Role Of Papanicolaou Smear In Mapping Out Cervical Epithelial Morphology In Women With Infertility: Modified Bethesda...

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Cervical cancer screening via Pap (Papanicolaou) smear is crucial but lacking in Pakistan.
• Infertility affects 22% of Pakistani women, often linked to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
• STDs are common causes of both cervical cancer and infertility, presenting with cervical epithelial lesions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate cervical cell morphology in infertile women using Pap smears.
• To identify patterns of cervical abnormalities associated with infertility in the Pakistani population.

Main Methods:

• Collected cervical smears from 150 infertile and fertile women.
• Stained smears using Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) and Pap stains.
• Graded results according to the Bethesda Classification 2001 and analyzed using SPSS and MS Excel.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in epithelial cell morphology were observed among the groups (p=0.037), with greater severity in infertile women.
• Secondary infertile women exhibited more abnormal smears and higher severity grades compared to primary infertile and fertile women.
• The mean age of participants was approximately 29 years.

Conclusions:

• Women experiencing infertility face an elevated risk of cervical epithelial abnormalities.
• Pap smear analysis is vital for detecting these abnormalities in infertile women.
• Findings highlight the need for integrated screening programs for cervical health and infertility in Pakistan.