Common Causes
Sometimes after menopause or when breast feeding there are 'atrophic changes' in the cervix, caused by decreased hormone levels. If your Pap smear result is 'atrophic' you may be given some local oestrogen treatment (for example, oestrogen cream) and asked to have the Pap smear repeated in three months.
Related Conditions
- Genital warts (herpes)
- Trichomoniasis (another common STI)
- Other infections
- General inflammation
What does atrophic smear mean in Pap result?
An abnormal Pap smear test does not mean you have cancer, but it could mean that you have precancerous cells or HPV.
What to expect if you have an abnormal Pap smear?
Results that come back showing the presence of HPV or cancerous or pre-cancerous cells is what the doctor is referring to if you have a “bad” Pap test. The results from continued screenings over time help us determine the next course of action to protect you and your cervix.
Does an abnormal Pap smear mean you have cancer?
What does a bad Pap smear result mean?
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What causes atrophy of the cervix?
Vaginal atrophy most often occurs during menopause, the “change of life.” This happens because of a decrease in the hormone estrogen. It can occur in younger women, as well, when their estrogen levels are affected.
Does atrophy mean cancer?
Muscle atrophy is a severe and disabling clinical condition that frequently accompanies cancer development such as muscle atrophy in pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, and bladder cancer. The majority of cancer patients are accompanied with cachexia.
What does atrophic cervix mean?
When levels of estrogen are low, vaginal tissue becomes atrophic — thin, dry and shrunken. The vagina may become more prone to inflammation in an atrophic state.
How do you treat atrophy naturally?
You may consider adding foods that contain plant estrogens, or phytoestrogens, such as soybeans, soy products, or flaxseed. A recent study shows a reduction in vaginal dryness with the use of plant estrogens. You should also drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and try to limit caffeine and alcohol.
What does vaginal atrophy look like?
Clinical findings include atrophy of the labia majora and vaginal introitus. The labia minora may recede. Vulvar and vaginal mucosae may appear pale, shiny, and dry; if there is inflammation, they may appear reddened or pale with petechiae. Vaginal rugae disappear, and the cervix may become flush with the vaginal wall.
What does vaginal atrophy feel like?
When vaginal tissues become inflamed as the result of vaginal atrophy, you may feel a burning or itching sensation in your vagina. This may occur randomly or at certain times, such as after sex or when you urinate.
Can vaginal atrophy cause an abnormal Pap smear?
Jessie: Yes! After menopause a woman's estrogen levels decrease to very low levels. The vaginal tissues are affected by estrogen. Thinning of the tissues can make the cells appear abnormal on a Pap.
Is atrophy a disease?
Pathologic atrophy is seen with aging, starvation, and diseases such as Cushing disease (because of taking too much medicines called corticosteroids). Neurogenic atrophy is the most severe type of muscle atrophy. It can be from an injury to, or disease of a nerve that connects to the muscle.
How can I treat vaginal atrophy at home?
TreatmentWater-based, glycerine-free lubricants help reduce discomfort during sex.Apply water-based vaginal moisturizers every 2 to 3 days. ... Applying topical estrogen cream directly to the vagina relieves symptoms quickly and effectively. ... Oral estrogen is also an option.More items...
How can I increase my estrogen level?
7 Ways You Can Boost Estrogen NaturallyPhytoestrogen-Rich Foods. Phytoestrogens, found in plants and plant-based foods, have a similar structure to estradiol, which is the strongest of the estrogen hormones. ... B Vitamins. ... Vitamin D. ... Chasteberry (also known as Vitex Agnus-Castus) ... Boron. ... Black Cohosh. ... Evening Primrose Oil.
What is the term for menopause atrophy?
Because the condition causes both vaginal and urinary symptoms, doctors use the term "genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)" to describe vaginal atrophy and its accompanying symptoms. Simple, effective treatments for GSM are available. Reduced estrogen levels result in changes to your body, but it doesn't mean you have to live with ...
What is the term for thinning and drying of the vaginal walls?
