What can cause abnormal cervical cells?

Cervical cells are those that line the cervix, and they play an essential role in a woman’s reproductive system. While it is normal for these cells to go from “normal” to “abnormal,” it’s important to understand what causes this change. It is imperative that we take control of our health by staying informed about potential events or factors that could contribute to the development of abnormal cervical cells.

In this article, we will dive deep into what exactly abnormal cervical cells signify, different types of abnormalities, symptoms displayed when affected with one or more unusual growths, and several reasons behind how such anomalies come into existence.

Understanding Abnormal Cervical Cells

Abnormalities or changes found on a pap smear report indicate the presence of atypical squamous or glandular tissue within your cervix’ lining. These changes aren’t fatal most times; however, they need observation because they might elevate your chances of developing cancer shortly. During Pap smears and other procedures like pelvic exams – a doctor inspects Squamous Epithelial Cells (S.E.C.s) present throughout our body but predominantly concentrated around vaginal openings leading up towards internal organs like ovaries/womb/vaginal canal – if their shape/size/color changes too quickly than expected leading doctors calling them ‘ATYPICAL SQUAMOUS CELLS’.

Different Types Of Cervical Cell Abnormalities

There exist four major types of cell irregularities detected through standard methods- HPV Testing/Pap Smear:

1) Atypical Squamous Cells: Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
2) Low-grade Sinister Intraepitheliopathic Lesion (LGSIL): Not HPV related
3) High-grade Malignant Intraepitheliopathic Lesion(HGSIL): Potentially Caused by HPV
4) Squamous Cell Cancer

Symptoms You Might Experience With Cervical Cell Anomalies

HPV affected women remain asymptomatic initially, and one out of every 2 sexually active partners eventually will contract the virus. But 90% of overall infections resolve on their own within a year( wow!). However, in some cases abnormal changes are detected indicating something is seriously wrong.

Before rushing to conclusions let us go through signs that could point towards abnormalities such as pelvic pain or pressure in other regions like uterus/ovaries/fallopian tubes and bleeding after sex/unusual discharge changes/smells down there.

What Causes Abnormal Cervical Cells?

Several factors might contribute to abrupt changes:

1) Early Sexual Activity- Girls who become sexually active prematurely(18!) before development reaches an optimal phase run higher risks due to increased mucosal exposure.

2) Birth Control Pills- Oral contraceptives use more than five years at one time can increase cervical cancer chances according to studies.

3) Multiple Sex Partners – As previously mentioned, HPV is the most common cause of cervical cell irregularities with risk directly related to transmission between individuals.

4) Smoking Habit – Nicotine tobacco-based smoking habit increases abnormal cell growth likelihoods for both smokers & recipients exposed via secondhand smoke (do you smell weird?)

5) Immunosuppression Medication/Treatment– Conditions affecting immune system’s natural response-wart,hiv,cancer post chemo therapy sessions/partial organ transplant patients receive immunosuppressant medications-upping risk factor counts

6)Viral Infection– Human Papillomavirus isn’t always benign-non treated overly aggressive strains lead up over extended periods resulting in malignant tumor build-ups

7)Age–Women reaching age 30+ statistically correlate with increasing frequency(mostly because enough time has elapsed by now). Expect testing intervals to reduce around turning 30.

8) Genetic Factors- Studies suggest that various genetic factors, mutations due to faulty genes:BRCA1/2; PAX8 up risk factor counts.

What Can Be Done To Prevent Cervical Cell Abnormalities?

The most effective way to prevent cervical cancer is detecting HPV beforehand (learning how habitual changes occur helps recognizing abnormal one’s better), assuming necessary precautions are taken.

Below mentioned are a few tried and tested methods by experts:
+ Make Lifestyle Changes – Curbing bad habits/smoking can help immensely in reducing possible risks & practice safer sex protocols
+ Regular Check-ups via Pap Smear Tests/Pelvic Exams– Ensure routine check ups/pap smears within recommended intervals as directed by healthcare professional would benefit immensely
+ HPV Immunizations – Newer vaccines claiming higher efficacy rates against acquiring on sexual contact with infected individuals have hit the stands.

Even if you have undergone treatment for abnormal cervical cells, it’s essential to get checked again at regular after-care appointments, enabling timely reassurance of growing parts or growth reductions.

Conclusion

Cervical cell anomalies can be frightening but being proactive/knowledgeable about the causes/preventive measures we discussed halves probability chances allowing early detection-helping post-treatment/prevention options too. By starting young through healthier choices and staying sexually responsible-adult women become more prepared towards sharing responsibility concerning their reproductive health/habits with partners.

Remember: The odds are ever in our favor when it comes down to taking control of our lives via preventative care!

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