The Abnormal Pap Smear: What Causes It & How to Treat it

Your gynecologist just called you and said you had an abnormal pap smear. You probably have a lot running through your head, including “Do I have cervical cancer?” and “What are the things that can cause an abnormal pap smear?”

As scary as the diagnosis may sound, don’t panic just yet. Before you jump to conclusions and start thinking of the worst-case scenarios, let’s discuss the actual causes of abnormal pap smear and then how to treat it.

First off, what does an abnormal pap smear mean? Keep reading to find out.

What is an Abnormal Pap Smear?

An abnormal pap smear means that changes in your cervical cells have been detected. When this occurs, your doctor will first test them to make sure it isn’t a false positive.

Once it is confirmed that the results are correct, your doctor may suggest a colposcopy for a closer look so they can offer you the best results and treatment options available.

Do I Have Cervical Cancer?

No, not entirely! While a pap smear is in fact one of the best ways to discover cervical cancer, it doesn’t always mean you have cancer. In fact, there are several other possible reasons why you have abnormal results.

While some infections that you can uncover through a pap smear could be linked to cervical cancer if they go untreated, it does NOT mean you have cancerous cells.

So, what are the other causes of an abnormal pap smear?

Common Causes of Abnormal Pap Smear

When someone gets the call from their doctor that their results are abnormal, it’s completely understandable to get nervous. 

But, before jumping to the worst-case scenario, like cervical cancer, it is important to understand there can be many causes. These include:

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• Cervical Dysplasia
• STIs
• And more

Let’s take a closer look at the things that possibly cause an abnormal pap smear.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that should be treated as soon as it is detected to stop precancerous cervical cells.

Cervical Dysplasia

Cervical dysplasia is commonly caused by HPV and is an abnormal cervical cell change. Sometimes it can resolve itself without treatments; but, if it doesn’t after two years, these cells will need to be removed.

Pre Cervical Cancer

If detected early, these precancerous cells can be removed before they progress to cervical cancer. That’s great news for you!

Trichomoniasis or Other STIs

Trichomoniasis is caused by a protozoan parasite that can be transmitted through sexual intercourse. It can be detected by a pap smear and your results will come up as abnormal.

Other Possible Causes

While an abnormal pap smear result can be serious and mean you need treatment, it can also be caused by other things such as:

• Recent sexual intercourse
• If you inserted a tampon
• Lab error
• Menstruation
• Pregnancy
• Use of vaginal products

These aspects can affect the accuracy of your pap smear, leading to an abnormal result, and is why additional testing is always recommended.

Types of Abnormal Pap Smear Tests

In order to be sure of which treatment option will be best for you, your gynecologist will run some examinations and tests to better understand what the cause is.

Here are some of the exams you may expect to receive if you need further testing.

Colposcopy

A colposcopy may be suggested based on the type of abnormal pap smear you have. This is a non-surgical procedure where your gynecologist gently places a speculum inside your vagina to carefully inspect your cervix under microscopic guidance.

Here’s the good news: a colposcopy feels just like a pap smear and doesn’t involve downtime.

Biopsy

If a biopsy had to be done during the colposcopy, it means that your gynecologist saw an area on the surface of your cervix that has abnormal features.

The amount of the biopsy of tissue taken is the size of a fingernail clipping. It is then sent to an off-site lab and results are often received back within two weeks.

One common biopsy performed is the Cone biopsy, where a cone-shaped tissue is taken for further examination. This type of biopsy will be discussed later in the article. For now, let’s discuss the type of treatments available for your abnormal pap smear.

How to Conduct Further Tests on an Abnormal Pap Smear

The type of treatment your gynecologist will recommend depends on several factors, including the severity of change to your cells, your age, and medical history. Here are some common treatment options your doctor may recommend.

Cell Removal

While there are many effective treatment options, by removing the cell you are able to send it off to get examined. This can help you better access the abnormal cell.

Once the cells are thoroughly examined and you receive more accurate results, then further treatment options will be explored.

Cone Biopsy Surgery

During this procedure, your gynecologist cuts a cone-shape sample of your tissue to examine in a biopsy. This surgery takes no more than twenty minutes, but the recovery process could last up to six weeks.

