When the subject is illness, I think you are by now sure of how early diagnosis creates positive results. Our subject this time is the smear test. Especially for those hearing about it for the first time, I would like to state that it is of great importance in terms of diagnosis in cervical cancer. It also makes it easier to detect the HPV virus.
What Is the Smear Test?
The smear test, also known by another name as the “screening test” in cervical cancer and of vital importance for women, is very important in terms of early diagnosis. There is no harm at all in having this test. Although, when the “smear test” is mentioned, a painful and distressing process comes to women’s minds, this test is carried out far more easily than you think. Pain, on the other hand, is not seen at all. Another important aspect of having this test done is the diagnosis of whether the person has the HPV virus. If it is not treated or if precautions are not taken, the HPV virus can cause cervical cancer.
How Is the Smear Test Performed?
Thanks to this test it is possible to see the lesions that precede cervical cancer. During the gynaecological examination, the first stage of the test is completed by collecting the cells of the cervix with a stick in the “smear” method. After the cells taken are examined under a microscope, it is looked at whether there is any finding relating to cervical cancer. Because the test is carried out quite easily, it is recommended that it be done every 3 years in women between the ages of 21 and 29. If abnormal findings are detected in the test results, your doctor may want this test to be done at more frequent intervals. From the age of 30 to the age of 65 the test should continue to be done. If the smear test is done together with the HPV test, it may be enough for the tests to be done every 5 years. During pregnancy it can be done in any month of the pregnancy. The test that is carried out does not cause any problem for the pregnancy. In women whose uterus has been removed, on the other hand, there is generally no need for this test to be done.
What Should Be Considered Before Having the Smear Test?
The smear is an important test that must certainly be had especially by women who became sexually active at an early age, who smoke, who have multiple partners or whose partner has multiple partners. There should be no sexual intercourse in the 24 hours before the test. In addition, stopping the use of vaginal cosmetic products a few days before the date of the test is an important matter for the accuracy of the results. Before the smear test is performed you should take care that the menstrual bleeding has ended. The test can be performed 2 to 3 days after the menstrual bleeding has finished.