Abnormal Pap

What is an Abnormal Pap Smear?

Did you know that a Pap smear can detect infections and life-threatening conditions, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer? If you’ve had an abnormal Pap smear, schedule a follow-up appointment with the compassionate team of female physicians at Nurture Women’s Health in Frisco, Texas. They provide comprehensive treatments and know how to put your mind at ease.

Why should I have a Pap smear?

A Pap smear helps your doctor screen for risk factors that could lead to health issues, such as cervical cancer.

When the professionals at Nurture Women’s Health find cervical cancer in its early stages, personalized treatment and care begin, which can lead to remission. That’s why it’s important to visit your OB/GYN every three years for a routine Pap smear. Your doctor recommends a Pap smear if you’re over 21 years old. Once you turn 30, you can get a Pap smear every five years if your last Pap was normal, and if you tested negative for human papillomavirus (HPV).

Is a Pap smear painful?

Many women feel some level of anxiety before having a routine Pap smear. Most patients don’t feel pain during a Pap smear, but it can be a bit uncomfortable. At Nurture Women’s Health, your physician talks to you first, making you feel at ease before the procedure. Your pelvic exam begins with a speculum, which is a tool inserted into your vagina to examine your cervix. A small brush and plastic spatula gently collects a sample of cells from your cervix and sends them to the lab to be tested.

Pap test results usually return within two weeks, but don’t panic if you receive abnormal results. An abnormal test does not necessarily mean that you have cervical cancer or precancerous cells. Your doctor talks to you about your results and may perform additional testing.

What if I have an abnormal Pap smear?

An abnormal Pap smear can result from several issues besides cancer or pre-cancer cells. Other reasons for an abnormal Pap might include:

If your results are abnormal, your doctor at Nurture Women’s Health has the expertise to diagnose your condition and treat you to give you the best outcome.

How can my abnormal Pap smear be treated?

If your Pap results are abnormal, the team at Nurture Women’s Health may give you a colposcopy, which is a procedure that uses a large, electric microscope to carefully examine your cervix, vulva, and vagina for any signs of disease. The team also performs the Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP), which prevents cervical cancer. The procedure involves removing abnormal cells and tissue from your cervix and vagina with a wire loop heated by electric current.