Abnormal Pap Smear

Abnormal Pap Smear services offered in Chinatown and Lower Manhattan, New York, Brooklyn and Flushing, NY

If you have an abnormal Pap smear result, it doesn’t necessarily indicate a serious problem, and you’re in safe and experienced hands with the team at Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology in Lower Manhattan, Sunset Park in Brooklyn, and Flushing, Queens. They provide Pap smears, and if you have an abnormal result, rest assured they can guide you through the steps to protect your reproductive health. If you have concerns or questions about an abnormal Pap smear, call the nearest office or request an appointment online today.

What does an abnormal Pap smear mean?

After the age of 21 or within three years of becoming sexually active, women are encouraged to begin getting Pap smears at least every three years. A Pap smear is a screening tool and effective preventive care method to detect dysplasia or abnormal cells in the cervix.

Staying up to date with your regular Pap smears increases your chances for early detection and treatment of any potential problems, such as cervical cancer.

An abnormal result means the cell sample taken during your Pap smear shows some abnormalities or something on your Pap smear that needs further investigation. An abnormal Pap smear might indicate abnormal cells or an infection.

Keep in mind that an abnormal Pap smear doesn’t mean you have cancer or a serious problem; the results show that further testing is needed to verify whether or not there’s a problem.

What could cause an abnormal Pap smear result?

An abnormal Pap smear could point to:

HPV (human papillomavirus)
Dysplasia
An infection or inflammation
Recent sexual activity
Herpes
Trichomoniasis

One of the leading causes of cervical cancer is HPV.

Your Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology provider takes time to explain your abnormal Pap smear results and the next steps in detail so you feel more prepared and comfortable and know what to expect.

What happens after my abnormal Pap smear results?

Following an abnormal Pap smear, your provider usually suggests additional testing, such as another Pap smear or colposcopy. Further testing can help them determine if you have inflammation, an infection, a sexually transmitted disease, or another health complication or condition.

With a colposcopy, your provider gently inserts a speculum into your vagina and uses a special vinegar solution to paint the outside of your cervix to make any abnormal areas stand out. If they locate an abnormal area, they might take a biopsy for analysis.

Some Pap smears might reveal abnormal results due to recent sexual activity or the use of certain douches or vaginal creams. No matter the reason, an abnormal Pap smear requires further testing and another Pap smear in a few months to protect your reproductive health and be on the safe side.

If you have an abnormal Pap smear, you need personalized and attentive care. Call Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology or request an appointment online today.