EMAIL THREAD Abnormal Pap Smear I got a Pap done early December and about a week ago I got the call back saying I had an abnormal pap with abnormal cells of an unknown origin!! I'm the type that worries about things...so they went on to say that I need to come back for a follow up to make sure it's not pre-cancerous cells, and that I needed a mandatory blood pregnancy test!! So now I'm thinkin 'do they think i'm preg?' I've been with my bf a little over three years. I've been on the patch for almost 4 years, and I'm 21. Has this happened to anyone before?? I'm anxious...my appt isn't for another 2 weeks because I'm away at school, and that's the only time I could come. Thanks... Sun. Jan 14, 11:33pm

super common-happens all the time! depending on the diagnosis (infection, recent sexual activity, pre-cancerous cells, etc) they will need to know if you are pregnant or not in order to ensure the best care for you. some tests and some proceedures can jeopardize a pregnancy. Some info for you from About.com that may ease your mind a litte: What causes abnormal Pap smears? Abnormal Pap smear results are often explained by an infection or an inflammation. Yeast infections, herpes, trichomonas, recent sexual activity, or use of vaginal preparations, are often things which cause an abnormal Pap smear result. Many times the culprit is HPV or human papilloma virus, sometimes referred to as genital warts. HPV is a common infection in women and has been detected in women in their seventies; up to 60% of sexually- active women may carry this virus on their cervix, genital area, or skin and are completely unaware of it. Hang in there! Try not to worry too much (easy to say, hard to do, i know!)-I'm sure everything will work out just fine for you! Monday, January 15, 2007, 12:12 AM

Yeah, I've been reading around on the internet, but I'm hoping it's just nothing. But it helps to hear that's it's a common thing. I will keep y'all posted. Thanks... Monday, January 15, 2007, 1:21 AM

Abnormal pap I had the same thing about four years ago. I was totally freaked out at first, but then did some research and talked to my gyn who said that it happens frequently. I have been in monogomus relationship for 6 years. The doctor ended up diagonosing it as cervical dysplagia. I had to have a colposcy sp??? It was uncomfortable but not terrible. They use a special tool to take a biopsy and to freeze the cells. Don't be scared. You will be okay. Monday, January 15, 2007, 8:29 PM

Hi There! I posted a similar thread earlier this year... I just got the results back from my follow-up pap (doc told me to come back in 6 months from the abnormal one.) It turned out to be normal.... One of my friends told me that if you have sex too close to your exam, you might turn up with an abnormal pap due to inflammation....or if it's too close to your period, etc. On the other hand, my doc told me NOT to worry too much....that we would keep an eye on things because occassionally, it is pretty common to get an abnormal pap... Monday, January 15, 2007, 11:18 PM

I saw that recent sexual activity can influence an abnormal pap. What do you all consider "recent"?? Wednesday, January 17, 2007, 1:15 AM

My gyno told me not to have sex the day of, or the day before, my appointment. Wednesday, January 17, 2007, 10:19 AM

Abnormal paps are a pretty common thing. You'll more then likely have to go in for another appt called a coloscopy and probably get a biopsy of your cervix. That is why they need to do a blood preganacy test. The coloscopy and biopsy will tell a few things: 1. If you have HPV- the virus that increses the risk of cervix cancer. and 2. What grade of abnormal your pap is. There are high and low grades. When you have low grade ab normal paps your docots will most likely tell you to have pap smears more often to monitor the abnormal cells. Most likely they will go away on their own. However, if your abonormal cells are high grade, a surgical procedure called a Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure or "LEEP" may be needed. A LEEP procedure is nothing to worry about. Bascailly the doctors will surgically remove a small portion of your cervix where the abnormal cells are. You will need a feww days to recover, but afterwards you can carry on as you normally would. A follow up doctor visit is required 6 months after the procedure. The procedure does not prevent you from having children in the future. The only things that may happen in regards to future preganacy complications is that your cervix may not close all the way or it may not open all the way (when in labor). Both complications are rare and shouldn't be a source of stress. I have had a LEEP, so I speak from experience. The best advice I can offer is to not stress out about it, but do not ignore the problem either. Follow your doctor's advice and take care of yourself. Everything will be alright. Thursday, January 18, 2007, 11:53 AM

A couple years ago after my annual pap came back abnormal, I discovered I had HPV. It scared the crap out of me too with the word CANCER forefront in mind. I have a wonderful gyno who had me come in for further tests and once the virus was confirmed, sat with me while I cried. She said to continue doing as I had, healthy weight loss, lots of exercising, living a happy life with my boyfriend and mostly to not stress about it. Those words were like a tonic to me and 3 months later, the virus was once again dormant. She also said not to blame this boyfriend of several years as this could've been lying dormant inside me for a very long time. Thursday, January 18, 2007, 5:24 PM

