Ascus, or atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, is a common finding on Pap smears and can be caused by a variety of factors. It is usually due to HPV or other infections, inflammation, and occasionally due to a pre-cancerous or cancerous condition. It is important to follow up on an ASCUS finding to rule out any serious conditions.
Most of the time, ASCUS will clear up on its own in a few weeks to a few months. Depending on the cause of the ASCUS, your doctor may recommend follow-up tests or treatments to ensure that the cells do not become a more serious problem. If the cause is an infection, then the doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medications. If the cause is inflammation, then topical medications or avoiding certain activities or foods may help.
In some cases, a follow-up Pap smear may be recommended. A follow-up Pap smear can be done three to six months after the initial one to see if the ASCUS cells have cleared up. If the ASCUS cells still remain, then additional tests such as a colposcopy or a biopsy may be necessary.
Overall, the amount of time it takes for ASCUS to clear can vary depending on the cause of the ASCUS and the treatments recommended by your doctor. Your doctor will be able to provide further information on how best to monitor and manage your ASCUS cells.