Understanding Abnormal Pap Smears: Causes, Colposcopy & Next Steps
Questionim 26 with 2 children, 4 1/2 and 3 mos. i have had 4 pap smears in the past 2 yrs, 3 of which were abnormal, and have also had a previous abnormal pap after my son was born in 2000. the first 3 of these paps came back as having severe dysplasia (at my first ob) or moderate dysplasia (at the ob i went to when i found out i was preggers; he was very highly recommended by several people) when my pregnant pap came back abnormal they did a colposcopy and said they didnt want to do anything to my cervix since i was pregnant and they would take care of it after i gave birth. when i went back for my six week checkup and had another pap they said everything was fine. givin that they were so concerned before and the fact that i have had 4 abnormal paps i questioned this but the nurse said sometimes it goes away. is this right or do i need to find a new ob?
AnswerPAP smears are an evaluation of the cells that are at the region where the cervix meets the vagina. They can range from normal, atypical squamous cells of undetermined origin, Low grade lesion, High grade lesion, Carcinoma in situ, and cancer. We used to call the first two "mild dysplasia" and the last two "severe dysplasia". PAP smears can change back and forth (due to inflammation or infection). If the PAP that was once abnormal comes back "normal" we do not have to do anything even if you had several abnormal PAPs in the past. I would continue taking PAPs every 6 months to make sure, but your doctor is doing the correct thing. Don't worry. Jist make sure that you also have a "reflex HPV test" at the same time you take your next PAP.
