2006-12-27 03:21:22 · 12 answers · asked by pie_eater459 1 in Health ➔ Women's Health
by the way, I haven't been sexually active for a year and have had a sexual health check - I'm clean!!
2006-12-27 03:31:18 · update #1
Usually an abnormal pap is due to an infection or inflammation. This can be due to yeast infection, herpes, trichomonas, and recent sexual activity. Many times the cause is HPV. You can read more here
http://www.mjbovo.com/Women/AbnlPap.htm
Most cases of an abnormal pap do not indicate cancer. What it does mean is that further testing may be done including re-testing in three to six months, or colposcopy.
2006-12-27 03:25:07 · answer #1 · answered by Nurse Annie 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
There are realistically 2 causes of an abnomal smear
1. Infection
2. Changed cells
An infection needs to be treated, the abnormal cells will need further invstigation. This will be by a procedure called a colposcopy (Where the gynae looks at the cervix either directly or with a small camera). If you have regular smears you will have caught the changes early.
I had this about 10 years ago. I was treated with lasers and had to have regular check ups for 5 years then yearly checks for a couple more years. No I have been discharged from hospital care and I just have a yearly smear;
2006-12-27 03:29:42 · answer #2 · answered by huggz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You ARE worried, so there's no need to ask about whether you SHOULD be worried.
I'd be worried, too, but the best thing to do is educate yourself. Ask your doctor what the next step is--I believe there are conditions that can cause an abnormal smear, and I *know* that cervical cancer (there--I said it) grows slowly, and pre-cancerous conditions can be treated before they turn into something serious.
Here's a good resource: http://medlineplus.gov/ but the most important thing is not to let your fear paralyze you.
Go to the doctor and take care of yourself, and you'll be fine.
2006-12-27 03:31:19 · answer #3 · answered by hoptoad 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had the same thing happen to me. My first pap was abnormal with low grade pre-cancerous cells; but the second time there was only a trace of low-grade precancerous cells.
Do you know whether your results were high grade or low grade pre-cancerous cells. Your doctor should have scheduled another appointment or refferred you to a specialist. You may have to have the precancerous cells cut off or froze off to make sure it does not develop into cancer of the cervix. It is important you do not ignore this...you must go back to your doctor.
If you go to health boards.com there is a board for cervical cancer where many women talk about abnormal pap results. Lots of good info there.
Go to this website http://www.mayoclinic.com/ and type in cervix cancer to get more info.
2006-12-27 04:49:12 · answer #4 · answered by ~*SuMmEr*~ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't worry too much no. A smear is to detect early changes before they become a problem, it DOESNOT mean you have cancer. You will prolly need to have a more detailed exam at the hospital called a colposcopy and they may remove the abnormal cells as a day surgery procedure. Heres an artical i wrote for the bbc with a lot more info http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/plain/A14611420
2006-12-27 03:33:20 · answer #5 · answered by serephina 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most women have a least one abnormal pap test in their lifetime. It is something to be concerned about but don't freak out as it could be something as simple as a severe cervix infection or it could be something else. Regardless the best thing to do is get this taken care of right away so you know what caused it and then go on from there.
2006-12-27 03:25:31 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I wouldn't worry until you find out why it's abnormal. There are things that could cause an abnormal result that are not harmful. Talk to your doctor...what did s/he recommend as the next step?
2006-12-27 03:24:36 · answer #7 · answered by . 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, I'm not a doctor and only a doctor can tell you for sure. i am going to say yes, you should be a little worried. could be devastating news could just be infection. no way to know of course, until further testing. just pray. God can help you if you are sick or scared.
2006-12-27 03:27:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe you should have a sti check.
they can come back abnormal if you have an sti
but they dont test for sti's on a smear. you need a separate test done for them.
2006-12-27 03:27:34 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should be very concerned. Talk to your doctor about the next step. At least you know.
2006-12-27 03:35:25 · answer #10 · answered by Mimi 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