Some women experience spotting or bleeding after their Pap smear. This is not a cause for alarm, it's a relatively common risk that may occur for a few different reasons. Because the Pap smear involves the scraping of your cervical lining to obtain cells, blood flow will naturally increase to the area afterward. This can result in some sensitivity and bleeding. Studies indicate that women who take birth control pills may have a higher risk of bleeding after their Pap screenings. This is usually light and lasts no more than a day or two.
If you experience cramping or bleeding after your Pap smear, avoid wearing tampons. It's also wise to avoid sexual intercourse so as not to worsen these side effects.