Have you had a pap test recently? You may get worried if it’s your first time receiving an abnormal pap smear. However, it’s quite common to get abnormal test results. If you think that Atlanta abnormal pap smears and HPV are interrelated, it’s not always the case. However, understanding Abnormal pap smears can help you get a better idea of what we aim to do through this blog.
What is Pap Smear?
A pap smear or pap test is a type of cervical test that can help determine if you have cervical cancer. In this test, the cervix’s cells are collected. You can go for this test if you don’t want to take any risk of having cervical cancer and start treatment early in case you have it.
What does HPV mean?
When we talk about HPV, it’s a common STI (sexually transmitted disease). Research shows that approximately 85% of individuals in the USA get HPV once in their life. Sometimes, HPV can also lead to cervical cancer. That is why getting an abnormal pap smear can make you worried.
You may get an abnormal pap smear due to HPV. However, there are several other reasons for getting abnormal pap smears. According to reports, less than 1% of abnormal pap smears are related to cancer in the USA.
What Are The Major Causes of Abnormal Pap Smears?
As mentioned earlier, there are several reasons why you may get abnormal pap smears. If someone has a bacterial infection or yeast, their cell can appear reactive on the pap test. As a result, you may notice an abnormal result.
Furthermore, you may also get abnormal results due to other types of STIs. Sometimes, you can also get an abnormal result if you had sexual intercourse right before your pap test. It’s because it can affect your cells, leading to a different result.
What To Do After An Abnormal Pap Smear?
You may be wondering what to do after an abnormal pap test. Well, the next step is to go for a colposcopy. Through this test, doctors can determine if you have cervical cancer or not. As a result, you will be able to quickly start your treatments if you have signs of cervical cancer.
Final Words
You need to understand that abnormal pap smears don’t necessarily mean you have cervical cancer. It can also be abnormal if you have an STI or had sexual intercourse before the test. If you receive abnormal pap smears, a professional expert can help you go for a colposcopy for the final results to check if you have cervical cancer or not.