From what I've read, it's common to have some abnormal cell changes but mostly they do clear up by themselves. If it turns into cancer, it's many, many years down the line.

Apparently they often routinely do an HPV test (human papilloma virus, the cause of cervical cancer) on your Pap sample if it shows abnormalities. That tells them if you're at a higher risk. My doctor also wrote in her note that she was "less concerned" about my abnormal Pap because I do not have HPV.

Nancy T.