Medications

Medicines may cure a bacterial, fungal, or protozoal infection and allow minor cell changes called atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) that have caused an abnormal Pap test to return to normal. HPV infection cannot be treated with medicine. The infection or inflammation changes of cervical cells are monitored in the following sequence:

• If an infection is identified, even though you may not have symptoms, nonprescription or prescription medicine may be recommended to eliminate the infection. The type of medicine used depends on the type of infection present. For more information on treatment for a specific infection, see the appropriate topic: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Trichomoniasis, Vaginal Yeast Infections, Bacterial Vaginosis, Genital Herpes, or Genital Warts (Human Papillomavirus).
• The Pap test is repeated at regular intervals as recommended by your doctor. If the repeat Pap test results are normal after the treatment of an infection, you can return to your normal Pap test screening schedule.
• If the Pap test remains abnormal after treatment, you and your doctor may choose watchful waiting. Or a colposcopy may be done to diagnose the cause of the abnormal test. Regular Pap testing allows you to monitor minor cervical cell changes.

Estrogen cream. Women near menopause may have abnormal Pap test results because of normal body changes during menopause, such as cervical cell atrophy and estrogen loss. These minor cell changes may improve with the use of estrogen cream.