Cervical health · Şişli, Istanbul
By Dr Alparslan Demir · Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Find the guide that answers your question
If you have a report in front of you, start with the word that has stopped you reading. In a consultation, I also begin by understanding the concern before moving into the technical detail.
An HPV result, a vaccination decision and a biopsy report raise different questions. This page provides a brief starting point and directs you to the relevant detailed guide. A personal diagnosis or follow-up interval cannot be determined without the full report, age and earlier results.
Prepare your reports for a consultation
You can underline any part of the report you do not understand. I start with that question, then read earlier and current results together.
Bring the complete report, including the test date, sample adequacy and any HPV genotype, rather than a screenshot showing only one result word. Previous cytology, biopsies and a record of any LEEP or cone biopsy also matter. Writing down your questions beforehand helps you keep track of what has been clarified during the discussion.
How to use these answers
Each short answer points you towards a fuller explanation. You do not need to read everything at once; begin with the question that matters most to you today.
For vaccination decisions, open the vaccine guide. For the meaning of a result, choose the Pap or biopsy page. If you are searching for “treatment”, first distinguish treatment of infection from management of warts and cell changes. New symptoms, including unexplained bleeding, need assessment beyond routine screening information.
Questions we can talk through in your consultation
You do not need medical terminology to ask your question. “What does this mean for me?” is a useful place to start; I clarify the concern before explaining what the report shows.
My report says “HPV positive”. Where do I start?
The genotype, accompanying cytology and earlier results need to be read together. HPV positivity alone is not a cancer diagnosis.
I first want to see the complete report and its date.
Read the detailed guide: HPV, Pap Smear and Colposcopy Guide
I am thinking about vaccination. How do I know if it is right for me?
Bring your age, dose records and medical history for an eligibility assessment. Vaccination does not treat an existing infection.
We can start with your vaccination record.
My vaccine course is finished. What happens with screening now?
Appropriate cervical screening continues after vaccination. The schedule depends on age and previous results.
I discuss screening dates separately from vaccine doses.
A product claims to get rid of HPV. Should I try it?
A promise of guaranteed clearance is not a reliable personal treatment plan. Supplements do not replace indicated surveillance or lesion treatment.
Bring the claim so we can look at what supports it.
The letters on my report scared me. Do they all mean something serious?
NILM, ASC-US, LSIL, HSIL and AGC describe cytology findings. A single abbreviation does not establish the need for surgery.
I start by explaining the abbreviation that worries you.
Is the number next to CIN a cancer stage?
It grades changes in surface tissue; it is not a cancer stage. Surveillance and treatment approaches vary between grades.
I first distinguish grade from stage.
My smear and biopsy say different things. Which should I believe?
The tests examine different samples and must be interpreted together. Start with the section on differing results in the biopsy guide.
I read the reports alongside each other.
I want to know what will happen during colposcopy before I arrive.
The main guide describes preparation, positioning, possible biopsy and an illustrative appointment flow. The procedures needed are decided individually.
We can discuss the step that concerns you before the examination.
Read the detailed guide: HPV, Pap Smear and Colposcopy Guide
I had a procedure but still test positive. Did it do any good?
That result alone does not establish treatment failure. It should be reviewed alongside pathology, the procedure record and follow-up tests.
I start with the purpose of the procedure, then the new result.
My viral load has fallen. Can I put off the follow-up?
No. Assay and sample conditions matter, and the number does not replace cytology or biopsy findings.
I do not base that decision on the number alone.
Related guides
Sources
Appointments and practice information
For an individual assessment in Şişli, Istanbul, you can contact the practice or view the appointment calendar. Bring current and previous test reports.
Medical content lead: Op. Dr. Alparslan Demir
Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist. Specialist training: Taksim Training and Research Hospital. Following compulsory service in Şanlıurfa, he worked at Medicana International Istanbul and Avicenna Hospital. He has practised at his private office in Şişli since 2014. Education and professional background (Turkish).