Cytosmear or the so-called A Pap test is a screening test that detects the presence or absence of histological changes in cells in the cervical area. The study is of great importance for the early diagnosis of precancerous conditions and for the timely detection and treatment of cervical carcinoma. Although the pap smear is a routine, painless and quick test, some women may have various questions: 1. When is the right age to start the screening test and in what period of time should it be done? According to recommendations of the American Society of Oncology, Pap smear testing should begin at the age of 21. For women between the ages of 21 and 49, it is recommended that a pap smear be done every three years. Our obstetricians and gynecologists in most cases recommend this to be done once a year for preventive purposes. After the age of 30, a human papillomavirus (HPV) test can be included in parallel with the cytological examination of cervical cells. Women between the ages of 50 and 65 should have a preventive pap smear as recommended by their obstetrician-gynecologist, at least once every 3 years. Women over 65 years of age, in whom the smear shows worrisome histological changes, need to periodically undergo the examination. In women with a total hysterectomy, it is not necessary to carry out a Pap smear, while in those with a supracervical hysterectomy (with a preserved cervix), a pap smear should continue to be carried out according to the specified recommendations for the different age groups. Patients with a weakened immune system should be tested more often. 2. Which day of the menstrual cycle is the most suitable for taking smear material? It has been established that the most appropriate time to take material for a smear is immediately after the end of menstruation – until the 10th day of the menstrual cycle, before the occurrence of ovulation. During ovulation, mucus secretion is increased, which can make it difficult to determine the result histologically. In addition, after ovulation, the proportion of inflammatory cells increases, which can lead to a false positive test result. 3. How to prepare for the examination? Preparation for Pap smear begins the day before the examination by limiting sexual contact. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothes that do not create difficulty when taking them off. An important part of preparing for a smear is calmness, thanks to which the collection of the material will pass unnoticed and quickly. 4. Will I feel pain during the examination? For the examination, you need to take off all clothes from the waist down and take a lying position. Using a speculum, the gynecologist opens the vagina and provides access to the cervix. If you are relaxed and do not strain your muscles, you will not feel pain when inserting the speculum. The feeling is not pleasant,but it’s not painful and only takes a few minutes! After placing the speculum, the cervix and cervical canal are rubbed with the help of a brush, after which the material is applied to a slide and sent for cytological examination. 5. Are there any complications? Spotting and light bleeding are possible in the first hours after the examination. In case of heavier bleeding, it is necessary to seek medical help. This should not be a consequence of manipulation. Pap smear is a reliable and convenient screening method for cervical cancer. Its regular implementation in different age groups is extremely important and should not be underestimated.