Original poster... Okay so my gyno told me I have HPV...I was devestated. The same day she did a colposcopy and a cone biopsy (that hurt like hell). Got the results back and those were normal!! But she wants me to come back in 3 months to do another pap...but my thing is why?? To confirm that I still have HPV? Cause won't the pap come back abnormal again?? I don't know, has anyone been in this situation? Sunday, February 18, 2007, 6:31 PM

don't freak out just yet.. I had an abnormal pap and went as far as a biopsey then found out not a thing was wrong don't worry just yet GOOD LUCK Sunday, February 18, 2007, 10:16 PM

A pap test does not pick up HPV on it's own. a clinician has to look at cells to determine if the are abnormal for the pap and a computerized test determines if cells (normal or otherwise) have HPV. so your pap may come back abnormal, but really they are going to check to see if you still have HPV since that is most likely the cause of your abnormal pap. do you have low risk or high risk HPV? Your doctor wants you to come back in a few months to see if the HPV is still hanging around. Most HPV infections will go away on their own after a few months and won't cause cancer, but if you have a high risk HPV and it does not go away (after many months,or years), you doctor will want to keep a closer eye on you because many high risk HPV cases can lead to cervical cancer. If cervical cancer is caught right away, it is very very highly curable. relax. you are doing the right thing by following up with this. take comfort in that fact that most likely you have a low risk HPV and it will be gone in a few months, and if it is still around, you will get adequate care and be fine if you keep seeing your doctors! hang in there. Monday, February 19, 2007, 12:40 AM

I just got the news from my doctor that I need to have a colposcopy. I understand that it is taking a biopsy. is this painful, or will it just feel like cramping? Tuesday, February 20, 2007, 6:33 PM

I'VE HAD A COUPLE COLPOLSCOPIES IN MY LIFE AND THE ANTICPATION OF THE PAIN IS ALWAYS FAR WORSE THAN THE PROCEDURE ACTUALLY IS. IT IS (OOPS!) like cramping, but more like gas-pain cramps than period cramps. like bloating and pressure and pinching and cramping all at once, but it only lasts like 45 seconds. really, seriously try to remain relaxed and tell yourself that women get this procedure all the time and it's better than the dentist!! my actual period cramps are much worse, last longer and don't promise relief in the near future. i had only minor cramping after the procedure and that went away quickly. you'll be fine. Wednesday, February 21, 2007, 9:58 AM

This is true! The anxiety and nervousness is far worse than the actual procedure. Now granted, it's not a walk in the park, but it's not like having a tooth pulled either. It's uncomfortable becuase they have the speculum in you (well for me) like 2-3 minutes, and she took 2 samples from me. It's amazing, as soon as she clipped the sample I had cramps INSTANTLY! The cramps I had weren't that bad, but mine lasted about an hour or so. I was more nervous about the results...which came back normal! But now I have to go back in a couple of months, to have another pap! Good luck, try not to stress (easier said than done) and keep us posted! Wednesday, February 21, 2007, 11:46 AM

thanks for the encouragement! I am trying not to get myself all worked up about the test. no need to worry unless there is something to worry about! right?! Wednesday, February 21, 2007, 3:08 PM

remind yourself that although this is YOUR first test, it is not THE first test...many women have had this and it's not that bad!! i think people would be pretty open about any horror stories if they had any regarding this particular procedure. i told everyone in the waiting room at the clinic i first went to about what happened in the exam. room. the doctor said, "ok, we're almost through..." and then rammed her digit where the sun's never shined!! i did not expect this or enjoy this and got very angry and told her i felt like she violated me. so when i went back to the waiting room, i told my waiting friend and the other women exactly what happened and warned them to get ready when she says, "ok, we're almost through...". the doctor got angry, but everyone else was thankful. i would stil prefer a colposcopy to THAT exam again! Wednesday, February 21, 2007, 3:14 PM

second abnormal pap smear !!! Does anybody know how someone with a normal biopsy result after a COLPOLSCOPY can have a second abnormal pap smear? I received an abnormal pap smear result classified as mild dysplasia in November, my GYN suggested a Colpolscopy shortly there after. The biopsy results came back as normal with no signes of mild dysplasia. Now, three months later my GYN followed up with another pap smear, which sadly came back abnormal again. The results were the same as in November, it showed up as having mild dysplasia. Has anyone had this kind of experience ???? Please, let me know ..... Monday, February 26, 2007, 7:38 PM

just had my first colposcopy (I was the one who asked about the pain factor). everything went well and they didn't see anything abnormal with this exam, so no biopsy. however, no one commented on all the poking at your cervix that they do! man, I hope I don't have to do that again! I was pretty relaxed for the exam, but it didn't help that for some reason they wanted me to be the test subject for the day... there was a resident performing the exam and then another doctor, the CMA assisting and two new CMA's that were just starting at my doctor's office who were "learning the ropes". there were just too many eyes... plus they had it on a tv screen! gross! Wednesday, February 28, 2007, 10:28 AM

