Do doctors call with Pap smear results?

The results of your pap test could take two to three weeks. Normal results may be mailed or emailed to you. If your results are abnormal, your doctor’s office may call you to set up additional tests or procedures. If your results are abnormal, do not panic.

Why would I get a call back from a Pap smear?

If the results of your Pap test come back positive, that means your doctor found abnormal or unusual cells on your cervix. It doesn’t mean you have cervical cancer. Most often, the abnormal test result means there have been cell changes caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).

How long does it take to hear back from a Pap smear?

Usually, it takes 1 to 3 weeks to get Pap and HPV test results. Most of the time, test results are normal. If you do not get the results of your Pap and HPV tests 3 weeks after the test, call your doctor’s office to get the results.

Should I be worried about my pap smear results?

Most abnormal Pap smear results are nothing to worry about

Most women will have at least one abnormal Pap smear result in their lifetime, with an overall average of 5% of all Pap tests coming back as “abnormal.” In most cases, the abnormal result is nothing to worry about, but it’s important to follow up to make sure.

What happens after positive Pap smear?

“I Received an Abnormal Pap Test. What’s Next?” Your next step is usually a minor procedure called a colposcopy. This procedure is a visual examination of the cervix using a low-powered microscope used to find and then biopsy abnormal areas in your cervix that may lead to cervical cancer.

Why does my doctor want to talk about my Pap smear?

Pap tests are done to monitor women for changes in their cervix that could be signs of cervical cancer or pre-cancerous conditions (like cervical dysplasia). Most cervical cancer is caused by a virus called HPV (human papillomavirus). There are many strains of HPV, but only a few of them are known to cause cancer.

What does it mean when your Pap smear shows abnormal cells?

If your Pap test is abnormal, this means that your sample contained abnormally shaped cervical cells. Most of the abnormal cells found during a Pap test are the result of a cervical or vaginal infection and are not cancerous. Abnormal Pap tests are very common.

Do abnormal smear results come back quicker?

And the results come back a lot quicker. It used to take at least six weeks for the results to come back on the old way.

Can a Pap smear detect STD?

A Pap smear can’t detect STDs. To test for diseases like chlamydia or gonorrhea, your healthcare provider takes a sample of fluid from the cervix. Fluid isn’t the same as cervical cells. Blood tests can also identify certain STDs.

What is the normal result of Pap smear?

A normal (or “negative”) result means that no cell changes were found on your cervix. This is good news. But you still need to get Pap tests in the future. New cell changes can still form on your cervix.

What are the symptoms of abnormal cervical cells?

What happens if you have abnormal cells after a smear?

It’s often done if cervical screening finds abnormal cells in your cervix. These cells often go away on their own, but sometimes there’s a risk they could eventually turn into cervical cancer if not treated.

What are reasons for abnormal Pap smear?

What kind of infections cause abnormal Pap smears?

Cause. Most abnormal Pap tests are caused by HPV infections. Other types of infection—such as those caused by bacteria, yeast, or protozoa (Trichomonas)—sometimes lead to minor changes on a Pap test called atypical squamous cells.

Does an abnormal Pap mean HPV?

Abnormal Pap Smears are typically caused by strains of the Human Papilloma Virus, HPV. An abnormal pap smear result does not mean you have cervical cancer. High risk strains can cause more serious cellular changes. Typically, both high and low risk strains of HPV go away within 24 months.

What are the five categories of Pap smear abnormalities?