What causes an abnormal pap smear?

Question

I just got my results back from a pap smear and they came out abnormal what could it be? Does it go away or will it always be abnormal?

Answer 1

If you got the ASCUS (Abnormal Scamous Cells of Undetermined Significance...or something), then it could be caused by something like HPV or a vaginal infection.

I got an ASCUS (abnormal) result in January, and a pap smear again 6 months later that came out normal. It just depends on the abnormal results. Some people get abnormal paps for two years, then suddenly get a normal one. If it's precancerous, then they'll do more tests and stuff. But ASCUS results, they'll prolly either follow up on it in 3-6 months, or do a HPV test.

Answer 2

all that means is that they detected some abnormal cells growing on your cervix. It may or may not be a big deal, even trauma from rough sex can cause this so it could be okay. They will probably want to test you a couple more times at different intervals, and yes it can become normal again over time as we are always shedding cells and making new ones..however if it doesn't become normal they will want to do a biopsy to make sure it's not cancer or cervical dysplasia. The HPV (human papilloma virus) can also cause abnormal pap smears, and that can lead to cervical cancer, so be sure to follow through on all that your doctor recommends.