Understanding Pap Smear Results
A 26-year-old woman, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 170 pounds, has a medical background that includes depression, ADHD, and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Her surgical history entails repairs to her labrum and the extraction of wisdom teeth. Currently, she is on a regimen that includes Wellbutrin at 350 mg, atenolol at 25 mg, and cetirizine at 10 mg. Her past Pap smear findings have been varied, starting from 2021, which indicated HPV positive with ASCUS (Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance). The result for 2022 showed a negative HPV test but indicated LSIL (Low-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion). The 2023 Pap smear showed no abnormalities. In 2024, the test was again HPV positive with ASCUS. Due to previous issues with biopsies conducted without pain management and limitations noted during colposcopy, her subsequent Pap smear in 2025 was conducted six months after the last test. This test reported no lesions or cellular changes, and while HPV types 16, 18, and 45 returned negative, the presence of HPV mRNA E6/E7 was detected. After receiving her results on Monday, she has experienced confusion, despite extensive research online. Her gynecologist has indicated a follow-up call to discuss her results and potential next steps, which adds to her anxiety as she recalls past negative experiences with her previous gynecologist. Now, she seeks insight into the implications of her results and guidance on when it would be appropriate for her to reach out for further information. For those who resonate with her experience or have undergone similar situations, sharing personal stories might be beneficial.
Answers (1)
7/13/2025, 4:30:46 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re feeling confused and anxious about your recent Pap smear results, especially with the variations over the past few years. It’s completely understandable to seek clarity on what these findings mean for your health and what steps might follow.
Summary of Your Results
- 2021: HPV positive with ASCUS.
- 2022: Negative HPV with LSIL.
- 2023: No abnormalities.
- 2024: HPV positive with ASCUS again.
- 2025: No lesions or cellular changes, with negative types 16, 18, and 45, but presence of HPV mRNA E6/E7 detected.
Explanation
- ASCUS (Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance) indicates that some cells from your cervix look unusual, but it’s not clearly cancerous. Often, this is linked to HPV, which is quite common.
- LSIL (Low-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion) shows mild cellular changes often caused by HPV, which your immune system can usually clear.
- The HPV mRNA E6/E7 presence means that, while you have a low chance of developing cervical cancer with the currently available data, it reflects the ongoing presence of high-risk HPV types that require monitoring.
Next Steps
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Follow-Up Call with Your Gynecologist: This will be crucial for understanding what your doctor recommends based on your complete history and current results. Prepare a list of questions or concerns to ensure you get the information you need during the call.
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Monitor Symptoms and Emotional Health: Since you have a background of depression and anxiety, consider reaching out for support if these feelings worsen. Journaling your thoughts or discussing them with a trusted friend or therapist might help you process these emotions.
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Stay Informed: It’s beneficial to learn about HPV and cervical health, but limit your online research to reliable sources (like the CDC or WHO) to reduce confusion and anxiety.
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Plan for Regular Screenings: Keep up with your scheduled Pap smears as advised by your healthcare provider. This is important to monitor any changes over time.
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Consider Pain Management Options: Since previous experiences with biopsies were uncomfortable, discuss pain management options for any future procedures with your gynecologist.
If you feel particularly uneasy or if symptoms arise, such as unusual changes in your cycle or discomfort, it would be appropriate to express these concerns during your call with your doctor. You have every right to advocate for your comfort and understanding in this process. Remember, you are not alone, and reaching out for support is a strong step forward.
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