Vaginal atrophy ( atrophic vaginitis) is thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls that may occur when your body has less estrogen. Vaginal atrophy occurs most often after menopause. For many women, vaginal atrophy not only makes intercourse painful but also leads to distressing urinary symptoms.
What is global atrophy?
Global Atrophy: Global atrophy refers to a diffuse loss of neurons or decrease in size of the neurons throughout the brain. In young children it is generally caused b ... Read More
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What is vaginal atrophy?
Vaginal atrophy is a collection of symptoms— including vaginal dryness, dysuria, and vulvovaginal irritation and itching—that are generally associated with declining estrogen levels attributable to menopause.
Can vaginal atrophy be treated?
Although common in postmenopausal women, symptoms associated with vaginal atrophy are often untreated. Estrogen deficiency interferes with many physiologic responses associated with sexual arousal. Symptoms are progressive over time and will not resolve without treatment.
What is the purpose of a Pap test?
The main purpose of the Pap test is to prevent cervical cancer. We are, therefore, primarily interested in detecting any atypical cells. Often, an examination under the microscope may diagnose inflammations from several microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, trichomoniasis, etc). These findings simply help your doctor to prescribe a treatment ...
Why is my cytology lab not evaluating?
This is due to the drop in estrogen levels during menopause. Sometimes, due to severe inflammation or atrophy of the epithelium, the results from the cytological lab mention that it is not possible to correctly evaluate the test, and that it needs to be epeated.
What does transformation zone mean in pap?
Transformation zone component present. Another phrase that means your pap sampled cells both on the surface of your cervix and inside the canal.
What does "endocervical cells present" mean?
Endocervical cells present. This phrase means that cells from the inside of your cervical canal were sampled at the time of the pap test, which is something your doctor tries to do. Sometimes it’s hard to reach these cells, which may lead to the phrase…. Endocervical cells absent.
How long does it take for a gyno to repeat an HPV test?
Could be an infection, could be the start of a true abnormality. Your gyno will either repeat the test in 6-12 months, or order an HPV test. If the HPV test was done at the same time and was negative, you’re in the clear.
What is AGC in gyno?
Atypical glandular cells. Also called “AGC.”. Could be you were near your period, but could be a sign of abnormal tissue in either your cervix or your uterus. Your gyno will likely perform a colposcopy, a special exam of your cervix, and may want to do a small biopsy of the lining of your uterus.
Is a pap test reported in medical speak?
Most medical testing — from blood tests to radiology exams to your pap tests — are still reported out in medical-speak that seems very far from English. Let me decode the mysterious language, and what it means for you.
Can you sample cells during a pap?
This means that the sampling of cells during your pap didn’t include those inside-the-canal cells. If you’ve never had an abnormal pap in the past, it’s fine for an occasional pap to not sample these cells. But if your pap was performed to follow-up an abnormal test, your doctor may want you to return to the office for a repeat pap.
Overview
Occurs when the tissues of the vagina are not well lubricated and healthy due to drop in estrogen level.
Symptoms
Causes
Risk Factors
- Vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis) is thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls that may occur when your body has less estrogen. Vaginal atrophy occurs most often after menopause. For many women, vaginal atrophy not only makes intercourse painful but also leads to distressing urinary symptoms. Because the condition causes both vagina...
Complications
- Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) signs and symptoms may include: 1. Vaginal dryness 2. Vaginal burning 3. Vaginal discharge 4. Genital itching 5. Burning with urination 6. Urgency with urination 7. Frequent urination 8. Recurrent urinary tract infections 9. Urinary incontinence 10. Light bleeding after intercourse 11. Discomfort with intercourse 12. Decreased …
Prevention
- Genitourinary syndrome of menopause is caused by a decrease in estrogen production. Less estrogen makes your vaginal tissues thinner, drier, less elastic and more fragile. A drop in estrogen levels may occur: 1. After menopause 2. During the years leading up to menopause (perimenopause) 3. After surgical removal of both ovaries (surgical menopause) 4. During breas…