What does a slightly abnormal Pap mean?

What is an abnormal Pap test? When your doctor says that your Pap test, or Pap smear, was abnormal, it means that the test found some cells on your cervix that do not look normal. A Pap test may be done as part of a woman’s routine physical exam, because it’s the best way to prevent cervical cancer.

Can endometriosis cause abnormal Pap?

Cervical endometriosis is rare. In a 2011 study that included more than 13,500 women with endometriosis, only 33 had growths on their cervixes. Because there are often no symptoms, a person may be unaware that they have this condition until they receive a regular pelvic exam or an unusual Pap smear result.

Should I be worried about slightly abnormal Pap?

Most abnormal Pap smear results are nothing to worry about 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.

What can cause an abnormal Pap smears besides HPV?

HPV and other STDs Other sexually transmitted diseases, infections, and conditions also cause irregular Pap test results, including: Genital warts (herpes) Trichomoniasis (another common STI) Other infections.

Does a Pap smear check for endometriosis?

For that reason, many women may not discover they have the lesions until a doctor discovers them during a pelvic exam. An unusual Pap smear may also alert you and your doctor to the issue. If your doctor sees the lesions, they may perform a Pap smear to check for abnormal results.

Is a colposcopy serious?

A colposcopy is a safe and quick procedure. However, some women find it uncomfortable and a few experience pain. Tell the doctor or nurse (colposcopist) if you find the procedure painful, as they will try to make you more comfortable. A colposcopy is a safe procedure to have during pregnancy.

Does a colposcopy mean I have HPV?

If your pap test showed some abnormal cells and you tested positive for HPV, a colposcopy can help confirm and diagnose potential problems. HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a virus that may raise your risk for certain types of cancer, including cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.

What does HPV look like on a man?

How does HPV look in males? In males, warts from HPV commonly develop on the penile shaft. They may appear as raised or flat bumps with a smooth or rough surface. The bumps may have stem-like projections or have a cauliflower-like appearance.