Frequency of Abnormal Pap Smear Cytology in Women with Post-Coital Bleeding

Abstract

Risk of development of cervical carcinoma has been identified in patients with abnormal cytology on Pap smear. A long duration of prior to development of invasive cervical carcinoma is governed by a precancerous lesion. Consequently, screening and proper treatment reduces the overall risk of cervical carcinoma. Objective: Aim of study was to identify the frequency of abnormal cervical cytology detected by Papanicolaou smear in married child bearing female presenting with bleeding following coitus. Methods: A Descriptive, Cross-sectional study was carried from 15th November 2021 to 31st May 2022 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jinnah Post graduate Medical Centre, Karachi. A total of 218 females of reproductive age group (18-50 years) presenting with post-coital bleeding were included. Patients with previously histo pathological diagnosis, ablative or excisional treatment modalities of cervix and trauma to genital tract were excluded. All cases underwent Pap smear testing with standard technique by utilization of Ayre's spatula and were fixated with 95% ethanol on microscopic slides. Two specimens were prepared for each patient and were assessed for abnormalities. Results: Patients encountered were between 18 to 50 years with mean of 32.20 ± 7.80 years. Majority (139; 67.43%) of the patients were between 18 to 35 years. Mean parity was 3.53 ± 1.51. Mean BMI was 29.12 ± 2.37 kg/m2. Frequency of abnormal cervical cytology was found in 37 (16.97%). Conclusions: This study concluded that Pap smear is an easy, effective and a cheap method for detecting women with cervical pathology.