On the bright side, you will receive more accurate results that could lead to life-saving treatment options.

Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone (LLETZ)

Using a thin wire, your gynecologist will use an electric current to cut away the abnormal cell while simultaneously sealing the wound. This procedure takes about fifteen minutes and the recovery process should not last more than four weeks.

Needle Excision of the Transformation Zone (NETZ)

This procedure is similar to LLETZ, but with a thin needle wire. The reason one may use this instead of LLETZ is if the cells are inside a passage.

How to Treat Abnormal Pap Smear

Once your test results come back and your doctor thoroughly analyzes them, you will be guided to the best treatment options for you.

Depending on the type of medical issue you are dealing with, your doctor might recommend the following treatment options.

Hysterectomy

In this procedure, your uterus and parts of your cervical cells are removed, which will stop any possibility of cervical cancer. This procedure is best for those who have had abnormal cells before or the cells are severe.

This is often recommended for women if they are past menopause or if they do not want to have any (more) children.

Note: It is important to take estrogen after a hysterectomy to prevent adverse symptoms.

Destroy the Cells

Aside from a hysterectomy, the second treatment option is to destroy the abnormal cells entirely. This allows space for new healthy cells to grow back in their place.

Your doctor may recommend a number of ways to destroy the cells, including:

• Cold Coagulation: This procedure involves a heated probe to destroy the cells
• Freezing the Cells: During this treatment, your gynecologist uses a cold probe to freeze the cells
• Laser Therapy: During laser therapy, your abnormal cells are burned away with a light beam

Depending on the type of treatment you receive, you can expect the following results.

What to Expect After an Abnormal Pap Smear Treatment

Just like any other surgical procedure, you may experience some post-procedural symptoms. While every patient and treatment is different, there are common symptoms you may experience.

Post-Surgical Pain

After your treatment, you may experience some slight pain. This is normal and can be treated with painkillers such as ibuprofen. If your pain continues past a week, you should see your gynecologist.

Bleeding or Discharge

Bleeding and discharge can occur after treatment for about four to six weeks depending on the treatment method.

If the discharge or bleeding lasts longer than what your gynecologist suggested, then you should contact them right away.

While it is recommended to get these treatments in between periods, if you have to get the treatment during your period, then heavy bleeding should be expected.

Get a Pap Smear with Whole Health JC

As we mentioned before, pap smears can uncover many different cervix issues. The sooner the abnormalities are detected, the easier it is to treat them.

That is why it is important to regularly see a gynecologist for a pap smear, especially if you are sexually active.

Looking for a gynecologist you can trust and feel comfortable with? Dr. Jennifer Su can help you take control of your cervical health.

Do you struggle with sexual dysfunction? Do you get frustrated during sexual experiences due to discomfort or inconsistent orgasms?

Nearly half of all women experience problems with sex. That’s a lot! But due to stigma surrounding sex and fear of treatment most women do not seek help.

So, in this article, we want to help to destigmatize sexual health treatment by answering a few questions we often get about one of our main treatments, the O-Shot®. Some of the questions we will address include:

• What is the O-Shot®?
• How long does the O-Shot® last?
• What to expect when you get the O-Shot®

Let’s begin with the basics.

What is The O-Shot®?

The O-Shot®, also known as the orgasm shot, is a non-surgical, drug-free, medical treatment. It is a type of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment with platelets that were extracted from your blood. These platelets contain proteins called growth factors that have healing properties.

Similar PRP treatments have been used for years to treat athletes’ injuries and hair loss. It can improve female sexual health by creating blood vessels and nerves and revitalizing vaginal function.

Now, let’s dive into some of the questions we often get asked about the O-Shot®.

Where is The O-Shot® Injected?

The O-Shot is injected with a very small needle in the clitoris, labia, and G spot. But don’t worry, patients have very little to no discomfort. In fact, the most people feel is usually a slight pinch.

So what are the benefits of The O-Shot®?

What Does The O-Shot® Treat?

As you can tell from its name, the O-Shot® is used to improve female orgasms. But while that is a great benefit there are also other things you can use the O-Shot® to treat.