Argh. I just found out i have HPV too. Terrified of colpocopy even with all these soothing words... even the 10 seconds of a regular gyno visit i detest, so the idea of 3-4 minutes sounds like hell. Is the biopsy/snipping a chink (shudder) always a part of the actual colposcopy or do they decide after? so so scared. Can we do a little survey-- how many people on PT have HPV and did it go away? I heard it's closer to 80% will have some kind of HPV during their lfietime. Wednesday, February 28, 2007, 5:37 PM

So Scared Hi, I am 26 andI had an abnormal pap too. I had to go in for the dreaded colposcopy as well and they performed the biopsy. The worst part is that it takes 2 weeks for the results and I have another week of waiting. The doctor was not very reassuring although she did say she "didn't see any cancer" is there something besides cancer or HPV here that I should be worried about? My anxiety has been terrible and I have convinced myself that I have some disease or something. Any comments would be welcome! Wednesday, February 28, 2007, 10:10 PM

to wed. 5:37 - they aren't just going to go in there and do a biopsy unless they really need to. what happens is... it will start off somewhat like a regular gyn exam. they will look around a little. then they take a saline solution and clean your cervix. then they use a vinegar solution, and apparently anything that is abnormal will turn a white-ish color. If they really want to be sure they might do what they did to me and use an iodine solution as well. these things are only to make what is abnormal stand out so they can take the biopsy if they need to. when I went in for my colposcopy they didn't need to take anything and just told me to follow up with a regular gyn exam in 6 months. As hard as it is, try not to get yourself worked up. take it day by day. good luck! I have been praying for everyone on here. Wednesday, February 28, 2007, 11:56 PM

I got a call in January that I had an abnormal pap so i was scheduled for a colposcopy in Feb...and that's when I was diagnosed with HPV. The same day she did the colposcopy and biopsy. All I can say is that it's not as bad as you dream it to be! The worst part is waiting for the results (and I got mine back in a week). I go back in May for my 3 month re-pap; I'm a little nervous because I hope the pap will come back normal. The only thing with the biopsy was: my gyno put some kind of med in my vagina to stop the bleeding from the biopsy, so I had to wear a pantiliner for about 1 1/2. When the medicine came out, I FREAKED!! It looked like something out of this world, the gyno warned me about it, but wow! PLEASE DON'T STRESS! Thursday, March 01, 2007, 3:01 PM

I had my first pap done and it came abnormal so i had to do a follow up. The next one came back abnormal as well and now i have an appoitment for a colposcopy. I am extremely nervous and kind of confused on why I have been so lucky to have an abnormal pap the first time around. Just wondering how painful it is. And if anyone got results that they didnt want?... I have read all your comments but they are all positive.. whats the worst possible thing that could happen. And does it really hurt when you get this colposcopy done. Thanks for your time.. just can't stop thinking about it. Thursday, March 08, 2007, 4:20 PM

the colposcopy (the exam) doesn't hurt... it's just like a pap exam, but it just lasts a bit longer. there could be some cramping if they have to take a biopsy. luckily I didn't have to have a biopsy, but someone else exlained it to me like a pinch and then possibly "period like" cramping pain for a while. of course, it is different for each person. best of luck!! it's a good thing to follow up with the appointment. you are doing the right thing for your emotional and physical health. take it all one day at a time. Thursday, March 08, 2007, 4:45 PM

need help quickkk i would really appreciate it if someone could give me some insight on this matter. my first pap smear test came back abnormal and i was told that i had high risk hpv. after your first pap smear determines that you have hpv, will they always come back abonormal? becasue i got a call from my gyno sayin that the second results came back abnormal again, and im scared. i dont think i can handle finding out that i have something else. Thursday, June 14, 2007, 5:09 PM

My experiences: I first found out in early college and was living in Finland. The FInns use mega doses of Co-enzyme Q 10 (called coQ10 for short) to treat it. Its a legal supplement in the US, but not yet approved by the FDA to treat low-grade cervical cancers. I used the Coq10 and was clear for years....until I started smoking again and the High-risk abnormal paps came back. I started go back for paps and subsequent colposcopy procedures regularly. This time I quit smoking, did the mega-doses of CoQ!0 and added JuicePlus supplements. I got my second normal pap back a few weeks ago. My advice, try the supplements, both the Coq10 and the JuicePlus. And for heaven's sake don't smoke...it makes it pop right back up again. Friday, June 15, 2007, 12:19 AM

Abnormal pap AFTER LEEP procedure I had the biopsy, the coly and the LEEP. I was high risk with precancerous cells. Th doc was confident that the LEEP worked. I just got my results back today from my doctor, and they are abnormal again!! It's back to the low grade where I started.... Can anyone help???? My doc referred me to another doctor who is a specialist. What happens now?? I'm 22 and scared! I also have a lump in my breast that the mri report came to me as a letter from the hospital. It said it detected something but not to worry. Having that over my head too doesn't help at all. Tuesday, September 11, 2007, 8:24 PM

