Can herpes affect a pap smear?

Herpes does not usually affect a Pap smear.

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) can cause herpes simplex, which is a common infectious disease characterized by blister-like lesions. It is typically transmitted through direct contact with an infected person. Pap smears, on the other hand, are cervical cancer screenings that involve collecting cells from the cervix to check for abnormal cell growth. HPV (human papillomavirus), which is a different type of virus, is the main cause of cervical cancer, and not HSV. Therefore, herpes does not typically have a direct impact on a Pap smear result.