Is it normal bleeding after pap smear

These can bleed following a test, but the bleeding should end within a few hours or no more than two days. Cervical polyps are small, bulblike growths that develop on the opening of your cervix. Birth control pills and other forms of hormonal contraception increase your hormone levels. This can make your cervix more sensitive and may cause more cramping or pain.

This may make bleeding more likely after a Pap smear. Yeast infections , as well as STIs, can cause cervical bleeding after a Pap smear. These infections may make your cervix more tender, and blood vessels may bleed more following the procedure. This condition causes the tissues in your cervix to be overly sensitive and easily irritated.

If you have a friable cervix , you may experience heavier spotting and bleeding following a Pap smear. One of the primary symptoms of cervical cancer is irregular vaginal bleeding. This bleeding is likely coming from your cervix. Anything that irritates the cervical tissues, such as a Pap smear, can cause additional bleeding.

Light bleeding or spotting following a Pap smear is common. More serious bleeding is less common and may be a sign of a bigger issue. Concerning symptoms include:.

Irregular bleeding is a common sign of cervical cancer. However, bleeding following a Pap smear can be a sign of many other issues, including an infection, an STI , or pregnancy. But, you should talk with your doctor right away about your symptoms. If bleeding after a Pap smear is from normal causes, such as a cervical scratch, the bleeding should stop within a few hours. Spotting may last up to two days, but the bleeding will become lighter.

The additional pressure may cause bleeding to start again or become heavier. The delicate tissues of your cervix can bleed after a brush or swab scratches the surface. Likewise, take the time during your exam to ask your doctor when you can expect your results. Some offices require that you call for results. Others will email or mail your results to you. Close this dialog window Review for. Back to story Comment on this project. Tell us what you think Thanks for adding your feedback.

All rights reserved. Close Sign in. Close this dialog window View image What would cause bleeding after a Pap smear? Pap smears, or Pap tests, are also able to identify the presence of abnormal cells. Abnormal cells can be caused by precancerous conditions or sexually transmitted infections STIs.

During a pelvic exam, a speculum is used to widen the opening of the vagina. The speculum instrument helps the doctor examine the upper vagina and cervix. A scraper or brush is used to collect a sample of cells from the cervix and sent to a lab for analysis. While Pap smears can be slightly uncomfortable, they should not cause significant pain. It is also possible for patients to experience cramping or slight bleeding after the screening. Heavy bleeding or severe cramping, however, is not normal and should be reported to the doctor as it could indicate another issue.

This article will review common causes for bleeding following a Pap smear. A small amount of bleeding or spotting following a Pap smear procedure is quite possible.

Although heavier bleeding can be a sign of another issue. To obtain a sample of cells, the doctor scrapes or scratches the thin lining of the cervix.

This can cause some bleeding. Bleeding from a cervical scratch, however, is usually minimal and only lasts a few hours. Following a Pap smear and pelvic exam, blood surges to the cervix and other reproductive organs.