[Rive1976]

My the nurse at the ob/gyn I see called and said that I had an abnormal pap smear and the doc will see you back in a year. Why a year if my pap is abnormal? I feel two little lumps on my cervix. Should I go in? Ps. I dont make a habit of reaching in there. I was trying to remove a tampon.

[TishaBuv]

I agree. You’d think if you had an abnormal result, they would schedule you to come in. I would call back the office and double check. Maybe you misheard and she said ‘normal’?

Did you get a written copy of your result, Dnester? There are different levels of "abnormal"....some are more concerning to docs than others. I think you need an actual diagnosis or classification of the lab result. You have a right to view that written result.

There is also something that can happen which isn't exactly abnormal: "unclear" results. This can be due to several things such as excess discharge at the time of collection - so the lab couldn't get a clear result.

HPV is a common cause of "abnormal" cervical screens. I am not suggesting that you must be positive for HPV but it may be worth asking your doc. Sometimes with HPV, the medical community takes a "watch and see" approach which could be even for a year. It's easy to find out. They likely already tested you: it's a simple positive or negative for the virus. If you did test positive, there's no need to panic. Lots of women live with the virus a while without any troubles...the immune system tends to kick in and resolve it without intervention. That could be what your doc is thinking OR it could be nothing at all to do with HPV. Just a form of inflammation or irritation.

I recommend another meeting (or phone call) with your doctor to ask more questions. I suggest writing your Qs down before you talk so you don't forget anything. I find that helpful when I have MD appointments. Then you can take notes when you chat.

Women's bodies are complicated and also strong and very capable of healing. Always good to explore the test results. I wish you peace and good health.

[Travelinglady]

When I had abnormal results I had to come back in six months. I agree, it's worth calling your doctor about.

Originally Posted by Dnester

My the nurse at the ob/gyn I see called and said that I had an abnormal pap smear and the doc will see you back in a year. Why a year if my pap is abnormal? I feel two little lumps on my cervix. Should I go in? Ps. I dont make a habit of reaching in there. I was trying to remove a tampon.

Yep, call your Doc. Whatever it is, manage it early.

[Fuzzybear]

Call the doctor. I agree

[Goforward]

Dear Rive1976,
Call the OB/GYN office and clarify what the recommendation is. I would think they would schedule you fo a repeat Pap in a month or two then see what course to take.

[Aviza]

I've had abnormal paps, it's usually come back in 6 months. But things have changed and they may be waiting a year. Especially if tested negative for hpv. If positive for hpv might be 6 months.

[MsLady]

.. so they can do another pap test in 6-12 months to determine if further testing needs to be done. I'd request for further testing asap, though. It's your body.

[Aviza]

They redo the pap in 6 months or a year. Usually 2nd one comes back normal. Never had two be abnormal.