings and HPV vaccinations, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of abnormal Pap smear results. These steps include:
● Abstaining from sexual activity or being in a monogamous relationship
Abstaining from sexual activity or being in a monogamous relationship is an effective way to reduce the risk of abnormal Pap smear results. Abstinence helps to prevent the transmission of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), which can increase an individual’s chances of developing an abnormal Pap smear reading.
This is because maintaining sexual contact with only one partner reduces the threat of infection from multiple sources. Additionally, some types of HPV and other STIs (sexually transmitted infections) can lead to cell changes that could produce abnormal cells on a Pap smear test. Maintaining a monogamous relationship ensures that both partners are tested regularly and that any signs of infection are taken care of in a timely manner.
● Refraining from smoking
Smoking can increase the chances of developing cervical cancer. Research suggests that women who smoke are more likely to have abnormal Pap smear results than non-smokers.
Women who stop smoking can also improve their chances for healthy results in Pap tests since cessation reduces risk factors associated with abnormal results such as inflammation, DNA damage, and other cell changes. Furthermore, quitting smoking helps improve overall health and well-being by reducing the risk of fatal diseases such as lung cancer and heart disease.
● Practicing safe sex
Practicing safe sex helps to reduce the risk of abnormal Pap smear results by lowering exposure to STDs and other infections. It is important to use protection when engaging in sexual activities, such as condoms or dental dams, to prevent the transmission of viruses and bacteria.
Additionally, it is recommended that individuals get tested for STIs on a regular basis, even if they are not showing any symptoms. This can help identify any potential issues before they become serious health problems.
The Bottom Line
An abnormal Pap smear does not always indicate cancer. Nonetheless, it is important to heed any recommendations from the doctor regarding follow-up testing or treatment options so that adverse effects can potentially be avoided in future scenarios.
At the PKWomen’s Specialist Clinic, we understand how important it is for women to stay informed about their health. We provide the necessary resources and support to ensure that our patients can easily access high-quality care and reliable information. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your Pap smear results, please do not hesitate to contact us today!
PKWomen’s Specialist Clinic
2 Tai Thong Crescent #01-12
The Venue Residences/ Shoppers,
Singapore 347836
+65 6636 9909
