When it comes to women’s health, cervical cancer screening remains one of the most powerful tools we have for early detection and prevention. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable — yet still underdiagnosed — conditions in women’s health. Still, many women are unsure about when to get tested, what kinds of tests are available, and what the results really mean. Let’s break it all down together.
What Is Cervical Cancer Screening? Cervical cancer screening is a routine test that checks for abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix that could lead to cancer. It typically includes:
• Pap smear test (cytology)
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test
In most countries, including the US and EU, combined Pap and HPV co-testing is recommended every 5 years starting at age 25 — especially for those vaccinated against HPV. For unvaccinated individuals, screening may be advised every 3 years.
Who Needs Screening? Anyone who has a cervix and has been sexually active should undergo routine screening. That includes:
• All women, regardless of age or symptoms
• Women who have undergone subtotal hysterectomy (where the cervix remains)
• Postmenopausal women — the risk of cervical abnormalities does not disappear with age
If you’ve had uterine surgery, it's important to confirm whether your cervix was removed. If it wasn’t, screening is still necessary.
Red Flags to Watch Out For. Unfortunately, misinformation still exists in gynecology. Be cautious if you encounter any of the following:
1. A doctor tells you that you have “cervical erosion” and offers treatment like cryotherapy. Cervical erosion is a physiological norm and does not require any intervention.
2. You’re prescribed antiviral medication to “treat” HPV, which is not supported by scientific evidence.
3. You’re advised to undergo colposcopy without biopsy. It's important to remember that the cervix cannot be accurately assessed visually — it may appear concerning (for example, after childbirth), but still be completely healthy. These are not standard practices in evidence-based gynecology. At A Clinic, we perform colposcopy only when a biopsy is needed.
📌 Why Do We at A Clinic Prefer Liquid-Based Cytology Over the Traditional Pap Smear?
🔬 In liquid-based cytology, cervical cells are placed into a special liquid medium. This approach:
✔️ Increases the accuracy of the analysis
✔️ Reduces the risk of missing abnormal cells
✔️ Significantly lowers the number of uninformative results
🧬 This method is globally recognized as one of the most reliable tools for early detection of precancerous cervical changes.
Creating a Personalized Screening Plan
At A Clinic in Tbilisi, we prioritize patient education and individualized care. We offer liquid-based Pap testing and HPV screening to ensure the most accurate results and reduce unnecessary interventions. If you're unsure about your screening history or have questions about your results — we’re here to help.