Screening and prevention: Pap smear, HPV test and vaccination
Screening aims to find changes early, before they cause symptoms. This guide explains the difference between the Pap smear and the HPV test, who can be screened and when, the role of the HPV vaccine in prevention and how results are interpreted. It is general information and does not replace a medical examination.
Screening and prevention: start here.
HPV vaccine: who should get it, at what age, and how many doses?
What is the HPV vaccine, which types does it cover, who is it recommended for, at what age and how many doses?
Read the guide →Pap smear and HPV test: at what age, and how often?
When cervical screening starts, how often it is repeated and when it can stop. Free HPV-DNA screening for ages 30–65 in Türkiye, plus special…
Read the guide →Pap test and HPV-DNA test: how do they differ, how are they done, and what do the results mean?
Pap test (smear) vs. HPV-DNA test: how they differ, how they're done, pain, how often. Free screening for ages 30–65 in Türkiye, 16/18 genotyping and…
Read the guide →What do CIN 1, CIN 2 and CIN 3 mean?
What CIN 1, CIN 2 and CIN 3 mean and whether CIN is cancer. Grades of cervical cell changes, which are monitored, which are treated, and follow-up…
Read the guide →What does my Pap smear result mean?
What NILM, ASC-US, LSIL, HSIL, ASC-H or AGC mean on a Pap smear result, and which next step is usually followed after each one.
Read the guide →What is a colposcopy, when is it needed, and does it hurt?
What colposcopy is, when it is needed, whether it hurts and how long it takes. Biopsy, before and after care, what results mean, and colposcopy in…
Read the guide →What happens at a gynecologic exam (pelvic exam), and does it hurt?
How a gynecologic exam is done, whether it hurts and how long it takes. The steps, ultrasound, Pap smear, exams during your period, first visits and…
Read the guide →More topics in this area are currently available in Turkish: Tarama ve Korunma (Turkish). English versions are added over time.
Common questions
Should I be screened if I have no symptoms?
Yes. Early changes in the cervix usually cause no symptoms; the purpose of screening is to find changes during this silent period.
Which is more accurate, the Pap smear or the HPV test?
They answer different questions and often complement each other. Which test is done and how often is decided by the doctor according to age and previous results; individual assessment is essential.
I received an abnormal result. Should I worry?
Abnormal or borderline results are common and usually do not mean disease. In most cases the situation is followed with repeat screening or further evaluation; review the result with your doctor.
I have had the HPV vaccine. Do I still need screening?
Yes. The vaccine protects against some high-risk types but not all; vaccinated people continue with the recommended screening program.
How appointments work
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emre Mat works at a public institution in Türkiye. Appointments are made through the national MHRS system; this site has no booking form or private booking channel.