With the O-Shot, you can expect improved sexual functions such as:

• Improved vaginal sensitivity
• Increased arousal and desire
• Improved lubrication
• Heightened and more consistent orgasms
• Tighter vaginal skin
• Decreased vaginal pain during intercourse

Additionally, it can help other medical conditions such as:

• Lichen sclerosis – a skin condition that causes womens’ vulva skin to be thin
• Lichen planus – rash on the skin from a poor immune system
• Interstitial cystitis – inflammation of the bladder lining

Now that you understand the benefits of the O-Shot®, let’s discuss more of the details of the treatment.

How Long Does the O-Shot® Last?

The question of how long does O-Shot® last is one we get often. The procedure takes around 20-30 minutes, and the results can last up to two years.

Some begin feeling improved sensation as early as 3 weeks. It takes about 3 weeks for the new tissue to begin to develop and will reach its peak benefits at 3 months.

For best results, we recommend having a follow-up around 6 months to a year after your initial treatment. Additionally, annual injections are recommended to maintain the benefits of the O-Shot®.

How Much is The O-Shot®?

The O-Shot® costs anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000. The price typically depends on where you get the treatment. With the O-Shot® only being FDA-approved for certain treatments, check with your insurance company about coverage.

Some of the treatments typically covered include ones to treat diabetic ulcers that are resistant to other treatments.

Who is the O-Shot® for?

So now you may be wondering if you are someone who could benefit from the O-Shot®. Many assume that the difficulties they experience during sex are something that is normal and they have to live with.

If you experience any of the listed symptoms below you may want to discuss treatment with your physician.

People who can benefit from the O-Shot® include those that suffer from:

• Accidents
• Peeing yourself when you wait too long
• Low sexual desire
• Difficulty being aroused
• Urinary incontinence
• Trouble reaching orgasm
• Painful sex
• Vaginal dryness
• Lichen Sclerosus

Meet with a doctor to determine if the O-Shot® procedure is right for you.

Next, let’s discuss the process of the O-Shot® procedure.

What to Expect When You Get The O-Shot®

Sometimes fear comes from not knowing what to expect. To relieve any possible hesitation due to concern, we will walk you through the typical process.

So what can you expect to happen during the treatment?

First blood will be drawn, but don’t be scared the blood is taken from your arm.

Then, a specialist will extract the platelet-rich plasma by placing the blood into a centrifuge.

Your physician will then ask you to remove your clothes covering your bottom half.

Before proceeding with the treatment, a numbing cream will be applied to the area.

Finally, the PRP will be injected by the doctor.

Best of all there is no downtime so you can go back to your day as usual, and can even have sex the day of.

Side Effects to Expect

While there haven’t been many side effects reported for the O-Shot there are some side effects that have been associated with PRP treatment.

Possible side effects patients may experience from the O-Shot may include:

• Swelling in the vagina
• Constant vaginal wetness
• Spot bleeding
• Scar tissue
• Spontaneous orgasm
• Sexual arousal with urination
• Redness at the injection site
• An overactive sex drive
• Bruising
• Vaginal sensitivity

While side effects may occur there are no long-term complications that have been reported. If you begin to feel any adverse side effects such as fever, bleeding, or severe swelling, contact your medical provider

Get the O-Shot® with Whole Health JC

You do not need to live with sexual dysfunction or pain during intercourse. The O-Shot® can help to improve your sexual experiences and your relationships.

Ready to rejuvenate your sex life? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jen, a qualified gynecologist, to discuss the O-Shot® treatment.

She will ask you questions about your sexual health to make sure you get the perfect treatment.

Visit our website or call 573-893-5500 to get a free consultation to see if the O-Shot® is right for you.

You’re out and about running errands and suddenly, it hits you. That undeniable urge takes over and you need the restroom ASAP. Yep, we’re talking about urinary incontinence in women. Why does this happen at the most random and inconvenient moments? Why is it so hard to control?

Luckily, this blog will answer all of your hard-pressed questions about what urinary continence in women is, why it happens, and what you can do about it!

First, we will discuss how the urinary tract works. Let’s get started.

