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Medical Information on an Abnormal Pap Smear

The pap smear is a medical procedure in which a woman's cervix is swabbed for viral infections or abnormal cell changes. The pap smear culture diagnoses medical conditions and illnesses that could put women at serious risk. However, not all abnormal pap smears are life threatening and can be caused by a variety of factors and conditions.

  1. Yeast Infections

    • Vaginal yeast infections can cause an abnormal pap smear result. Yeast infections are caused by a fungus that rapidly spreads within the vagina and can cause burning, itching and a thick, cottage cheese-like discharge.

    Human Papilloma Virus

    • Human papilloma virus (HPV) is also the virus responsible for genital warts. Certain strains of HPV (which cause cellular changes on the cervix) can also cause cervical cancer.

    Irritation and Inflammation

    • Normal irritation and inflammation from sexual intercourse can also cause abnormal pap smears. Usually when women undergo another pap smear a few months later, they usually have normal results.

    Trichomonas

    • Sexually transmitted diseases such as trichomonas can cause abornmal results. Trichomonas can cause vaginal irritation and inflammation which shows up as abnormal on a pap smear culture.

    Warning

    • Women who have abnormal pap smears usually need to repeat pap smear tests every 3 to 6 months (depending on the cellular changes found on their cervix). It's up to the discretion of the doctor as to how often patients need to undergo pap smear tests.

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