What is cervical screening?

  • All women aged 25 to 64 are invited by letter to cervical screening 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.
  • 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 before they get a chance to turn into cervical cancer.
  • The nurse or doctor will tell you when you can expect your results letter.

: how cervical screening is done

A smooth tube-shaped tool called a speculum will be inserted into your vagina and used to open the walls of the vagina so that your cervix can be seen. A soft brush is then inserted through the speculum to your cervix. The brush will rotate a few times to collect the sample. The brush will then be washed in a specimen pot and the pot will be sent to a lab for testing. Remember you are in control and can stop the test whenever you want to. You can ask to lie in a different position or ask for a smaller speculum if the standard size is uncomfortable.

Important

Try not to put off cervical screening. It's one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer.

Why cervical screening is important

Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer.

How cervical screening helps prevent cancer

Cervical screening checks the health of your cervix and helps find any abnormal changes before they can turn into cancer.

It's not a test for cancer, it's a test to help prevent cancer.

Cervical screening checks a sample of cells from your cervix for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).

These types of HPV can cause abnormal changes to the cells in your cervix and are called "high risk" types of HPV.

If high risk types of HPV are found during screening, the sample of cells is also checked for abnormal cell changes.

If abnormal cells are found, they can be treated so they do not get a chance to turn into cervical cancer.

What is HPV?

HPV is the name for a very common group of viruses.

Most people will get some type of HPV during their lives. It's very common and nothing to feel ashamed or embarrassed about.

You can get HPV from any kind of skin-to-skin contact of the genital area, not just from penetrative sex.

This includes:

  • vaginal, oral or anal sex
  • any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area
  • sharing sex toys

Some types of high risk types of HPV can cause cervical cancer. In most cases your body will get rid of HPV without it causing any problems. But sometimes HPV can stay in your body for a long time.

If high risk types of HPV stay in your body, they can cause changes to the cells in your cervix. These changes may become cervical cancer if not treated.

If you do not have a high risk type of HPV it's very unlikely you'll get cervical cancer, even if you've had abnormal cell changes in your cervix before.

Find out more about what HPV is

Important

Finding high risk HPV early means you can be monitored for abnormal cell changes.

Abnormal changes can be treated so they do not get a chance to turn into cervical cancer.

Who's at risk of cervical cancer

If you have a cervix and have had any kind of sexual contact, with a man or a woman, you could get cervical cancer. This is because nearly all cervical cancers are caused by infection with high risk types of HPV.

You can get HPV through:

  • vaginal, oral or anal sex
  • any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area
  • sharing sex toys

Find out more about the causes of cervical cancer

You're still at risk of cervical cancer if:

  • you've had the HPV vaccine – it does not protect you from all types of HPV, so you're still at risk of cervical cancer
  • you've only had 1 sexual partner – you can get HPV the first time you're sexually active
  • you've had the same partner, or not had sex, for a long time – you can have HPV for a long time without knowing it
  • you're a lesbian or bisexual – you're at risk if you've had any sexual contact
  • you're a trans man with a cervix
  • you've had a partial hysterectomy that did not remove all of your cervix

If you've never had any kind of sexual contact with a man or woman, you may decide not to go for cervical screening when you're invited. But you can still have a test if you want to.

If you're not sure whether to have cervical screening, talk to your GP or nurse.

Cervical screening is a choice

It's your choice if you want to go for cervical screening. But cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect you from cervical cancer.

Risks of cervical screening

You may have some light bleeding or spotting after cervical screening. This should stop within a few hours.

If abnormal cells are found and you need treatment, there are some risks, such as:

  • treating cells that may have gone back to normal on their own
  • bleeding or an infection
  • you may be more likely to have a baby early if you get pregnant in the future – but this is rare

For more information to help you decide, read the NHS cervical screening leaflet on the GOV.UK website.

How to opt out

If you do not want to be invited for screening, contact your GP and ask to be taken off their cervical screening list.

You can ask them to put you back on the list at any time if you change your mind.

When you'll be invited for cervical screening

Who should have cervical screening

All women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 should go for regular cervical screening. You'll get a letter in the post inviting you to make an appointment.

