Can a fungal infection cause abnormal pap smear?

Yes, a fungal infection can cause abnormal pap smear results. When fungal elements such as Candida or yeast are present in the cervix during a Pap smear test, they can interfere with the accurate interpretation of the cells and may lead to false-positive results.

Fungal infections can cause inflammation and changes in the appearance of cervical cells, making it challenging for cytologists to distinguish between abnormal cells and those affected by the infection. Therefore, the presence of fungal elements in a Pap smear can result in atypical or inconclusive findings, necessitating further investigation or repeat testing.

To ensure accurate results and proper diagnosis, it's important for healthcare providers to identify fungal infections during a Pap smear and interpret the results accordingly. In some cases, additional tests or treatments for the fungal infection may be necessary before repeating the Pap smear to obtain a more precise evaluation of the cervical cells.