Question 1

does a pap smear accurately show trichamonas vaginalis.. my doctor said i have it but my partner does not. how is this possible?

Accepted Answer

It often is accurate: If a pap smear shows trichomonas it is often correct, but an office exam with a microscopic wet smear may be helpful for the diagnosis.  Trichomonas is a free-living one-celled organism that  can live anywhere there is moisture; it can be transmitted through casual contact with bodies of water or any moist object.  It is therefore possible that you may have it and your partner does not.

Question 2

do doctors in the us offer testing for mycoplasma genitalium or is it only in the research settting? will it show up on pap smear?

Accepted Answer

Culture: Usual test is culture but it is not very effective. Nucleic acid tests have not been approved by fda. If you think you have mycoplasma, you need to be tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Mycoplasma can be treated with antibiotics. Pap smear is not a good test for this infection.

Question 3

my doctor found blood on my cervix during a pap smear?

Accepted Answer

Result of PAP smear: Blood on cervix can be seen in time of period, can be seen because cervix has erosions or ulcers. 
Evaluation of your pap smear is very important  to rule out cervical intraepithelial lesion, low or high grade. Endometrial cells in women after 40 y. Should be reported for appropriate follow up ( to rule out endometrial hyperplasia or neoplasia).

Question 4

do family doctors include a pelvic exam/pap during physicals?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes: Some family doctors do this but not all. If your doctor specializes in women's health it is likely.

Question 5

is it normal to have a discharge during a pap smear test my doctor said i had a discharge and took a sample to test ?

Accepted Answer

Vaginal discharge : Is common.  And your doctor will see whatever discharge might be present while doing a pap smear.  It sounds like when your doctor did your pap smear your doctor saw a discharge that he or she wanted to check.  There are several types of vaginal or cervical infections that a woman can have, and sometimes not even know it.  So it is helpful to you to have the discharge checked and see if it's ok.

Question 6

how soon after conception can doc tell i'm pregnant? and would it be safe to get a pap smear? during that time? thanks

Accepted Answer

See below: By about the time you'd be ready to start your next expected period.  Pap smears are safe and recommended.

Question 7

during my 6week check up doctor did the usual pap smear came back high grade. ..never had an abnormal one before. is this sometimes normal after birth?

Accepted Answer

Yes but...: Often times the pap will go back to normal after childbirth. However, you still will need a colposcopy to make sure your cervix doesn't have any severe or cancerous changes now.

Question 8

why could my paps show cancer cells then none every other 3 months? should i see a new doctor or can tests be wrong? always pain and bloating.

Accepted Answer

Cervical cancer: Pap smears miss some cancers, and on/off findings like this are not rare. If cancer (or pre-cancerous) cells were seen even once, you need treatment and close follow-up by your gynecologist, who will then advise about treatment, such as cervical cautery, "LEEP" (look it up), etc. However, this does not explain pain or bloating. Speak with your doctor an follow her advice. Good luck.

Question 9

my gyn doc did a pap smear and said i bled during scraping - i could see blood as he spread it on smear plate, he said it won't obscure result. true?

Accepted Answer

Is True: The Pap Smear examines the types of cells present on a glass slide. The additional blood cells can easily be distinguished from the other cell types on the slide. It is true that your results will not be affected.

Question 10

please tell me, could the doctor diagnose and treat std's during a pap smear?

Accepted Answer

Maybe,maybe not: If you make them aware that could be an issue they can take the type of samples needed for testing. If you just go in for a pap, some clinics do this anyway, but some might not. You can carry many of the sti's without signs on exam.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Why would the doctor poke me during a pap smwear to show me where a plyp is

A member asked:

Does a pap smear accurately show trichamonas vaginalis.. my doctor said i have it but my partner does not. how is this possible?

A member asked:

Do doctors in the us offer testing for mycoplasma genitalium or is it only in the research settting? will it show up on pap smear?

A member asked:

My doctor found blood on my cervix during a pap smear?

A member asked:

Do family doctors include a pelvic exam/pap during physicals?

A member asked:

Is it normal to have a discharge during a pap smear test my doctor said i had a discharge and took a sample to test ?

A member asked:

How soon after conception can doc tell i'm pregnant? and would it be safe to get a pap smear? during that time? thanks

A member asked:

During my 6week check up doctor did the usual pap smear came back high grade. ..never had an abnormal one before. is this sometimes normal after birth?

A member asked:

Why could my paps show cancer cells then none every other 3 months? should i see a new doctor or can tests be wrong? always pain and bloating.

A member asked:

My gyn doc did a pap smear and said i bled during scraping - i could see blood as he spread it on smear plate, he said it won't obscure result. true?

A member asked:

Please tell me, could the doctor diagnose and treat std's during a pap smear?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?