PID may cause great pain and infertility, and sometimes requires staying in the hospital for treatment. It is necessary to see a doctor when there are signs or symptoms of infection or illness. It is also important for healthy women with HIV to have a gynecologic exam every six months. The exam will include a Pap smear, which is a test that involves swabbing the vagina with what looks like a big Q-tip. The sample is then viewed under a microscope.
Pap smears can detect abnormal cells or warts in the vagina.
If the Pap smear is abnormal, doctors may recommend a test called colposcopy. Sometimes doctors will decide to do another simple test, called a biopsy. This is when a tiny tissue sample is taken and then studied under a microscope. Sometimes a biopsy may cause a cramping feeling. HIV positive women are encouraged to use condoms and water-based lubricant with male sexual partners.