Pelvic Exams & PAP
Results
Birth Control
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When a  pelvic exam is performed there are a number
of things a clinician should evaluate:  

  • ASSESSMENT OF:
  • overall health of the external genital area
  • overall health of the internal vagina including the "ph" or acid/base
    balance of your vagina and the quality and quantity of any discharge
    that may be present

  • TESTING FOR:
  • the presence of cancer or pre-cancerous cells on your cervix
  • the presence of any type of vaginal or cervical infection
  • the presence of any type of sexually transmitted infection such as
    chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis ("trich")
  • the presence of high-risk strains of HPV (human papilloma virus)

















Remember that the actual reason for doing a PAP test is to screen for cervical   
cancer.  Generally PAP tests can come back in 3 categories

  • SATISFACTORY/NEGATIVE: means that based
on  the cells that  were obtained there was no evidence
of any abnormal cells found.  
The cervix is part of the uterus that is
visible on exam by the practitioner
and/or you if you're given the
opportunity to take a look with a
mirror.  In order to see this part of
your body a speculum is placed  into
the vagina and holds open the vaginal
lips.  The opening in the middle of the
cervix, is called the os and is where  
menstrual bleeding leaves the uterus.
This is also where a baby will pass
through at the time of a vaginal
delivery.  

  • UNSATISFACTORY: means that there were not enough
    cells that were obtained off your cervix for the lab to feel
    that the sample is sufficient to be satisfactory for a normal
    result.
  • ABNORMAL:  An abnormal reading can fall into one of the
    following categories:

  • ASCUS- means that the cells
    look different than we'd expect
    them to look but we don't know
    if it is of any significance or
    concern--so we generally will
    want to recheck another PAP
    test in about 4-6 months

                                                 
When a PAP result is abnormal
we may request you to schedule
a colposcopy so that a closer
look with a magnifying
instrument can be used to see
your cervix much better than
with our eyes.

It is always a good idea to take
some Ibuprofen about 30
minutes prior to your
colposcopy appointment in the
event that a few biopsies of
tissue are taken from your
cervix.
LGSIL
Low Grade Intrasquamous Epithelial Lesion
means that there are some distinct
changes that have been found in your PAP
smear.   Typically these changes are
caused by the presence of the HPV
(human papilloma virus) which causes
dysplasia.  Dysplasia means that
the cells may be pre-cancerous in nature.  
It is very important to follow-up on your provider's recommendation for
repeat PAP testing.   Don't allow fear to be a barrier!  
Your cervix requires close monitoring so any further changes
can be detected and treated early!
HSIL
High Grade Intrasquamous
Epithelial Lesion means that there
are cervical changes that are of
concern and require close
monitoring, follow-up with or
without treatement.
Cells may appear abnormal for many
reasons, including if you:

* Have a sexually transmitted infection
* Have a yeast infection
* Had your period on the day of your exam
* Have precancerous cells or suspicious
 growths on your cervix
Cervical cancer can be treated as long as it is
caught early and therapies done to control or
eliminate the cancerous cells.  This can include
freezing and/or removal of areas of tissue.  The
goal is to prevent the loss of a woman's uterus and
protect her ability to reproduce  & successfully
carry a pregnancy.