Get the lump checked out - I can't stress that enough!! My mom has very early breast cancer, and is being treated, and is relatively fine, and will be. Her friend has very advanced breast cancer, and is not doing well at all. Her friend had some lumps show up on a mammogram 3 years ago, got the MRI, and was told they were calcium deposits and not to worry. Two different doctors told her it was nothing. Now, 3 years later, she has advanced breast cancer, and may not make it. Get it checked out now!! Wednesday, September 12, 2007, 9:44 AM

Poster, Keep checking with your MD as they reccomend. When I had the abnormal PAP thing going on my chiropracter of all people told me to try 800 micrograms of folic acid along with 1000mg of vitamin C per day. I did it for 3 months and when I had my next scheduled PAP it came back normal. It is a very simple and inexpensive thing to try. Again, keep following your MD's advice, but this can be added. I had had the freezing and it didn't help. Hang in there and don't freak out. Closely monitoring and not ignoring this is the only way to go. You'll be fine. PS My PAP hasn' ever been abnormal again either. Wednesday, September 12, 2007, 8:28 PM

Colposcopy? I have to have one done in about a month...i was fine when the doctor told me i had to have one, i asked her about it and she went through what would happen. She said they give you a mild muscle relaxent, is that true? I have 3 pap tests and after the third one came back still with abnormal cells the colposcopy was reccomended. I already know i have low grade HPV and am hoping it can be easily fixed. Some people say it's about as bad as a pap test, well all 3 i had HURT LIKE HELL, seriously the worst pain ever. I don't get period pain so that pain was the worst thing ever! All i can do is hope for the best right? Thursday, September 27, 2007, 8:34 PM

2nd abnormal pap Hello, I had a colposcopy in Feb and 3 biopsy's at the same time (very painful) I even passed out. The test results came back (not cancer), but a mild dysplasia. They also said I had a high risk HPV. I had my 6 month pap check 4 days ago and my dr. called me this morning and told me it was abnormal and it wasn't mild. Now I have to a gyno and possibly a cone biopsy. I'm a little scared. Has anyone had a cone biopsy? Tuesday, October 02, 2007, 7:45 PM

after the freezing I had the freezing thing in august and my gyn told me to wait until january to do my pap again. I'm scared because I tried to not have any more intercourse with my b/f because I think he caused me to have an abnormal pap since it had always been normal before i had met him. I wanted to know if that vitamin c and folic acid is in pills or powder and where can i get it. I'm also freaking out because stupid me had to do intercourse w/o protection and now i'm scared that maybe i have those cells again. I knew better than not to do it again but is there somebody out there with this same experience? Monday, October 15, 2007, 8:30 AM

I'm taking a class called Humans and Sex and last week we learned about HPV. From what I remember my professor saying, the virus may remain dormant in someone for many years in a person and they could pass it on to their partner and their partner will get it and show symptoms (while the 1st person doesn't get anything). That's how nasty the virus is. Also, not even protection can help ppl...it occurs through genital to genital contact. It's so scary...that's a big reason why at 21 years old I'm not in a hurry to lose it. Monday, October 15, 2007, 3:07 PM

To the person who wrote the above comment... peertrainer isn't designed for people like you to come in and make people feel bad for whatever their problem is, whether it be HPV, weight loss, whatever. The whole point of this is to have somewhere to turn to for support when you need it. So please don't write anything else, like you're the be all and end all of the human race. Monday, October 22, 2007, 11:16 PM

The reason I wrote that comment is to let others know how important it is to be safe nowadays. It's a scary thing. Like I know some girls my age who think sex is no big deal...they think it's fine to have sex with random ppl just for fun. I doubt they realize that half of sexually active ppl have HPV. Why risk that? Tuesday, October 23, 2007, 10:50 AM

Oh yeah, and I admit maybe my comment went to far but I just want to let other ppl know how important it is to be cautious of this type of thing. Tuesday, October 23, 2007, 10:51 AM

Abnormal Pap Smear I got my pap back, abnormal low grade. Now I go for the colposcopy, I told them prior I had problems with vinegar. No problem they say. I go today and they inform me they use Sulfa to control the bleeding afterwards. They had it right in my records that I am allergic to many many things, among them is Sulfa. They claim, that there was NO WAY my abnormal pap was caused by an infection. Can they really tell that it was not caused by an infection from the pap? Is there any other procedure, other than the LEEP, which doc wanted to schedule me for that can be done? I asked to have the colpo done in the hospital where he could cauterize if necessary, he said no, we're just going to do a LEEP. I have problems with anesthia, both general and local, as well. I asked if we could repeat the pap, he said it wouldn't matter because we still need to find out why this one was abnormal. Now I'm all confused. If I re-take the pap and it is normal, wouldn't it make sense that it was obviously an infection? But doc says it s definately not an infection that gave me abnormal pap. Can they really tell that? Also, I had my pap taken on 9/5, they literally didn't call me until 1 month, to the day, later to tell me that it was abnormal. I'm a bit scared. Can they tell it is low grade pre-cancer from a pap? Is my doc wrong, could an infection have caused abnormal? Is there any way he can tell from the pap that it was definately not infection? Link Thursday, October 25, 2007, 10:47 PM

