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Can breastfeeding cause an abnormal pap?!?!?!?!
Hi!
I had an abnormal pap in 2003, HSIL, HPV presence, whereby I had a LEEP. Then 6 month follow-ups until I was 2 years post-LEEP, 2005/2006 where I returned to yearly paps. I have had normal paps since the LEEP.
I had my first baby in July 2009, and my first post-partum pap in February 2010, which was normal and no presence of HPV. My new doctor wanted to see me in 6 months, because he doesn't believe you go back to yearly after having HSIL and a LEEP. So I just had my second post-partum pap in June. The nurse called today and said it came back abnormal and the doctor wants me to retest in 4 months. I tried to ask her details like if it was severe, or the exact classification, or anything, and she was vague, I think because I may have been asking her more questions then she was prepared to answer not because she was withholding anything. She mentioned they pertained to endocervical canal cells.... I think the canal between the cervix and uterous???? I may have this wrong....I was in Target shopping when she called me on my cell phone. She just said, it is nothing serious, the doctor would have you come back in right away if it was, but he wants to have you retested in 4 months to watch it.
I assume it was ASCUS, but I won't know until I get the lab results (I asked her to mail them to me). So here is my question..... I read that low estrogen can cause an abnormal result. Since I am still breastfeeding and my estrogen levels are low because of the breastfeeding, could this cause an abnormal result?
Thanks in advance!
Kathy
I had an abnormal pap in 2003, HSIL, HPV presence, whereby I had a LEEP. Then 6 month follow-ups until I was 2 years post-LEEP, 2005/2006 where I returned to yearly paps. I have had normal paps since the LEEP.
I had my first baby in July 2009, and my first post-partum pap in February 2010, which was normal and no presence of HPV. My new doctor wanted to see me in 6 months, because he doesn't believe you go back to yearly after having HSIL and a LEEP. So I just had my second post-partum pap in June. The nurse called today and said it came back abnormal and the doctor wants me to retest in 4 months. I tried to ask her details like if it was severe, or the exact classification, or anything, and she was vague, I think because I may have been asking her more questions then she was prepared to answer not because she was withholding anything. She mentioned they pertained to endocervical canal cells.... I think the canal between the cervix and uterous???? I may have this wrong....I was in Target shopping when she called me on my cell phone. She just said, it is nothing serious, the doctor would have you come back in right away if it was, but he wants to have you retested in 4 months to watch it.
I assume it was ASCUS, but I won't know until I get the lab results (I asked her to mail them to me). So here is my question..... I read that low estrogen can cause an abnormal result. Since I am still breastfeeding and my estrogen levels are low because of the breastfeeding, could this cause an abnormal result?
Thanks in advance!
Kathy
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi!
Yes, low estrogen levels and breastfeeding could be contributing to your result.
I like your doctor's cautious approach though, in light of your history. I would probably want to repeat your pap in 6-12 months too. One bit of advice--if your doctor recommends another LEEP procedure down the road, you may want to have a second opinion before going forward. Sounds like you had no problems with preterm delivery after your first LEEP. A second LEEP could cause incompetent cervix though, and another procedure (cryo or laser) might be preferable if the abnormal cells do come back.
Lets hope they DONT!
Good luck!
Dr B
Yes, low estrogen levels and breastfeeding could be contributing to your result.
I like your doctor's cautious approach though, in light of your history. I would probably want to repeat your pap in 6-12 months too. One bit of advice--if your doctor recommends another LEEP procedure down the road, you may want to have a second opinion before going forward. Sounds like you had no problems with preterm delivery after your first LEEP. A second LEEP could cause incompetent cervix though, and another procedure (cryo or laser) might be preferable if the abnormal cells do come back.
Lets hope they DONT!
Good luck!
Dr B
The nurse said that the results were ASCUS and negative for HPV.
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