What to Expect After an Abnormal Pap Smear Result
*additional information soon to come*
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You have just got your results from your most recent pap smear and it came out abnormal. What does this mean? Is it cancer? Or a sign of a bad Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)? Chances are that your provider does not know exactly either, and that is why you will most likely be getting a copoloscopy performed so that your provider can confirm what is causing the abnormal result. Try not to stress out about it too much. Abnormal pap smears are not as abnormal as you might think. As stated by Roswell Park Hospital in Buffalo New York, about 3 million women get an abnormal pap smear reading each year yet less than 1% of cases will have a cancer diagnosis (Roswell Park Hospital, n.d.).
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In order to make a diagnosis of any sort, you will need to have your cervix examined. There will most likely be a biopsy taken by copoloscopy procedure. Rightfully nerve wrecking, the pain should not be unbearable as it feels like a sharp pinch with some pressure. One thing that not all providers mention to their patients is that, it is recommended not to go to work or school after the procedure. If needed, the following day either. If not you should have the day of the copoloscopy off for some bed rest, due to cramping and drainage that may occur. Too many people are warned of this by their providers. If you are not advised this, then be your own advocate and push for a doctor's note. It will really help you be in less discomfort than you need to be.
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