Lichfield and Burntwood
Primary care Networks
Women's Health Hub
What is cervical screening?
All women aged 25 to 64 are invited for cervical screening every 5 years to check the health of their cervix. Cervical screening used to be called a smear test.
Everyone with a cervix should go for cervical screening.
If you're a trans man or non-binary and have a cervix, you can speak to your GP, sexual health clinic or transgender health clinic about getting invitations routinely.
The cervix is the opening to your womb from your vagina.
It's not a test for cancer; it's a test to help prevent cancer.
During the screening appointment, a small sample of cells will be taken from your cervix.
The sample is checked for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause changes to the cells of your cervix. These are called high-risk types of HPV.
If these types of HPV are not found, you do not need any further tests.
If these types of HPV are found, the sample is checked for any changes in the cells of your cervix. These can be treated to help prevent cervical cancer.
The nurse or doctor will tell you when you can expect your results.
How cervical screening is done
1.You'll need to undress, behind a screen, from the waist down. You'll be given a sheet to put over you.
2. The nurse or doctor will ask you to lie back on a bed, usually with your legs bent, feet together and knees apart. Sometimes you may need to change position during the test.
3. They'll gently put a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) into your vagina. A small amount of lubricant may be used.
4. The nurse or doctor will open the speculum so they can see your cervix.
5.Using a soft brush, they'll take a small sample of cells from your cervix.
6. The nurse or doctor will close and remove the speculum and leave you to get dressed.
The cervical screening test itself should take less than 5 minutes. The whole appointment should take about 10 minutes.
Preparing for your cervical screening test
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wear something you can leave on during the test, like a skirt or long jumper
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bring someone with you for support
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try breathing exercises to help you relax – ask the nurse or doctor about these
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ask the nurse or doctor to use a smaller speculum if you feel any discomfort
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ask if you can put the speculum in yourself if you would prefer to
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ask about lying in a different position – such as on your side with your knees pulled up to your chest
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bring something to listen to or read during the test
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do not feel pressured to keep going – you can ask to stop the test at any time
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try not to be afraid or embarrassed to talk to the nurse or doctor – telling them how you feel will help them understand what kind of support you might need
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