Question 1

i'm 22 and i have to go for my first pap smear! what should i expect?

Accepted Answer

Professional exam: A medical instrument will be used to open the vagina, the cervix will be seen , cotton swab , soft fine brush and cervical "spatula" will be used to gently obtain samples.  An internal exam of your ovaries will be done.  Nothing painful.  Relaxation helps.  Very important information will be obtained.  More emotional thn painful, but a valuable test.

Question 2

what is an abnormal pap smear?

Accepted Answer

A sampling of your: Cervix shows cells that are not totally normal. There are different levels of abnormal cells, and depending on such findings, your doctor will proceed with further testing and or treatments.

Question 3

can pap smear affect mucus from pill?

Accepted Answer

No: Obviously if a pap smear is done too aggressively, it could cause temporary changes, perhaps a bit of blood, in cervical mucus.  However, there is no intrinsic reason for a change in mucus from a pap smear.

Question 4

is it normal to spot after a pap smear?

Accepted Answer

Yes: You may spot for a couple of days especially if the cervix has a lesion like an erosion.

Question 5

how long do you spot after a pap smear?

Accepted Answer

Variable: The cervix may bleed after a pap smear & resolution is variable depending on the tool used to obtain the sample. Bleeding should really be no more than spotting after a pap smear.

Question 6

what could causes an abnormal pap smear?

Accepted Answer

Usually HPV: A vaginal infection can sometimes be the cause of an abnormal pap smear.  A cervical infection can as well (chlamydia, gonorrhea).  The most common cause would be infection with human papilloma virus (hpv).

Question 7

how often should i get a pap smear test?

Accepted Answer

Depends: age, nl pap: According to the american college of ob/gyne, pap smears should begin at age 21, then every 2 yrs ages 21-29. Women 30 and older, if 3 normal yearly paps, can have pap every 3 years. Hiv+ women need pap twice in first year after diagnosis and then yearly.An abnormal result will change how often a pap is recommended. Notify doctor sooner if discharge, bleeding (esp after sex), or pain.

Question 8

can you detect mycoplasma on a pap smear?

Accepted Answer

No: Pap is not designed to test for mycoplasma. It may be cultured but even that does not have a good yield. Please consult your doctor as you should be tested for other sexually transmitted diseases as well. Mycoplasma can be treated with antibiotics.

Question 9

is a pap smear very painful for a virgin?

Accepted Answer

Shouldn't be. : Having your first pelvic exam is typically an anxiety provoking experience. An exam and Pap smear should not be painful. You do not need a Pap smear before the age of 21. Your doctor should take steps to make you as comfortable as possible and explain the process to you. Hope this helps.

Question 10

abnormal pap smear, should i be concerned?

Accepted Answer

Abnormal: Depends on the abnormality detected, but the proper management should be based on pap smear results. Do not panic, but, please, do not take it lightly and talk to your obgyn doctor.

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A member asked:

I'm 22 and i have to go for my first pap smear! what should i expect?

A member asked:

What is an abnormal pap smear?

A member asked:

Can pap smear affect mucus from pill?

A member asked:

Is it normal to spot after a pap smear?

A member asked:

How long do you spot after a pap smear?

A member asked:

What could causes an abnormal pap smear?

A member asked:

How often should i get a pap smear test?

A member asked:

Can you detect mycoplasma on a pap smear?

A member asked:

Is a pap smear very painful for a virgin?

A member asked:

Abnormal pap smear, should i be concerned?

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