How Does the Urinary Tract Work?

In order to understand urinary incontinence, we must first understand how the urinary system operates.

The kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra make up your urinary system, and there are a few jobs that these organs fulfill.

Your kidneys filter waste out of your blood, and then sends the product (urine) through the ureter tubes that are connected to the bladder.

Importance of Your Bladder

Think of the bladder as your storage tank and when it becomes full, the brain sends the message that it is time to urinate. When the urinary sphincter opens up, urine then exits the bladder flowing out from the urethra.

Sounds like a pretty tight system in place, right? It is when it is functioning smoothly, and you have plenty of time to make it to the bathroom.

But, there are a few physiological factors that can impact this seamless process and as a result can cause dysregulation of the bladder. This leads to urinary incontinence in women.

What Exactly is Urinary Incontinence?

Simply put, urinary incontinence is the sudden urge to urinate, often resulting in the loss of control of bladder and urethral functions. This can really impact livelihood and the activities that you choose to do day-to-day.

There are several different types of incontinence with different causes and triggers associated. Knowing the incontinence type you are struggling with can significantly help direct the treatment plan you decide to use!

What Are the Various Types of Incontinence?

Here are 4 main types of incontinence that women often experience:

• Urge incontinence: This is characterized by an intense urge to urinate immediately and is usually correlated to an overactive bladder (OAB).
• Stress incontinence: Leakage during various activities is common with stress incontinence, as there is lack of support for pelvic organs since the muscles have weakened.
• Overflow incontinence: The bladder is not fully emptying each time you urinate so rather than a gushing overflow, small amounts of urine drip out over time. This type is most common in people with more chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis(MS) and diabetes.
• Mixed incontinence: A number of factors could be impacting your urinary system, therefore allowing leakage. You could be dealing with an overactive bladder and stress incontinence simultaneously.

To help determine what could be causing your incontinence issues, it is important to identify when you are having these urinary incontinence episodes in order to link the triggers that are contributing to the health issue. Keep reading to learn when these triggers occur.

When Does Urinary Incontinence in Women Occur?

While the onset of incontinence can occur for a plethora of different reasons, causes of urinary incontinence are often linked to:

• Pregnancy
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Medications
• Beverages
• Constipation
• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Menopause
• Multiple sclerosis

Furthermore, symptoms of incontinence are commonly experienced during:

• Coughing
• Laughing
• Sneezing
• Exercising

It is important to note that urinary incontinence can either be acute or chronic, depending on the root cause! Your lifestyle can play a big role in curing and/or managing urinary incontinence.

How Does Urinary Incontinence Affect Women?

While urinary incontinence impacts many people, it most commonly affects women during both pregnancy and menopause.

Urinary incontinence in women can occur during pregnancy, as the baby presses on the pelvic floor and affects the urinary tract. This typically improves a few months after childbirth, as the pelvic muscles have been able to strengthen.

During menopause, estrogen production tends to decrease, and the body undergoes transition which can affect bladder control.

Just remember that you are not alone, and that urinary incontinence is both common and treatable in women!

What are Some Good Treatments for Urinary Incontinence?

Good news: there is gleaming hope! A few different methods have proven themselves highly effective at treating urinary incontinence in women!

• The O-shot: This method is much preferred, as it is a 20 minute painless, non-surgical procedure that includes an injection of your own blood into the upper vaginal wall.
• Lifestyle changes: Don’t underestimate the power of changing your nutrition and exercise routines. Limit caffeine/alcohol, manage stress, and practice daily kegel exercises to improve the strength of your pelvic floor.
• Vaginal Inserts: These over-the-counter devices can compress the urethra and help reduce your risk of stress incontinence!

In some cases, referral to a Urologist may be indicated.  Now that you know your options, it is important to find a doctor that you trust.

When Should I Talk to a Doctor about Urinary Incontinence?

If you are experiencing disturbances in your daily activities and missing out on the things you love, it’s time to talk to an expert.

At Whole Health JC, we provide a broad range of options to treat urinary incontinence in women, and Dr. Jen can guide you every step of the way! Our mission is to empower you with the tools to heal yourself.

Book a free consultation today!