Abnormal Pap Smear Before IVF: What to Expect & Worry About

Question
Hello, I recently went for my yearly GYN appointment and was called today with the news that my Pap smear came back abnormal.  I have never had an abnormal pap before.  However, I am in the process of my Frozen embryo transfer via IVF on September 3.  My retest for my pap is September 1 and was told by the nurse that even if I had to have a colposcopy it will not affect my transfer.  What are your thoughts?  

Thank you!

Answer
Hello Holly from the U.S.(North Carolina),

There are various ranges of abnormal pap smears, and you probably have a mild abnormality.  Otherwise, your doctor would have had you come in right away for further evaluation.  So, probably not cancer or precancer which would be the only two findings that would prevent you for proceeding with your FET.  I therefore see no reason with this limited information (no actual result) for you to delay or postpone your FET.  If you're still unsure, call your doctor and ask them for the actual pap smear result.  Then post the result to me and I can explain things further.

Good Luck,

Dr. Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
info@montereybayivf.com

Monterey, California, U.S.A.

for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf and facebook @montereybayivf.  Skype and internet comprehensive consultations now available via my website for those who want a more extensive evaluation that this site can accommodate.  I also now provide an Email Concierge Advisory Service with a 1 year subscription for patients that want easy access to me to answer questions along their journey (women's health, infertility, pregnancy).  Contact me at ejrmd@montereybayivf.com if you are interested in continuous access to me.