**Pap smear test**; It is a preventive test for cervical cancer or the underlying factors of cancer. It should be noted that the cervix is ​​the cavity between the vagina and the uterus. In this test; Cells in the cervix (the lower and narrow end of the uterus in the upper part of the vagina) are removed to diagnose cervical cancer. It should be noted that identifying cervical cancer in the early stages by performing a Pap test gives the patient the opportunity to be treated, because by performing this test, changes in cervical cells that may lead to cancer in the future can be identified. To learn more about this matter, follow this article by **Dr. Zahra Seifi**, the best gynecologist in Tehran. Why is a pap smear test performed? - Pap smear is performed in cervical cancer screening and along with pelvic examination. Women in the age group of more than thirty years; Pap test and testing for human papilloma virus as well as sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical cancer should be done; do at the same time. Although the incidence of cervical cancer is very low, it is recommended that ladies should definitely do a pap smear test in Tehran. Because this test significantly helps in timely diagnosis and identification of cancerous tumors. It should be noted that the negative result of this test means that no cells with signs of cancerous changes were found in the examinations. Repeating the test at regular intervals; It is done for the reason that all cervical cancer cells are removed; Because the growth of cervical cancer tumors is often slow. ### Necessary preparation for Pap smear test in Tehran - You should not be menstruating to do a Pap test. - It is forbidden to have sex 24 hours before the pap smear test. Note that the mentioned items can interfere with the correctness of the result of this test. How is the Pap smear test performed? Contrary to the opinion of most women who think that the Pap smear test is difficult and causes them discomfort; It should be noted that this test can be easily performed and to perform it, the gynecologist places a device called a speculum in the vagina to examine the cervix. Then, using a brush or spatula, a sample of cervical cells is removed and sent to the laboratory for further examination. **Dr. Zahra Seifi** is one of the best **gynecology and obstetrics** doctors in Tehran province; Dear friends, you can visit his office to receive all services in the field of women's treatment and beauty. Pap smear test in virgin girls In which people is it necessary to perform a pap smear test? According to the advice of gynecologists, performing this test for women between the ages of 21 and 65; It has a special need and it should be done one year after the first sexual intercourse and then every three years. It should be noted that if women over 30 years of age perform a Pap test at the same time as the HPV test; It is possible for them to repeat this test every 5 years and even if their doctor decides, they will only do the HPV test and not do the pap smear test. Regarding women 65 years old and above, it should be noted, if the health of these women has been approved by the doctor based on the tests they have done in the past; There is no need to do this test anymore. Also, women who have undergone hysterectomy will not need to do a pap smear test. Pap smear test results If the result of this test is normal; This means that there is no need for further tests. But if the result of this test shows abnormal symptoms; The person should be carefully evaluated to determine what is the reason for this problem? Of course, it should be noted that the abnormality of the pap smear test result in Tehran does not necessarily mean the presence of cancer and may indicate cell changes. Also, in some cases, there is a possibility that the cells have an abnormal appearance in the pap smear test; It should be noted that this issue does not necessarily indicate the presence of HPV. Not to mention, sometimes the result of this test may show cell changes in the uterus; This event cannot prove the existence of cancer, but if the extent of cell changes is large, the possibility of cancer in the future can be given; Because in such cases, over time, the cells will become cancerous. Common questions related to Pap smear test Is the Pap smear test the same as a pelvic examination? No, a pelvic exam is different from performing this test, although many pelvic exam specialists also perform a Pap smear test. During the pelvic examination, it is necessary to observe and examine the ovaries, uterus, vagina, cervix and vulva. The opening of the vagina and cervix are examined for inflammation, redness and unusual secretions. In order for good gynecologists in Tehran to be able to see the inside of the vagina easily, they use a tool called a speculum and then examine swelling, cysts and other abnormalities. How often is it necessary to perform pap smear and HPV test? People who are infected with HIV virus or people whose immune system is weak, should do this test regularly. People between the ages of 21 and 29 should take this test every 3 years, and people between the ages of 30 and 65 should take this test every 5 years. What people need to repeat the pap smear test? If a suspicious case is observed as a result of the test, it is necessary to repeat the Pap test again. ### Do we need to prepare a pap smear test tool? A small brush and a speculum are among the tools of this test that can be prepared, usually there is no need to prepare these tools and the doctor uses sterilized or disposable tools in his clinic or office to perform this test. ### What does the pap smear test show? Cellular changes in this area are examined by this test. Cell changes may lead to cancer if left untreated. This test is also used to detect HPV virus and infection. In what circumstances can the pap smear test be omitted? 1. **After surgery and total hysterectomy**: After your doctor's approval, you can decide if it is appropriate to continue or stop Pap smear testing. 2. If you had a hysterectomy for a non-cancerous condition, such as uterine fibroids, you may be able to stop having a Pap smear. But if the surgery to remove the uterus was due to precancerous or cancerous changes, the doctor may recommend this test routinely. 3. At ages over 65, doctors generally agree to stop doing Pap smears if previous tests for cervical cancer have been negative. How many times should the pap smear test be repeated? In general, doctors recommend that the Pap test should be repeated every three years for women aged 21 to 65. If this test is performed together with the HPV test, women over 30 years old can perform this test every 5 years. If the patient has risk factors, the doctor will recommend frequent pap smear regardless of the patient's age. These risk factors include: - Having pre-cancerous cells that have been diagnosed. - Being exposed to diethylacetylbestrol (DES) before birth. - Having HIV infection. - Having a weak immune system due to organ transplantation, chemotherapy or chronic use of corticosteroids. - Having a history of smoking. How many times should the pap smear test be repeated? In general, doctors recommend that women between the ages of 21 and 65 have a Pap smear every three years. If this test is done along with the HPV test, women over 30 years old can do this test every 5 years. Also, if the patient has risk factors, the doctor will recommend repeating the pap smear test regardless of the patient's age. These risk factors include: - Having diagnosed precancerous cells. - Prenatal exposure to diethylacetylbestrol (DES). - HIV infection. - Weakness of the immune system due to organ transplantation, chemotherapy, or chronic use of corticosteroids. - History of smoking. People who need to do a pap smear test Experts recommend that women from the age of 21 years and above do a pap smear test every three years. This test is important to detect cancer or various infections, because some women are at risk of developing these diseases. In some cases, the doctor may recommend that the test be done more frequently: - If people are infected with HIV. - If the person's immune system is weakened due to chemotherapy or organ transplant. - If people are over 30 years old and the results of pap smear tests have not been abnormal over time. Also, according to certain conditions, it may be necessary to perform an HPV test, which is performed every 5 years. HPV is a virus that causes genital warts and increases the risk of cervical cancer.