How often you are invited depends on your age.

When you'll be invited for cervical screening
Age When you're invited

Under 25

Up to 6 months before you turn 25

25 to 49

Every 3 years

50 to 64

Every 5 years

65 or older

Only if a recent test was abnormal

You can book an appointment as soon as you get a letter.

If you missed your last cervical screening, you do not need to wait for a letter to book an appointment.

Find out how to book a cervical screening appointment

When cervical screening is not recommended

If you're under 25

You will not be invited for cervical screening until you're 25 because:

  • cervical cancer is very rare in people under 25
  • it might lead to having treatment you do not need – abnormal cell changes often go back to normal in younger women

If you're 65 or older

You'll usually stop being invited for screening once you turn 65. This is because it's very unlikely that you'll get cervical cancer.

You'll only be invited again if a recent test was abnormal.

If you're 65 or older and have never been for cervical screening, or have not had cervical screening since the age of 50, you can ask your GP for a test.

If you have had a total hysterectomy

You will not need to go for cervical screening if you've had a total hysterectomy to remove all of your womb and cervix.

You should not receive any more screening invitation letters.

Non-urgent advice:See a GP if:

You're worried about symptoms of cervical cancer such as:

  • bleeding between periods, during or after sex, or after you've been through the menopause
  • unusual vaginal discharge

Do not wait for your next cervical screening appointment.

How to book cervical screening

Booking a cervical screening appointment

You'll be sent an invitation letter in the post when it's time to book your cervical screening appointment.

Your invitation letter will tell you where you can go for cervical screening and how to book.

Most cervical screening is done in a GP surgery by a female nurse or doctor.

Call the 01227 208556 to book an appointment with them. 

If you missed an appointment

If you were invited for cervical screening but missed or did not book an appointment, you can contact your GP surgery or local sexual health clinic to book now.

You can still book even if you were invited weeks or months ago.

When to book cervical screening

Try to book your appointment as soon as you get invited. If you missed your last cervical screening, you do not need to wait for a letter.

It's best to book an appointment for a time when:

  • you're not having a period – also try to avoid the 2 days before or after you bleed (if you do not have periods, you can book any time)
  • you've finished treatment if you have unusual vaginal discharge or a pelvic infection

Find out more about cervical screening during pregnancy and health things you should know in pregnancy.

Important

Avoid using any vaginal medicines, lubricants or creams in the 2 days before you go for cervical screening as they can affect the results.

Things to ask when you book

It's OK to let the GP surgery know if you have any worries about going for cervical screening.

Do

  • let them know if you'd like a woman to do the test – most nurses and doctors who take cervical screening samples are female

  • let them know if you'd like someone else to be in the room with you (a chaperone) – this could be someone you know, another nurse or a trained member of staff

  • ask for a longer appointment if you think you might need more time – some GP surgeries can offer a double booking

  • let them know if you're finding the test more difficult after going through the menopause – they can prescribe a vaginal oestrogen cream or pessary before the test

  • ask for a smaller speculum (a smooth, tube-shaped tool that's put into your vagina so they can see your cervix)

Don’t

  • try not to be embarrassed about talking to the nurse or doctor on the day – they're trained to make you feel more comfortable and provide support

  • What happens at your cervical screening appointment

    During cervical screening a small sample of cells is taken from your cervix for testing.

    It's usually done by a female nurse or doctor.

    Before starting, they should explain what will happen during the test and answer any questions you have.

    See what the cervix is Diagram of the body highlighting the cervix as the opening between the vagina and the womb.  

     

    See what a speculum and brush may look like Gloved hands holding a clear plastic speculum. The speculum is a narrow tube about 15cm long. It's in 2 parts and has a hinge and handle at one end so that it can be opened slightly at the other end. Inside the speculum a plastic brush is shown with soft bristles, which can be used to collect a sample of cells when the speculum is opened.  

     

    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 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 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 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.

    Important

    You're in control of the cervical screening test and can ask the nurse to stop at any time.

    Things you can try to make the cervical screening test easier

    If you're worried about cervical screening, there are things you can try that might make the test easier for you.

