5.3.6 Pap Smear and Surrogacy: What You Need to Know

At GSHC Surrogacy, we take your health seriously. One important part of the medical screening process is the Pap smear—a routine test that checks the health of your cervix and helps detect any concerns early on. Making sure everything looks good before pregnancy helps protect both you and the baby and gives intended parents peace of mind.

1. Why Is a Pap Smear Required for Surrogacy?

A Pap smear (or Pap test) is a cervical screening used to detect abnormal cells that could lead to infection, inflammation, or even cervical cancer if left untreated. Fertility clinics require this test to make sure the cervix is healthy and ready for pregnancy. Most clinics ask for a normal result within the past 12 months as part of the surrogate’s medical clearance.

2. What Happens If a Pap Smear Shows an Abnormality?

If the results show any abnormalities, your doctor may recommend more testing to better understand the issue. Sometimes, it’s just a minor irritation or a temporary infection. Other times, it may require follow-up care before you can move forward with surrogacy.

Here’s a general breakdown:
• Normal: You’re clear to move forward with surrogacy.
• Mild changes (such as Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance, or ASC-US, and Low-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion, or LSIL): These don’t usually require immediate treatment but may need monitoring or a repeat Pap smear in 6 to 12 months.
• More concerning results (such as High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion, or HSIL): These may indicate a higher risk for precancerous changes and will likely require further testing, such as a colposcopy.
• Signs of cancer (such as Squamous Cell Carcinoma): Unfortunately, this would disqualify someone from becoming a surrogate.

3. What Is a Colposcopy?

A colposcopy is a closer look at the cervix using a magnifying device. It’s done in the doctor’s office and usually takes just a few minutes. The doctor may apply a mild solution to highlight any abnormal areas and take a small sample (biopsy) if needed. The procedure isn’t painful, but it may cause mild discomfort.

If high-grade cells are found, the next step may be a procedure called LEEP.

4. What Is a LEEP Procedure?

LEEP stands for Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure. It’s a simple treatment used to remove abnormal cervical cells before they turn into something more serious. The recovery is usually quick—just a few weeks—but your doctor may ask you to wait before moving forward with pregnancy.

After a LEEP, your medical history will be reviewed to see if you can still be approved as a surrogate. In many cases, you can, but some clinics may require a longer waiting period depending on the results.

5. Pap Smear & Medical Screening Flowchart for Surrogacy

Surrogacy Screening Process:

1. Medical Screening / Routine OB Exam

• Ensures overall health before starting surrogacy
• Includes Pap Smear test

2. Pap Smear Results:

• Normal → Continue with Surrogacy
• Abnormal → Colposcopy required

3. Colposcopy Results:

• Normal → Continue with Surrogacy
• Abnormal → LEEP Procedure required

4. LEEP Procedure:

• Medical Review for Surrogacy Clearance

Routine OB exams help identify health conditions early, ensuring a smooth surrogacy process.

6. Can I Still Be a Surrogate If I Have an Abnormal Pap Smear?

It depends on your specific situation. Mild abnormalities often aren’t a problem, especially if you follow up with your doctor. If you’ve had a LEEP or other treatments, you may need to wait or undergo additional evaluation before being approved. If there’s a history of cervical cancer, unfortunately, that would disqualify someone from becoming a surrogate.

It’s important to share your full medical history with the clinic—including any past abnormal Pap smears, HPV diagnosis, or treatments like LEEP—so they can guide you properly.

7. Routine OB exams matter

Even outside of surrogacy, regular screenings like Pap smears, hormone and thyroid testing, and vaccination reviews are key to staying healthy. They help catch problems early and keep your reproductive system in good shape. For surrogates, these exams are not just a requirement—they’re an essential step in making sure you’re fully ready for the journey ahead.