Abnormal Pap Smears

Pap smears are done in order to identify abnormal changes on the cervix in an early stage. These changes can be mild to severe, depending on the spread of the abnormal cells. The abnormal cells are called dysplasia. Dysplasia occurs in females age 15 and over, and most often in those age 25 to 35. Usually no signs or symptoms are present. Your risk of developing dysplasia increases with smoking, multiple sexual partners and infection with HPV. Abnormal Pap smears can be evaluated with a colposcopy and depending on the findings, might require treatment and/or close follow-up.