Can a Pap smear detect a vaginal infection?

Will my Pap smear diagnose a vaginal infection? Although your annual Pap smear is a very important test, it is not typically used as a test for vaginitis. How can my doctor tell if I have an infection? The tests for vaginitis are simple and can be done right in your doctor’s office.

What is abnormal flora?

Bacterial flora is predominantly lactobacillary type (normal) or it is abnormal. If abnormal, the flora can be disturbed by anaerobic overgrowth (bacterial vaginosis) or by aerobic microorganisms such as E.

Can a Pap smear diagnose BV?

Compared to the microbiological test results, Pap smear is not sensitive enough for screening of bacterial vaginosis. However, because of its high specificity, it may be an adequate diagnostic criteria when it is positive.

Can bacterial vaginosis cause abnormal Pap results?

When you develop bacterial vaginosis, the balance has become upset. This condition is treatable, but when present, it can cause an abnormal pap smear result. If the condition is untreated, it can lead to more serious problems.

What infections show up on a Pap smear?

Yeast, trichomonas, chlamydia, or gonorrhea infection can cause the cervical cells to appear inflamed. After the infection is treated, the Pap smear result usually returns to normal. If the Pap smear result is positive because of an infection, the underlying cause should be treated.

What is a flora infection?

Rather than causing disease, the resident flora often protects the body against disease-causing organisms. However, under certain conditions, microorganisms that are part of a person’s resident flora may cause disease. Such conditions include. The use of antibiotics. Injury or surgery.

What is a flora in medical term?

In the area of health and medicine, flora is the term used to describe the microorganisms that exist on or within the human body, such as the gut flora or the skin flora. When talking about flora in the context of the human body, the term refers to bacteria, yeast, and other fungi.

What causes altered flora?

Vaginitis occurs because the vaginal flora has been altered by the introduction of pathogens or changes in the vaginal environment that allow pathogens to proliferate. Antibiotics, contraceptives, sexual intercourse, douching, stress and hormones can change the vaginal environment and allow pathogens to grow.