confused about pap results. hi everyone...I am 37yrs old..I had a pap smear in july/07 that came back abnormal. I then had a cervical biopsy that showed mild dysplasia (cin1). The doctor told me to come back for another pap in 4 months. She said it's probably HPV. The thing is, ive been married for almost 20 yrs, and Ive only had one sexual partner. My husband says I am the only one he has ever been with, I know in this day and age that sounds crazy, but I know who I've been with and I have no reason to doubt what my husband tells me. My question is, does an abnormal pap ALWAYS mean its cause is HPV? I have 4 kids and all my paps have always been normal except or this one. Friday, October 26, 2007, 11:28 PM

But then you make it seem like all people who get HPV got it from having sex with random people. No offence but if you can't judge people for doing something you've never experienced. People know the risks that are involved before they have sex. Sunday, November 11, 2007, 6:47 PM

I had the colposcopy done on Thursday last week, now i have to wait for the results. The procedure wasn't that bad at all, way less painful than my other pap tests, on that note i'm changing doctors. Coz when they did the colposcopy they did a pap test aswell and i didn't feel any pain yet at my doctors whenever i'd had a pap done it was really painful. I'm glad the stress from that is over now all i can do is wait. Sunday, November 11, 2007, 6:51 PM

People can have sex with someone in long-term relationship and still get the virus. And many times people, especially young people, do not know the risks before they engage in sex- they are ignorant about them. They often regret their decision. Sunday, November 11, 2007, 6:53 PM

Yes this has happened to me... I just read this, and realized this happened to me about 5 years ago. my test came back abnormal and the only thing I could hear the Dr. say over the phone was they coudl be cancerous cells. I was freaking out. They ended up doing a biopsy (which I am not going to lie, is NOT so comfortable), and decided that I had mild displacia (not sure I spelled that right). That was a step or two before it turned into cancer. So they watched it and I had to get another pap in like 2 months, it came back the same way. So the did ANOTHER biopsy. Then that came back even at a higher stage, the next stage was cancer. So they did a procedure where they cauterized the bad cells, (a colposcopy-that was better than the biopsy I will say, I didn't feel anything with that) and things have been good since. The cause of mine was HPV they said. I didn't know I had that until the test came back abnormal, I had no other syptoms and still don't. I just wanted to share this because it sounded scary to me at first, but things turned out just fine. I think they will for you too! :) Monday, November 12, 2007, 5:56 PM

Pap results after a colposcopy I want to know if anyone can give me any insight as to whats to come? I had a colposcopy in Dec 06 and they did'nt have to perform a biopsy because they didn't find any abnormal cells on my cervix. I am hpv positive and high risk. the doctor that performed my colpo said she shoud'nt see me again. i am due for another pap and I am scared that the pap results will be abnormal again. Has anyone had abnormal pap with no negative results and got other pap tests? What were those results? Need some advice... Please help. I'm scared to death. Wednesday, January 30, 2008, 12:05 AM

Don't worry just yet. I had to go back last year for a repeat pap. Everything turned out to be ok. THe nurse told me it was most likley because they did not collect enough sample for the test which could be due to being not the right time of the month or possible I had had sex to close to the appointment. So don't worry just yet. Wednesday, January 30, 2008, 9:28 AM

abnormal to normal pap smear I had a pap smear in mid october. they said it was abnormal and that i should have a colposcopy. I had moved to Chicago and didn't have health insurance so I waited til that clicked in. Had another papsmear in January and I just found out it came back negative. What does this mean? could it mean that one of the pap smears was incorrect? I didn't tell the new doctor that I'd had the other pap smear because the insurance wouldn't have paid for a pre existing condition. Now I'm wondering if I should just tell her about the other pap smear from october. I never did have the colposcopy because I couldn't afford to so I waited until the insurance kicked in. What does anyone have to say about this. Can a pap smear that comes back with the doctor telling you to have a colposcopy in october come back negative in january? thanks binnyblue Saturday, February 16, 2008, 11:23 AM

