Pap smears are a lifesaving screening tool for cervical cancer. The test can detect abnormal cells in the cervix before they become cancerous.
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Many things besides cancer can cause an abnormal result, including:

• HPV.
• Menopause.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• Yeast infections.

What can show up on smear test?

The cervical screening test checks for human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and changes in the cells covering the neck of your womb. These changes could later develop into cervical cancer if they aren't treated.

What can abnormal smears mean?

Abnormal smears often represent a pre-cancerous abnormality on the cervix. These pre-cancerous abnormalities are caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV or Wart virus). This is a very common infection and 60-70% women (and men) get it at some stage in life.

Can a smear detect cancerous cells?

A Pap test can detect cervical cancer and changes in your cervical cells that may increase your risk of cervical cancer in the future.

What can be found in Pap smear results?

• The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.
• The HPV test looks for the virus (human papillomavirus) that can cause these cell changes.

Your Pap Smear Questions Answered

Can a Pap smear detect STD?

A Pap smear can't detect STDs. To test for diseases like chlamydia or gonorrhea, your healthcare provider takes a sample of fluid from the cervix. Fluid isn't the same as cervical cells. Blood tests can also identify certain STDs.

What if cervical biopsy is positive?

Results of a cervical biopsy

A positive test means that cancer or precancerous cells have been found and treatment may be needed.

Can a pap smear detect fibroids?

Regular Pap smears are not useful in making the diagnosis of a fibroma and cannot be relied upon to detect endometrial cancer. It should be clear that the risk of a uterine tumor is dependent on the type of tumor.

Can you get HPV with only 1 partner?

You can get HPV by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. It is most commonly spread during vaginal or anal sex. HPV can be passed even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms. Anyone who is sexually active can get HPV, even if you have had sex with only one person.

Do I need to tell my partner I have HPV?

Do I need to tell my partner? This is entirely your decision. Most men and women with HPV infection carry the infection without ever being aware of it. HPV infection does not need to be treated and in 95% cases, you would get rid of it through your immunity.

Should I be worried if I have HPV?

If you have HPV, there's a very good chance it won't be a long-term problem for you.” Your immune system will attack the virus and it will likely be gone within two years. Of the millions of cases of HPV diagnosed every year, only a small number become cancer. Most of those cases are cervical cancer.

What does a positive Pap smear mean?

If the results of your Pap test come back positive, that means your doctor found abnormal or unusual cells on your cervix. It doesn't mean you have cervical cancer. Most often, the abnormal test result means there have been cell changes caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).

Can you feel cervical tumor?

There are usually no signs or symptoms of early cervical cancer but it can be detected early with regular check-ups. Signs and symptoms of cervical cancer include vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain. Tests that examine the cervix are used to detect (find) and diagnose cervical cancer.

What are the symptoms of abnormal cervical cells?

• Abnormal bleeding, such as. Bleeding between regular menstrual periods. Bleeding after sexual intercourse. ...
• Pelvic pain not related to your menstrual cycle.
• Heavy or unusual discharge that may be watery, thick, and possibly have a foul odor.
• Increased urinary frequency.
• Pain during urination.

What can be mistaken for fibroids?

One of the most common conditions confused with fibroids is adenomyosis. This can be a serious error, as the treatment may be quite different. In adenomyosis the lining of the uterus infiltrates the wall of the uterus, causing the wall to thicken and the uterus to enlarge.

How do you know if your uterus is healthy?

1. Hysterosalpingogram (HSG). Also called a "tubogram," this is a series of X-rays of your fallopian tubes and uterus. ...
2. Transvaginal ultrasound. ...
3. Hysteroscopy. ...
4. Laparoscopy.

Can Pap smear detect endometriosis?

No, a Pap smear cannot detect endometriosis. A Pap smear is used to diagnose cervical cancer and HPV.

What happens when they find abnormal cells in a smear test?

If your cervical smear test shows abnormal cells, you may have a different test to look closely at your cervix. This is called a colposcopy. Sometimes the doctor or nurse doing the test can see that the cells are abnormal. They may offer you treatment to remove these cells during the colposcopy.

What are the symptoms of HPV in females?

Depending on the type of HPV a female has, they will present with different symptoms. If they have low risk HPV, warts may develop on the cervix, causing irritation and pain.
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Cervix: HPV and cancer symptoms

• pain during sex.
• pain in the pelvic region.
• unusual discharge from the vagina.
• unusual bleeding, such as after sex.

What happens if you have precancerous cells in cervix?

Precancerous conditions of the cervix are changes to cervical cells that make them more likely to develop into cancer. These conditions are not yet cancer. But if they aren't treated, there is a chance that these abnormal changes may become cervical cancer.

Can an abnormal Pap smear be nothing?

Most women will have at least one abnormal Pap smear result in their lifetime, with an overall average of 5% of all Pap tests coming back as “abnormal.” In most cases, the abnormal result is nothing to worry about, but it's important to follow up to make sure.

Can low estrogen cause abnormal Pap smear?

After menopause a woman's estrogen levels decrease to very low levels. The vaginal tissues are affected by estrogen. Thinning of the tissues can make the cells appear abnormal on a Pap.

Can a yeast infection cause an abnormal Pap smear?

Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and even yeast infections can cause a slightly abnormal pap smear. Your doctor will recommend the best course of action based on the results of your test. This can range from scheduling another Pap in three to six months, to getting a colposcopy.