Cervical Anomalies Detected During Pap Test
Greetings everyone! Recently, I (F35) underwent a Pap smear which tested negative for all sexually transmitted infections, however, it did not yield a sufficient number of endocervical cells necessary for HPV testing. Earlier today, my primary care physician requested another Pap smear, stating—I'm paraphrasing here—that she suspected the presence of a cervical wart. After doing my own research online, I feel inclined to agree. During the procedure, she performed more intensive scraping in an attempt to collect a better sample consisting of additional endocervical cells. We’re sending this sample off for analysis again. I must say, she was wonderful; it genuinely was not painful at all. I thought it might be helpful to share a photo we took for my own reference—and to gather your opinions while I await the results. Does what you see resemble a genital wart? Could it potentially be something different? Is there cause for concern? Additionally, I should mention that I received the first of three Gardasil injections when I was 18, but I never completed the series. Fortunately, I haven’t experienced any other symptoms, such as discomfort or abnormal discharge. For quite some time, I have been on a medication regimen of 100mg Zoloft for managing my anxiety and depression, and I also take a multivitamin daily. Following this Pap test, my PCP has put me on Metformin (500mg), Progesterone (100mg), and Spironolactone (50mg) to address my PCOS. I will provide photos in the comments section, although one of them may not be suitable for work due to its nature. After all, it’s an image of my cervix. Thank you in advance for any advice or insights you can share!
Answers (1)
3/27/2025, 5:40:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your situation. It sounds like you are navigating several important issues regarding your cervical health and overall well-being. Here are the main points to consider:
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Cervical Health Monitoring: The need for a second Pap smear is to ensure proper cell collection for HPV testing and to investigate any potential anomalies your physician noticed.
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Understanding Potential Findings: While genital warts can be caused by certain strains of the HPV virus, it’s important to remember that not all cervical findings are warts; they can also be benign lesions or other conditions (like cervical ectropion).
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Follow-Up on Gardasil Vaccination: Completing your Gardasil series could provide more protection against HPV-related issues in the future.
Explanation
A Pap smear is a screening tool to detect cancerous or precancerous changes in the cervix. If your physician suspects a cervical wart, they are taking proactive steps to confirm or rule out any concerns, which is very important for your health. Your previous negative result for STIs and absence of symptoms like discomfort is reassuring, but careful monitoring is critical when changes are noticed.
Next Steps You Can Take:
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Await Results: It's essential to wait for the results of your second Pap smear and HPV test. Keep communication open with your healthcare provider for any updates.
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Educate Yourself: Understand more about HPV and cervical health. Resources from the CDC and WHO can provide reliable information. This knowledge can ease your anxiety and help you make informed decisions.
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Consider Completing the Gardasil Series: Speak with your healthcare provider about finishing your Gardasil vaccinations. This can offer additional protection against HPV strains that may cause cervical warts or cancer.
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Internal Monitoring: Continue to observe your body for any changes such as unusual symptoms (discomfort, discharge) and maintain your current medication regimen unless your doctor advises otherwise.
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Stay Calm and Informed: It's natural to feel anxious when waiting for test results. Engage in supportive activities that help reduce anxiety, like mindfulness or light exercise, and lean on social support when needed.
If you have any further questions or need more detailed guidance, feel free to reach out. Thank you for taking proactive steps about your health!
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