I had the same thing happen im 21 and i had to go back yesterday for my repap. My doctor said it could just be from the yeast infection i had at the time of my first pap soo im nervously waiting too. One other thing I use to be on the patch until all those blood clot and deaths I'm on yaz and i like it alot better. Friday, March 07, 2008, 8:22 PM

abnormal pap, colposcopy, leep, normal pap... anyone? I'm now 23 and this past June I was told I had an abnormal pap. The doctor I go to automatically checks for HPV when someone's test comes back abnormal so they were able to tell me then that that was probably the cause. I had to go in for a Colposcopy (which I didn't think was bad at all... for anyone who gets cramps, its nothing!) Anyway so that biopsy came back as i mild to moderate dysplasia which some doctors will act on agressively and others will wait to see if your body clears it up on its own. Mine decided that I should have the LEEP procedure... of course I start looking it up on the internet and freak myself out. They numb your cervix so it really isnt bad at all... just uncomfortable having THREE people down there. The LEEP biopsy results basically just tell the doctor if she completely removed the bad cells. I just got back my results from my 6 month follow up pap and everything is normal! I just want to share my experience in case someone is having to go through the same thing and doesn't know what to expect. My only advice is to find a doctor that you feel comfortable with and can trust... and equally as important... DON'T LOOK ANYTHING UP ON THE INTERNET!! It only makes you stress out more and you don't need that! =) I am curious though if anyone else has had a similar experience after the LEEP. I need two more normal pap smears to be considered "ok" again! Tuesday, March 25, 2008, 9:19 PM

abnormal pap I have severe dysplasia on my cervix when I had my LEEP done. I was actually given conscious sedation for mine, so I remember nothing. I went a full year of Thin Prep paps every 3 months before I got a "normal" one back. Sometimes mine are completely negative, sometimes the cells are ASCUS...which is basically just cells of unknown origin. Tuesday, March 25, 2008, 9:51 PM

abnormal pap and spotting hi! am 23 yrs old and recently went for a pap smear when i recieved the results a week later they came back as having low-grade abnormal cells and they set up an appointment for a biopsy 3 weeks later!!! am freaking out! why 3 weeks? arn't they worried? and for the last month i have had light spotting every so often and i told them this at the first appointment and he told me to lose weight and thats why i haven;t had my period in 2 months and spotting! took 3 pregnanct test all negative!i know reading things on the internet makes you freak but the only thing poping into my head is cancer! Monday, April 07, 2008, 9:34 AM

abnormal pap smear I just got a call today from my doctor saying that I had an abnormal pap smear and that I needed to come in so that she could look more closely. I started freaking out. I am 21 years old and this has never happened to me before. Does this automatically mean that I have HPV? My mother said that this type of thing is common and that it happend to her. Also, I got my pap smear done the day after my period, could this have done something to my results? Tuesday, May 20, 2008, 6:45 PM

as I am sure you read throughout this post already - DON'T FREAK OUT!!! there are many things that can affect the test and make it come back abnormal. just make sure you follow up with your doc! Wednesday, May 21, 2008, 10:34 AM

abnormal smear i had my 1st smear snd it was abnormal!then had my 2nd about 3wks ago and got a phone call from the doc to go in tommorow :/ so im thinkin it cant b clear am no worrieing to much as they say its so common!reading all this info has also helped thanx x Sunday, June 08, 2008, 6:10 PM

abnormal pap Just thought i'd add my experience in case it helps anyone... I went in April of last year and had an abnormal pap w/ mild abnormalitites. At that point i was seeing my family doc. She said for me to come back in 6 months for another pap. 6 months later (about Sept) my next pap showed mild to moderate cervical dysplasia so she refered me to my OBGYN for a colposcopy. That was done around November. The biopsies came back with moderate cervical dysplasia so I had a LEEP procedure done the first week in January. The results for the LEEP showed moderate and severe cervical dysplasia but all the areas had a margin or "normal" cells around them so i was pretty hopeful that they had removed it all. I just went in 3 weeks ago for my repap and that came back abnormal- again so yesterday i had another colposcopy. My doctor thinks that i had been exposed to a more agrressive type of HPV. I am praying that the biopsy comes back fine because i DO NOT want to go through the LEEP again and i have spent the last year dealing with this and i want it over! I had always seen my family doc before but now i definitely see the importance of using a trained OBGYN who will be able to take care of the problem there verses having to go through the referall process. I will pass on some information that i learned from one of the other OB's at my docs office. I have a IUD that i had put in about 3 months ago. She told me that if i do need another LEEP or the cone procedure, i may want to think about removing the IUD and then having it replaced later on. She said that some woman who have decided to leave it in during the procedures have gotten infection afterwards. Just as an FYI. Tuesday, June 10, 2008, 9:27 AM

re: abnormal pap, colposcopy, leep, normal pap... anyone? I had a similar experience as you. Back in 99 after I delivered my son I had my six week check up(pap included). I received the call from the doctor about a week later with the abnormal results. I then went in for the colpo, then the leep, then had 2 normal paps. A couple years ago, I had changed doctors, went for the "well woman" and a week later received the abnormal pap phone call. I again had the colpo and then the cryo. A month and a half ago, I went to the gyn with painful sex and orgasm and found out I have a septated cyst on my left ovary. I went for the CA125 blood test which came back normal. I went back to the doctor this week for the "well woman" and a cyst rechceck. The cyst hasn't shrunk and I also got the news of the "abnormal" pap. My doctor is now saying to wait 6 months to have everything rechecked, but I'm in so much pain (from the cyst) , and given my history, recent and long term, I'm going for a second opinion. I already have a really short cervix from the previous procedures and still want to have more kids in the future, so I don't feel I can't do the wait in see. The first doctor never mentioned anything about HPV, and the second looked at me like I was a moron (during the colpo) and said yes you have it that's how you get abnormal paps. All I'm going to say is, go for regular visits. I have no idea what is in store for me, but what can I do about it at this point? Saturday, July 26, 2008, 12:28 PM

