5 Common Causes of Abnormal Pap Smear Results and What They Mean for Your Health

Let's talk about pap smears. Pap smears are an essential part of reproductive health for women and people with cervixes. Getting an abnormal pap smear result can be confusing and overwhelming. That's why we at Between want to make sure you have the information you need to take care of your health. 

Here are five common causes of abnormal pap smear results and what they could mean for you:

1. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) - HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to abnormal changes in cervical cells. Many women with abnormal pap smear results have HPV. However, most HPV infections will clear on their own without causing long-term health issues.
2. Inflammation - Inflammation of the cervix or vagina can cause abnormal pap smear results. This can be caused by a range of factors, including infections, hormonal changes, and allergies.
3. Yeast Infections - Yeast infections can cause inflammation in the vaginal area, leading to abnormal pap smear results. Women with yeast infections may also experience itching, burning, and discomfort in the vaginal area.
4. Bacterial Vaginosis - Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection that can cause an imbalance in the bacteria in the vagina, leading to abnormal pap smear results. Women with bacterial vaginosis may also experience itching, burning, and a strong fishy odor.
5. Menopause - Changes in hormone levels during menopause can lead to thinning of the lining of the cervix, which can cause abnormal pap smear results. Women who are postmenopausal should continue to receive regular pap smears to ensure the health of their cervix.

At Between, we believe that regular pap smears are essential for women's health. We are committed to providing convenient and affordable options for your reproductive health needs, including guidance on how to maintain healthy cervical health.

Remember, receiving abnormal pap smear results can be concerning, but many of the causes of abnormal results can be easily treated. By staying up to date with regular pap smears, you can help ensure the health of their cervix and overall reproductive health.

If you have any questions or concerns about your pap smear results or reproductive health, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can book and complete an appointment with a certified clinician within 48 hours. Book here!

Best regards,

Sheereen Brown (CEO) & Asia Barnes (COO)

https://www.between.health/

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Note: Any information shared in our blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider for any personal health concerns or book your visit here.

Sources:

• American Cancer Society. (2021). What is cervical cancer? Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/about/what-is-cervical-cancer.html
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2019). Abnormal cervical cancer screening test results. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/abnormal-cervical-cancer-screening-test-results
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Yeast infections. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/genital/index.html
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Bacterial vaginosis. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/std/bv/default.htm

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