Understanding Abnormal Pap Tests & Menopause: What You Need to Know

A Pap smear is a test that exams the cells of cervix for changes that can lead to cancer. Even women who've gone through menopause are advised to have periodic Pap tests.

Time Frame

• According to the Cleveland Clinic, menopausal women should have a Pap smear every three years following a normal test result.

Function

• An abnormal Pap smear can indicate cervical cancer, a condition that can be cured in its earliest stages.

Risks

• If a menopausal woman tests positive for the human papillomavirus (HPV), she should get a Pap smear annually, as HPV causes cervical cancer.

Results

• Abnormal Pap smear results do not necessarily indicate cervical cancer. Results can range from abnormal cells that indicate the presence of HPV to cells that are precancerous to a positive diagnosis for cervical cancer.

Considerations

• See your doctor for a Pap test if you experience abnormal bleeding and vaginal discharge. If your doctor finds abnormalities, he may recommend a colposcopy, a procedure where the vagina and cervix are explored with a camera. In some cases, the doctor will also remove a bit of tissue for further testing.