Getting an abnormal Pap smear result can feel unsettling. It’s natural to worry, but it doesn’t always mean something serious like cancer is going on.
A colposcopy lets your doctor take a much closer look at your cervix after a Pap smear finds abnormal cells. They’ll use a special magnifying scope to check the tissue and might take tiny samples for further testing if needed.
Your doctor suggests this step to figure out if the abnormal cells need treatment or just some watching. Colposcopy helps spot cervical changes early, when they’re typically easiest to manage.
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Understanding Abnormal Pap Smears and Why a Colposcopy May Be Recommended
When you hear your Pap smear is abnormal, it’s easy to imagine the worst. But knowing what these results mean and what comes next can really help take the edge off that anxiety.
What an Abnormal Pap Smear Means
An abnormal Pap smear simply means some of the cells from your cervix look different than usual. It doesn’t mean you have cancer. Most of the time, these results show changes called dysplasia—basically, cells that aren’t cancer but could turn into it if ignored for a long time.
Pap test results use terms like ASCUS (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance), LSIL (low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion), or HSIL (high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion). Each one points to a different level of cell change, and honestly, those labels can sound scarier than they are.
Your doctor will walk you through your specific result and what it could mean for your health. Abnormal Pap results are pretty common, actually—about 5% of tests show something unusual.
Common Causes of Abnormal Pap Results
A bunch of things can trigger abnormal Pap results. The big one is human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Most women will get HPV at some point, and it usually goes away on its own without causing trouble.
Other culprits include inflammation from infections like yeast or bacterial vaginosis. Hormonal shifts during pregnancy or menopause can also mess with Pap results.
Smoking? It makes it harder for your body to fight off HPV, so it ups your risk for abnormal cells. Some medications and even recent sex can sometimes influence the outcome, too.
Age matters as well. Younger women often have temporary cell changes that just clear up by themselves.
Expert Clinics for Colposcopy Screening
Many women undergo colposcopy in Singapore at public hospitals, private clinics, or dedicated women’s health centres, where trained gynaecologists follow international standards. The procedure usually costs about $300 to $600 in public hospitals, with higher fees in private clinics, though Medisave and subsidies can help offset expenses.
Regular screening is strongly emphasized, and if an abnormal Pap smear result appears, most women are scheduled for a colposcopy within 2–4 weeks.
Role of HPV in Cervical Changes
HPV really is the main player when it comes to changes in cervical cells. There are over 100 types, but about 14 high-risk ones cause the vast majority of cervical abnormalities and cancers.
HPV infects the skin cells of the cervix and can change how they grow. That’s what doctors spot in abnormal Pap smears. Thankfully, most HPV infections clear up within a year or two as your immune system does its thing. But if a high-risk HPV type sticks around, it can lead to more serious changes over time. That’s why doctors often do HPV testing alongside Pap smears.
Getting vaccinated against HPV is a really effective way to protect yourself from the riskiest types. It’s best to get the vaccine before any exposure, but it’s something worth asking your doctor about regardless of your age.
Colposcopy: What to Expect During the Procedure
A colposcopy usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes and honestly, it feels a lot like a regular pelvic exam. You’ll lie back on the exam table, feet in stirrups, and your doctor will use a colposcope—which is basically a microscope that stays outside your body—to get a good look at your cervix.
They’ll dab a mild vinegar solution on your cervix to help any abnormal cells show up as white spots. Sometimes, they might use a brownish iodine solution too, just to make any unusual areas stand out a bit more.
If your doctor sees anything that looks off, they might take a tiny sample (a biopsy) for more testing. This part can pinch or cause some quick cramping, but it’s over fast.
It’s pretty normal to have a little spotting or light bleeding afterward. Most people go right back to their usual routine, though if you had a biopsy, you’ll want to skip sex, tampons, and douching for a few days—just to be safe and let things heal.