Everything You Need To Know About Smear Test!

What is the smear test?

Smear test is a screening to examine the cervix for diseases such as infection or cervical cancer. It is also known as the PAP smear test or the PAP test.

When is the smear test done?

How old is the smear test done? The answer to the question varies from person to person. The test age should be based on the time when sexual life started.

The opinion of the American Cancer Society on this issue is to evaluate women in 2 classes as high and low risk groups and to do the screening accordingly.

How many years is the smear test done?

Those in the high-risk group should have a smear test once a year, those in the low-risk group once a year in the first 3 years, then every 3 years, in the cancer group once in the first 2 years 3 months, 3 years 6 months, and in the following periods.

Who is smear test done?

Every woman has a smear test with the beginning of sexual life we said it should.

These are: smokers, those who have their first sexual experience at an early age, women who have polygamy themselves or their partners, those who use birth control pills, those who have HPV infection.

How to do a smear test?

During gynecological examination A tool called a “speculum” is inserted and the cervix is ​​made visible. After making sure that no bleeding has developed, the cells poured into the vagina from the cervix are collected with the help of a smear brush. With this brush, a swab is taken from the cervix. The cells taken are spread on a thin glass called slide and fixed by spraying alcohol and hair spray. Cell samples are sent to the pathologist and microscopic examination is performed. Before reaching a conclusion about the cells taken into the examination, information is obtained on subjects such as age, menstrual cycle, pregnancy status and use of birth control pills. One of the most important things to be aware of while taking smears is to take separate samples from the canal connecting the cervix to the uterine cavity and the vagina. In addition, let’s also say that not doing the tissue follow-up procedure immediately can lead to deformities and drying in the cells, resulting in errors.You should not use any vaginal medication or creams for at least 72 hours. It is best to have the test done 10 days after the end of your period until your next period. Since the blood affects the evaluation of the smear, testing is not performed during the menstrual period.

How many days does the smear test result?

You may need to wait a few days to get the result of cells examined by the pathologist. The results may take longer in public hospitals.

What is seen in the smear test?

Smear test results are divided into 2 as negative and positive.

A negative smear test result indicates that there is no abnormality in the cervical cells. However, even if the test result is normal, you should continue to have a gynecological examination and smear test at regular intervals. If the smear test is positive it means there are cells with abnormal characteristics. However, a positive result does not mean you have cancer. Most of the abnormal results are caused by an infection called HPV (human papilloma virus).

There are various degrees of abnormal (positive) results seen in the smear test:

The additional common result is ASCUS.If your smear result is ASCUS, don’t worry, most people with this diagnosis will not have any problems. If the result is LSIL, this indicates changes in cells that develop due to HPV infection. However, since the risk of developing cancer is low in the diagnosis of LSIL, there is nothing to worry about. The doctor monitors the infection with the appropriate follow-up method. Results as HSIL, ASC-H and AIS are considered as red lines in the smear test. With colposcopic methods, advanced evaluations are made and appropriate treatment and follow-ups are performed.

Which diseases can be detected with the smear test?

Lesions seen in the cervix (malignant or precursor cells that can turn into bad mood), Disturbances of cellular and microbiological conditions such as cervical and vaginal cells, Bacteria, Trichomannas (infection cells), Candida (fungal infections) can be detected.

Can pregnant women have a smear test?

Under normal circumstances, when you decide to get pregnant, it is best to have a general check-up and have your smear test done.

There is no harm in having a PAP test during pregnancy. In addition, as there is an increased possibility of cervical cancers during pregnancy, routine smear tests are performed in the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Smear test is performed on virgins Is it?

No, virgins do not need a smear test.

Should women undergoing menopause have a smear test?

Women who have entered menopause must have a smear test whether or not they take hormone replacement. Smear values ​​are also very important in terms of follow-up at the time of hormone replacement.

Does the smear test hurt?

No, no pain or pain is felt during the gynecological examination for the smear test. You can easily return to your daily routine.

Is it normal to have bleeding after smear test?

Yes, some women may bleed after smear test. This bleeding is usually small and in the form of spotting. If there is a situation other than this, it is useful to talk to your doctor.

How reliable is the smear test?

Those who have a smear test have a 25% chance of being normal even though the result is bad. For this reason, smear is considered only as a screening test by experts. If any problems are seen as a result of the test, further examinations are required.