When your OB-GYN advises you that your Pap smear results are abnormal, it means that the test revealed some cervical cells that don’t appear to be normal.
Because it’s the best way available to prevent cervical cancer, a Pap smear is often performed as part of a woman’s standard physical exam. But having an abnormal test result doesn’t mean you have cancer; in fact, the chances that you have cancer are slim.
What causes an abnormal Pap test?
In a majority of the cases, abnormal cell changes are a result of some type of human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted infection. These abnormal cell changes typically disappear without treatment, but certain types of HPV have been connected to cervical cancer, and that’s why consistently getting Pap tests is so important.
Sometimes the abnormal cells are the result of other types of infection, such as those caused by bacteria or yeast, which can be effectively treated. In women who are post-menopausal, a Pap test uncovers cell changes that are simply a by-product of getting older.
What increases your risk?
Certain sexual activities like having intercourse without condoms and having multiple sex partners (or having a partner who has more than one partner), can increase your risk for contracting HPV, which increases your risk of having an abnormal pap test.
HPV can remain in your body for many years without you knowing it. So even if you currently have one partner and practice safe sex, you could still have an abnormal Pap smear if you were exposed to HPV in the past.
If it’s time for your Pap smear and you need a caring and experienced OB-GYN then please call the professional and caring staff at New Beginnings OB-GYN under the direction of Dr. Rania Ibrahim in Conroe, TX.
Don’t wait – call us today at (936) 441-8635 to schedule your confidential consultation.
Are you looking for an ObGyn in The Woodlands TX?
Dr. Rania Ibrahim is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist with a Medical Practice located in Montgomery County, serving patients in Conroe, The Woodlands, Spring and Magnolia, Texas. New Beginnings Ob/Gyn offers many services including Prenatal care, treatment of hot flashes and menopause symptoms, treatment of endometriosis and painful periods, uterine ablation, routine well women exams, infertility treatment, as well as treatments of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
You can work together from the initial consultation to the implementation of your own personal birth plan, and follow-up. Dr. Rania Ibrahim has enormous experience in high risk obstetrics. She is a skilled surgeon and has an excellent and caring team.
Dr. Rania Ibrahim is sympathetic to the needs of women. She specializes in minimally invasive surgery and performs robotic (DaVinci) assisted myomectomies and hysterectomies.
New Beginnings OB-GYN proudly serves the residents of Montgomery County, Conroe, The Woodlands, Spring, and Magnolia, Texas.
Note: Hospital deliveries and procedures are conveniently offered at Houston Methodist Hospital the Woodlands, Conroe Regional Medical Center, CHI-St Luke’s-The Woodlands, and Memorial Hermann Medical Center-The Woodlands.