Confsed? Ok so I got a call from my primary care doctor today saying they receieved some test results that showed that I had an abnormal pap and said I needed to contact my GYNO office...of coarse I did right away....I then called my Gyno's office and told the girl who answered the phone what was goin on and she said that was odd that my Primary care dr. had gotten the results back when I just had the test done on March 16.....and it usually take 2-3 wks for results....I am soooo worried because I have a history of HPV and abnormal paps. Although I have had 2 normal paps in the past year and I have not been sexually active (intercourse) in almost 2 years! any advice!!!! Tuesday, March 24, 2009, 11:13 PM

You are bound to be anxious until you get further news. Try to stay calm. I had to have all sorts of tests due to abnormal thickening of my uterine wall and I was very frightened. Everything turned out fine -- I did have to have a D & C to remove polyps that were benign. I know your situation is a bit different, but the waiting and going through more testing is the same as my situation was. You've had regular OB exams and pap smears, so everything is probably fine. Tell your gynecologist about your worries, so you can get a sense of the process of further testing, etc. It's hard not to let your imagination run away, but everything is probably fine. Tuesday, March 24, 2009, 11:49 PM

... yeah I know but im just confused on why my results were sent to my primary care dr. and how did they get them sooooo soon....i mean I had my exam March 16 in the afternoon......do you think they got old results.......and my 2 previous exams came back perfectly normal.....and like I said I havnt had intercourse in over 2 years,,,,for fear of abnormal pap.....how does this happen Wednesday, March 25, 2009, 12:03 AM

oh, okay -- I didn't see what you were concerned about. My advice is still the same. Stay calm until you can find out from your OB what's going on. Try not to catastrophize. Mistakes do happen in medical offices -- I once got a call from my internist that my cholesterol was high and I was so upset. Then when I went in for my next app't to discuss results I found out my cholesterol was actually. so, you'll call tomorrow and talk to the OB or someone in that office and find out what's going on. Wednesday, March 25, 2009, 12:18 AM

HPV Ok just talked to my dr. office and it was adnormal and foun dout that the strand of HPV is high risk.....and I was wondering has does anyone have this and do you know if its safe for me to wait to have another child or should i do it as soon as possible? Wednesday, March 25, 2009, 5:05 PM

Why don't you start a new thread with a new title, so people can find you and your question. I was just answering you the other night because it was late, you were scared and I was there. I hope all goes well for you. This is not an easy situation, but if you take it one step at a time, it will be more manageable. Again, all best wishes to you. Wednesday, March 25, 2009, 11:47 PM

HPV KINDLY LET ME KNOW THAT IF BOTH THE PARTNERS HAVE HAD SEX ONLY WITH EACH OTHER, THEN ALSO IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET THE HPV VIRUS..? Sunday, August 16, 2009, 7:13 AM

It depends on how you define "have sex." HPV can be transmitted by rubbing, without penetration. HPV can also be transmitted orally (where it appears to play a role in some throat cancers) and anally (where it causes anal cancer). Sunday, August 16, 2009, 9:13 PM

abnormal pap twice I had an abnormal pap last year and had to have a biopsey. The biopsey came back negative for everything. I went to the doctor last week and was told today that I had had another abnormal pap and that I needed another biopsey. Does anyone know how you could have a biopsey and be cleard of everything and then have another abnormal pap. Am I going to have abnoral paps for the rest of my life? Wednesday, August 19, 2009, 1:57 PM

I went to get my depo and they had to do a pap and She said that I had an abnormal pap then she was telling me to go look up HPV and Aids and made me cry. I am only 17 and I am scared as can be. I dont know what to do or if I should panic?!? She said that it is very common but, she also hounded me about how I should not have had sex and I agree I sould not have I should have waited but stupied me I did. I have everything I want to do in my futer planed out ill be 18 in 3 months and Im just scared outta my mind. Should I panic or not? I need someone to tell me what it could be or anything. I have another pap at the end of feb Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 1:49 PM

1) No, you shouldn't panic. HPV usually comes to nothing; your immune system clears it out. Even if it turned into cancer it would do so verrrry slowly, with plenty of time to have it removed. Definitely do go back for a Pap smear every 4 months. 2) It's not your gynecologist's business to tell you that you shouldn't have had sex -- unless of course you already had some communicable disease you shouldn't risk passing around. 3) HPV has nothing to do with HIV/AIDS. You need to find a better gynecologist. Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 2:52 PM

