Abnormal Pap Smears and HPV

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Most abnormal pap smears are caused by HPV, human papillomavirus. If you have an abnormal pap smear, your provider will likely recommend a procedure called a colposcopy and, depending on what is found, potentially small biopsies of the cervical tissue. The colposcopy allows your OB/GYN provider to confirm the pap smear results and determine if further treatment is needed, such as a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), to prevent abnormal cells from becoming cancerous.

What is a colposcopy? What should I expect during a colposcopy? Will a colposcopy hurt?

A colposcopy is sometimes recommended following an examination or pap smear test that has uncovered abnormalities. During the procedure, which only takes ten to twenty minutes, your doctor will use an instrument called a colposcope to examine your vagina, vulva, or cervix while you relax on the exam table in the same position as during a pelvic exam. If your doctor sees any suspicious areas, they may collect a sample of tissue for testing. During a biopsy of your cervix, you may feel some mild pressure and cramping.

What is HPV?

many different types of HPV. Some HPV types cause benign lesions such as genital warts, while other types of HPV (particularly types 16 and 18) can cause cancer. HPV can cause abnormal cells, which may lead to various kinds of cancer, including cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile, anal, mouth, and throat cancer. Pap smears and yearly pelvic examinations can help detect these abnormal cells and, if treated early and appropriately, can halt cancer progression.

Is HPV a sexually transmitted disease?

Yes. It is the most common sexually transmitted disease. You can contract it through vaginal, oral, or anal sex with someone that is already infected with the virus.

How can you tell if you have HPV? What are the signs and symptoms of HPV?

Low risk strains of HPV can lead to the development of genital warts. Different strains of HPV can cause different warts, from genital warts to common, flat, and plantar warts. Strains of HPV that are considered to be "high risk" are the ones that can lead to cervical cancer and precancer and these infections are asymptomatic. This is why a pap smear is so important.

Should I get the Gardasil shot? Am I a candidate for the Gardasil vaccine?

The Gardasil vaccine protects you against the strains of HPV that can cause genital warts and lead to cancer. It is recommended that children age 11-12 be given the vaccine before they are sexually active, but the vaccine can given any time between age 9-45. Please see your doctor to find out if Gardasil is a good choice for you or your child.

If I don’t have a cervix or had a hysterectomy, can I still get HPV?

Yes. You can get infected — or reinfected — after a hysterectomy or removal of your cervix if you have sexual contact with a partner who is infected.

Need to Schedule a Pap Smear?

At Plano Women’s Healthcare, we provide comprehensive gynecological services, including pelvic exams and pap smear tests.

If you think you have been exposed to HPV, have symptoms of HPV, are ready to consider the HPV vaccine, or simply have questions

Call us today at 972-596-2470 to Schedule a Consultation

Request Appointment