Because you will need to remove all clothing from the waist down for a Pap smear, you might consider wearing a dress or skirt so that all you have to take off is your underwear and shoes, but this is purely a personal preference. It may be just as easy for you to slip out of a pair of jeans, slacks, or sweatpants.
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 can throw off a Pap smear?
One of the most common abnormal Pap smear causes is the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)….4. Trichomoniasis and Other STDS
- Vaginal itching.
- Vaginal odor.
- Vaginal discharge.
What happens when a Pap smear is abnormal?
Most often, the abnormal test result means there have been cell changes caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). That’s the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), and can be linked to cervical cancer. Changes to your cervical cells caused by HPV can be mild, moderate, or severe.
Should I be worried about an abnormal pap smear?
If your Pap smear results come back abnormal and/or you test positive for HPV, your doctor may advise further testing and monitoring so that a clear diagnosis can be made. This may mean: Following up with another Pap smear in one year (sooner than the recommended frequency) to keep an eye on things.
Can stress cause abnormal Pap smears?
But she noted that many researchers speculate that stress may somehow be involved in cervical cancer because stressful times in women’s lives can often be associated with abnormal Pap smear results.