Women who have become sexually active or over the age of 21 should get an annual Pap smear. During this annual exam, medical professional uses a speculum, which they insert into the vagina, and then wipe the cervix with a sterile swab. This swab provides a sample of cells that they screened for abnormalities. They also note any visual abnormalities.
Infection
Vaginal infections create positive results on a Pap smear, meaning abnormal cells exist. Because the Pap is not a diagnostic tool, further examination or testing will identify the infectious agent. Possible sources of infection include chlamydia, yeast overgrowth or other strains of bacteria. Physicians usually use a course of antibiotics or an anti-fungal medication, such as a vaginal suppository or cream to treat infections.
Herpes
The herpes virus can remain in a woman's body without any outward symptoms for quite some time according to the American Social Health Association. The Pap test helps to identify the virus. This highly contagious infection proves responsible for genital lesions, and has no known cure. Current treatments focus on suppressing outbreaks or speeding recovery time.
Intercourse
A bit of vaginal irritation or inflammation, following intercourse occurs normally for many woman. Normal friction, insufficient vaginal lubrication or sensitivity to contraceptives like condoms creates the tissue irritation. Abnormal cells found on the Pap smear may even come from semen, meaning that women should avoid intercourse for at least 24 hours prior to the exam.
Human Papilloma Virus
The human papilloma virus, referred to as HPV, exists in numerous strains. Some of the strains can produce genital warts on the cervix, genital area or skin. The American Pregnancy Association reports that up to 60 percent of women carry the virus without knowing it. Certain strains of HPV cause cervical cancer. The presence of abnormal cells or precancerous can indicate a condition called dysplasia. Further testing identifies the source of the positive Pap result. This includes a colposcopy, a pelvic exam consisting of the use of a vinegar solution to cause abnormal tissues to become more visible, as explained by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Physicians collect a sample from the abnormal area and examine it for diagnosis.
