A few weeks ago a nurse practitioner gave me a pap smear. A few days later, she called back and said that there was some "bacteria on the smear" and that she would like me to come in again. I called her back immediately to schedule an appointment and made eight phone calls over a week's period that she did not return.

At this point, I am at a loss as to what to do. I have no idea what this condition is but her call did concern me a bit. However, since she did not return my calls, I don't know what I should do next.

Would you be able to give me an idea about what she might have found and also what the next steps should be--e.g., should I contact another doctor?

If it's any help, I am 54, in excellent health, and have been with the same partner for eight years.

Thank you.