HEALTH INSURANCE QUESTION I recently applied for health insurance (an individual plan--my employer doesn't have a group plan) and was denied because in the past, I had an abnormal pap and colposcopy, which came back as low grade, mild dysplasia. Has anyone else ever had this happen to them? Granted, it's only this one insurance company, but now I'm worrying that might be across the board. Tuesday, September 29, 2009, 5:00 PM

RE: To Sunday, August 16, 2009, 7:13 AM poster who wrote: "HPV KINDLY LET ME KNOW THAT IF BOTH THE PARTNERS HAVE HAD SEX ONLY WITH EACH OTHER, THEN ALSO IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET THE HPV VIRUS..?" Personally, I think doctors are too quick to write off an abnormal pap as HPV. Here is the shortest version of a long story: I complained for YEARS about painful intercourse and heavy periods and was blown off. Then I had an ectopic pregnancy, which they again wanted to blow off (give pills to pass the lost pregnancy instead of going inside to see WHY I had an ectopic.) I insisted on the surgery, and low and behold, I had a significant case of endometriosis. Morons. ... Think about it: There are as many bad doctors as there are bad beauticians. For whatever sad reason, I know where to find a great stylist, but impossible to find a great doctor. (although I did finally find ONE great doctor, and I guess one is all you need.) My advice? Do to doctors what you do to a stylist when she butchers your hair: dump her. Thursday, October 01, 2009, 5:59 PM

Now when they do the pap smear after an abnormal finding they test for and type the virus -- so they not only know THAT you have HPV, they know which one it is! (which is important b/c some ar more high risk than others) Thursday, October 01, 2009, 6:07 PM

So I'm 22 n had my first Pap I'm oct. The day before I had sex and my period was set to start 3 days later.... I got my results back as abnormal.... Should I worry? Or could having sex the day before the test be the reason why? Sunday, November 15, 2009, 3:45 AM

I'm 22 n my pap came back abnormal... I had sec the day before the exam m my period was supposed to start 3 days later. Should I worry? Sunday, November 15, 2009, 3:48 AM

I'm 22 n my pap came back abnormal... I had sec the day before the exam m my period was supposed to start 3 days later. Should I worry? Sunday, November 15, 2009, 3:48 AM

New Services and Offerings From PEERtrainer:

1) How To Achieve Sustainable Weight Loss This is a new 12 week program that helps you solve the mental blockages that are prevent many from sustainable weight loss. The most interesting thing about the program is what participants are saying and you can click on the link to read them.

2) Tip Of The Day Weight Loss Coaching Program-- This is a daily email program that helps to reinforce fundamentals as well as gives you practical tips each day. We are getting GREAT feedback from subscribers.

3) What Are Your Odds Of Losing Weight?-- Take the PEERtrainer Coaching Quiz Now!

4) Tip Of The Day Blog-- We update this each day with responses to specific questions from our coaching subscribers and customer.

5) New Diet and Weight Loss Content-- We have launched a new diet section that organizes the growing amount of content on the site. When you click in the most important areas are highlighted.

Related Content: How To Lose Weight- The Basics Weight Watchers Points System The Fat Smash Diet The Eat To Live Diet The Beck Diet Solution How To Get The Motivation To Lose Weight		How To Be Successful Using PEERtrainer How To Be Inspired By The Success Of Others Online Weight Loss Support- How It Works Tips, Resources For Emotional Eating Tips On Using PEERtrainer Visit The PEERtrainer Community Diet and Fitness Resources
Fitness Is Curves A Fit For Me? Learning To Inspire Others: You Already Are Writing Down Your Daily Workouts Spending Money On A Personal Trainer? How I Became A Marathon Runner		Preventive Health How To Prevent Injuries During Your Workout Flu Season: Should You Take The Flu Shot? Are You Really Ready To Start PEERtrainer? Super Foods That Can Boost Your Energy Reversing Disease Through Nutrition
New Diet and Fitness Articles: How To Start Exercising And How To Make It Easy How To Adjust Your Body To Exercise New: Weight Watchers Momentum Program New: PEERtrainer Blog Archive Review Of The New Weight Watchers Momentum Program		Weight Loss Motivation by Joshua Wayne: Why Simple Goal Setting Is Not Enough How To Delay Short Term Gratification How To Stay Motivated How To Exercise With A Busy Schedule
Real World Nutrition and Fitness Questions Can Weight Lifting Help You Lose Weight? Are Protein Drinks Safe? Nutrition As Medicine?		Everyday Weight Loss Tips How To Eat Healthy At A Party How To Eat Out And Still Lose Weight The Three Bite Rule Tips On How To Stop A Binge

PEERtrainer Is A Free and Powerful Online System For
Weight Loss Support

Click Here To Learn More and Join!