Abnormal pap smears are caused by cellular changes found on or inside a woman's cervix. Pap smears are swabs of cervical cells that are taken to labs for testing to determine whether cells are normal or abnormal. Abnormal pap smears occur for a variety of reasons, and some changes can be more severe. Women can take proactive steps with their gynecological health by visiting their primary care doctor or obstetrician/gynecologist every two years for a pap smear.
Trichomonas
A common cause of abnormal pap smears is trichomonas, a sexually transmitted disease that causes vaginal irritation and inflammation. Women usually don't have severe symptoms, and might not know they have it until they learn about the pap smear results.
Vaginal Yeast Infections
Vaginal yeast infections can also cause abnormal pap smears. Candida albicans is a fungi that rapidly grows inside the vagina, and symptoms include cottage cheese-like discharge and vaginal irritation and itching.
HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)
HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that causes cellular changes (dysplasia) on the cervix. Severe cellular changes associated with HPV sometimes lead to cervical cancer.
Intrauterine Devices (IUD)
Cellular changes can occur due to cervical irritation from intrauterine devices (IUDs) and may cause abnormal pap smears. IUDs are small devices inserted through the cervix and placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy.
Irritation and Inflammation
Vaginal irritation and inflammation from normal sexual intercourse can also cause abnormal pap smears. Repeat pap smears usually find that the cellular changes were only temporary (after the irritation and inflammation subsides).
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