    Do

    • wear something you can leave on during the test, like a skirt or long jumper

    • bring someone with you for support

    • try breathing exercises to help you relax – ask the nurse about these

    • ask the nurse to use a smaller speculum

    • ask the nurse about lying in a different position – such as on your side with your knees pulled up to your chest

    • bring something to listen to or read during the test

    Don’t

    • do not feel pressured to keep going – you can ask to stop the test at any time

    • try not to be afraid or embarrassed to talk to the nurse – telling them how you feel will help them understand what kind of support you might need

    Things to look out for after cervical screening

    You may have some spotting or light bleeding after your cervical screening test.

    This is very common and should go away after a few hours, but contact your GP surgery if you have any concerns.

    Non-urgent advice:See a GP if:

    You've had cervical screening and have:

    • heavy bleeding
    • spotting or light bleeding that does not stop after a few hours

    Your cervical screening results

    Your cervical screening results are usually sent to you in a letter. Sometimes you may be asked to call your GP to get the results.

    When your cervical screening results should arrive

    The nurse or doctor will tell you when you can expect your results letter.

    If you've waited longer than you expected, call your GP surgery to see if they have any updates.

    Information:

    Try not to worry if it is taking a long time to get your results letter.

    It does not mean anything is wrong, and most people will have a normal result.

    What your cervical screening results mean

    Your cervical screening results letter will explain if human papillomavirus (HPV) was found in your sample, what your result means, and what happens next.

    Sometimes you'll be asked to come back in 3 months to have the test again. This does not mean there's anything wrong, it's because the results were unclear. This is sometimes called an inadequate result.

    HPV is not found in your sample

    Most people will not have HPV (an HPV negative result).

    This means your risk of getting cervical cancer is very low. You do not need any further tests to check for abnormal cell changes in your cervix, even if you've had these in the past.

    You'll be invited for screening again in 3 or 5 years.

    HPV is found in your sample

    Your results letter will explain what will happen next if HPV is found in your sample (an HPV positive result).

    You may need:

    • another cervical screening test in 1 year
    • a different test to look at your cervix (a colposcopy)

    There are 2 different kinds of HPV positive result.

    Table of the 2 possible HPV positive results
    Result What it means

    HPV found (HPV positive), but no abnormal cell changes

    You'll be invited for screening in 1 year and again 1 year later if you still have HPV. If you still have HPV after 2 years, you'll be asked to have a colposcopy.

    HPV found (HPV positive) and abnormal cell changes

    You'll be asked to have a colposcopy.
    Information:

    HPV is a common virus and most people will get it at some point. You can get it through any kind of sexual contact.

    Important

    Having a positive HPV result does not mean your partner has had sex with someone else while you have been together.

    You might have HPV even if you have not been sexually active or not had a new partner for many years.

    If you need a colposcopy

    A colposcopy is a simple procedure to look at your cervix.

    It's similar to having cervical screening, but it's done in hospital.

    You might need a colposcopy if your cervical screening results show abnormal changes to the cells of your cervix.

    Find out more about having a colposcopy

    Information:

    Try not to worry if you have been referred for a colposcopy.

    Any changes to your cells will not get worse while you're waiting for your appointment.

    Further help and support for cervical screening

    Getting support with cervical screening

    You may need more help and support with cervical screening for many reasons.

    Speak to the GP surgery if you have questions about cervical screening invitations, results or any symptoms you have.

    Support for everyone

    For more information and support about going for cervical screening, you can contact The Eve Appeal by:

    Support for LGBT people

    Support for people with vulval pain

    Support for people with a learning disability

    Video: accessing cervical screening with the right support for people with a learning disability

    Jodie explains how getting the right support helped her with going for cervical screening.

     

    Displays the text version below the video

    Plays the video with descriptive audio

    Media last reviewed: 4 May 2023
    Media review due: 4 May 2026

    Support after sexual violence

    If you have experienced sexual violence, you may find the idea of cervical screening very difficult.

    The My Body Back Project gives support after sexual violence by running My Body Back screening clinics for people who have experienced sexual violence.

    There is also advice and support about cervical screening after sexual violence from The Eve Appeal.

Published: Jan 21, 2025