The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately. The HPV test looks for the virus (human papillomavirus) that can cause these cell changes.
What Stds can be detected by a Pap smears?
Your doctor will be able to test you for HIV, hepatitis B and C, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia, syphilis and herpes type 1 and type 2 if you ask. They should also be able to test you for hepatitis A if you request it.
What type of infections are diagnosed on a Pap smear?
A Pap test can detect certain viral infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV), which is known to cause cervical cancer. Early treatment of precancerous changes (cervical dysplasia) detected on the Pap smear can stop cervical cancer before it fully develops.
Do Smear tests pick up STDS?
No. Pap tests, also known as Pap smears, look for any cell changes in your cervix, which could lead to cervical cancer. Cell changes are often caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which is an STD. But Pap tests only test for the cell changes, not whether or not you have HPV.
Can Pap smear detect chlamydia?
No. Smear tests (cervical screening) do not test for chlamydia. Cervical screening tests help prevent cervical cancer by checking your cervix (neck of the womb) for abnormal cells or infection with a virus called HPV.
Can Pap smear detect yeast infection?
Any Pap test can detect if you have a yeast infection or trichomoniasis, a common STD caused by a microscopic parasite. It can also diagnose inflammation, which can be triggered by anything that irritates your cervix — an allergic reaction to spermicide or an IUD.
What are reasons for abnormal Pap smear?
- An infection or an inflammation.
- Herpes.
- Trichomoniasis.
- Recent sexual activity.
- HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) This is also called genital warts (up to 60% of women may carry this virus on their cervix, genital area, or skin and are completely unaware of it).
What are the five categories of Pap smear abnormalities?
- Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US). …
- Squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL). …
- Atypical squamous cells that may or may not be HSIL (ASC-H). …
- Atypical glandular cells (AGC). …
- Cancer.
Does abnormal Pap smear mean HPV?
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.
Can a gynecologist tell if you have an STD just by looking?
Most patients are surprised to find that their gynecologist can’t recognize every single STD on sight alone.
Is HPV a chlamydia?
Chlamydia trachomatis and human papillomavirus (HPV) are the most common pathogens of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can increase the risk of cervical cancer and infertility.