Question 1

do all women need pap tests?

Accepted Answer

All with uterus need: The pap test is a screen for cancer cells on the uterine cervix. This can detect very early pre-cancerous lesions. Unless a woman has had a hysterectomy, which means there is no longer a cervix, an annual pap smear can be life saving.

Question 2

do computers or people read paps?

Accepted Answer

A combination.: There are techs who read smears, and screen them for the pathologist, who reads the abnormal ones.  This can be done under a microscope/manually, or there are several computer set-ups that read smears, and speed up the process for the pathologist, by selecting abnormal looking cells.  The pathologist makes the final evaluation.

Question 3

do all women need pap tests annually?

Accepted Answer

Can do every 3 years: At least once a yaer for every year starting at age 20 or when you start sexual activity is the standard recommendation.  It you get two consecutive negative annual pap smears, then you can repeat the test every three years.

Question 4

who all does not need regular pap tests?

Accepted Answer

W/2 consec neg Paps: At least once a yaer for every year starting at age 20 or when you start sexual activity is the standard recommendation.  It you get two consecutive negative annual pap smears, then you can repeat the test every three years.

Question 5

my pap was "abnormal, " what happens now?

Accepted Answer

Get cervical biopsy.: Abnormal smears get cervical biopsy, usually under colposcopy.  In this procedure, the cervix is painted with 3% acetic acid, and abnormal areas appear as white patches.  If there is cis or carcinoma in situ, a cone biopsy is done which is therapeutic.

Question 6

what is the risk for another abnormal pap?

Accepted Answer

Continue check ups: Abnormal pap smears are common. It depends on the degree of abnormality. Follow up for more tests is needed...Your gynecologist should help you to explain whether it is a mild abnormaility(dysplasia) or more severe abnormaility(cin).
Nothing immediate to worry about but you should not totally ignore it.

Question 7

how long to wait after sex for a paps mear?

Accepted Answer

A day or so : Would be plenty, if no condom is used. If a condom is used, there is no need to wait.

Question 8

what to do if my pap has came back abnormal?

Accepted Answer

Depends: What is abnormality. You should consult your doctor who took the pap and be sure to follow her/his advice for follow up tests or treatment.

Question 9

what does "cell abnormalities" mean from a pap?

Accepted Answer

Insufficient : Information.  You should discuss the result with your doctor as the information you provided is not sufficient to provide and informed answer.

Question 10

do i still need to have paps after a hysterectomy?

Accepted Answer

Need a visit: After a hysterectomy, you may not need a pap smear technically, although some argue that there is a small risk of having cervical type cells that remain after hysterectomy which would benefit from screening. I think you absolutely should maintain a routine of regular check ups because we check other things at those exams-external area, vagina, rectum and ovaries if they remain!

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Doctor answers about:

Gardenelle vaginalis on pap

A member asked:

Do all women need pap tests?

A member asked:

Do computers or people read paps?

A member asked:

Do all women need pap tests annually?

A member asked:

Who all does not need regular pap tests?

A member asked:

My pap was "abnormal, " what happens now?

A member asked:

What is the risk for another abnormal pap?

A member asked:

How long to wait after sex for a paps mear?

A member asked:

What to do if my pap has came back abnormal?

A member asked:

What does "cell abnormalities" mean from a pap?

A member asked:

Do i still need to have paps after a hysterectomy?

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