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Let's talk cervical screening

This content is intended for patients in UK and Ireland only.

Prioritise your cervical health

We want to open up the conversation about cervical screening – also known as the smear test - providing honest views and relevant advice to help you take control of your cervical health and make an informed decision when booking your appointment.

How to book your cervical screening

Learn more

Supported by:

the eve appeal logo

Let's talk cervical screening

Cervical screening is a free health check available on the NHS throughout the UK.1 You might have heard the terms “smear test”, “pap test”, “pap smear”, or “HPV primary screening”,2 cervical screening checks the health of the cervix, the opening to your womb from your vagina.3

It’s one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer. It’s not a test for cervical cancer but can help to prevent the disease.3

Cervical screening checks for high-risk types of a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV).3,5 High-risk types of HPV can cause abnormal changes to the cells in your cervix, which if left untreated, might turn into cervical cancer over time.3,5

So, what’s the story with HPV?

Finding high-risk HPV early – by booking cervical screening when invited – means you can be monitored for abnormal cell changes, and treated if needs be, before they potentially turn into cervical cancer.4

You can get HPV from any kind of sexual contact, whether penetrative or not.4,5

It’s a very common virus and nothing to feel ashamed or embarrassed about4.

Over 80% of people will get HPV at some point in their lives.4,5

  • More than 100 types of HPV have been identified, and in most cases, they’re harmless and your body will get rid of them within a couple of years.6
  • However, there are some high-risk HPV types known to cause health problems such as cancer.3  
  • Most HPV infections have no symptoms, and the immune system often clears them without them doing the body any harm. This means many people have likely had HPV without knowing, and you may not realise whether you or your partner has it.6

Who’s eligible for cervical screening?

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Cervical screening is for women and people with a cervix (including trans men, non-binary and intersex people), from the ages of 25 years to 64 years old.7
  • In the UK, you’ll automatically get a letter in the post from the NHS inviting you to make a cervical screening appointment.
  • If you are registered as a male with your GP and have a cervix, you won’t automatically get invited.7
  • You may get your first invite up to six months before you turn 25 years old.7

Cervical screening is still important:

  • If you haven’t had sex before. This is because high-risk types of HPV, the main cause of cervical cancer, can be passed on by any sort of sexual contact, not just penetrative sex.4
  • Even if you haven’t had sex for a long time. HPV can stay in our bodies for many years, sometimes without us knowing about it, known as ‘dormant’.4,6 However, HPV that was dormant can become active again and start to cause cervical cell changes.6 
  • If you’ve only had one sexual partner. You can get high-risk HPV the first time you’re sexually active,4 so do still book your cervical screening appointment when it’s time to.
  • If you’re in an LGBTQI+ relationship. Anyone who has ever had any sexual contact with another person - regardless of your sexual orientation - is at risk of getting HPV.4,8
  • If you are going through menopause. It is vital to continue attending cervical screening, even during and after the menopause if under 64 years of age.7
There are some situations where you may not be able to attend your cervical screening, which should be discussed with your GP:

There are some situations where you may not be able to attend your cervical screening, which should be discussed with your GP:

You cannot have cervical screening during your period, so make sure you book an appointment before or after it’s due.9 It can happen at any other time in your cycle.

In most cases, it’s recommended that you do not have cervical screening while you are, or could be, pregnant.10 This is because pregnancy makes it harder to interpret your test results.1

If you’re invited for cervical screening while pregnant tell your GP or nurse you are pregnant.10 In most cases, you should wait three months until after your baby is born to have the examination, or if you need follow-up after an abnormal cervical screening result or treatment, you may need to attend cervical screening while pregnant - please be guided by your GP or nurse.10 Cervical screening will not affect your pregnancy.10

If you have had a total hysterectomy, an operation that removes the womb and cervix, you will not be invited for cervical screening as there is no cervix to take the sample of cells from.7 If you’ve had a partial (or “sub-total”)  hysterectomy, whereby the cervix is not removed, you should still be invited for cervical screening, and you should still attend.4

 How to book your cervical screening
Learn more

Additional resources to support you make an informed decision.

Supported by:

the eve appeal logo

1. The Chelsea Practice. Cervical Screening Test. Available at: www.thechelseapractice.org.uk/clinics-and-services/cervical-screening-test Last accessed: August 2024

2. NHS. Cervical Screening. Available at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening Last accessed: August 2024

3. NHS. What is cervical screening? Available at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/what-is-cervical-screening/ Last accessed: August 2024

4. NHS. Why cervical screening is important. Available at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/why-its-important/ Last accessed: August 2024

5. Cancer Research UK. Let’s talk about HPV: 6 common questions answered. Available at: https://news.cancerresearchuk.org/2021/06/16/lets-talk-about-hpv-6-common-questions-answered/ Last accessed: August 2024

6. NHS. Human papillomavirus (HPV). Available at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/human-papilloma-virus-hpv/ Last accessed: August 2024

7. NHS. When you'll be invited for cervical screening. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/when-youll-be-invited/ Last accessed: August 2024

8. The Eve Appeal. Facts and tips for cervical screening. Available at: https://eveappeal.org.uk/gynaecological-cancers/cervical-cancer/facts-and-tips-for-cervical-screening/ Last accessed: August 2024

9. NHS. How to book cervical screening. Available at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/how-to-book/ Last accessed: August 2024

10. NHS. Health things you should know in pregnancy. Available at: www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/finding-out/health-things-you-should-know-in-pregnancy/ Last accessed: August 2024

Let’s talk about cervical screening - or the 'smear test' - and listen to people who have recently been through the experience to hear their thoughts about what it was really like for them
Let's Talk Cervical Screening

Let's talk about what actually happens

Cervical screening only takes a few minutes:1

  1. You’ll have a private space to undress from the waist down, usually behind a curtain. If you are wearing a dress or loose clothing, you can leave them on and just take off your underwear.
  2. You’ll be asked to lie down on an examination bed and given a paper sheet to cover the lower half of your body. You can either lie on your back or on your left side.
  3. A speculum, usually a cylinder with a round end, is gently inserted into your vagina. This might feel a little uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t be painful; if it is tell the person taking the test.
  4. Once inside your vagina, the speculum will be slowly opened so your cervix can be seen.
  5. A sample of cells will be taken from your cervix using a small, soft brush. This may feel a bit strange, but should not be painful.
  6. The brush and speculum will be removed from your vagina, you’ll be given a private space to get dressed again, and the next steps about receiving your results will be explained to you.

Top tips and advice

Let’s talk about preparing for your cervical screening appointment.

It’s natural to feel nervous about attending your cervical screening, so we’ve got some top tips from people who’ve been there:

  • When you book your cervical screening appointment, you may wish to consider asking for a doctor or nurse of a particular gender or a doctor or nurse who you trust, if it’ll make you feel more comfortable2
  • Check if you can have a longer appointment, so you have more time to process the information you’re given and ask questions. If you are finding your screening difficult for whatever reason, it’s absolutely fine to need extra time in order to feel ready and prepared2
  • Allow at least 30 minutes at your GP surgery or local sexual health clinic for cervical screening. While the cervical screening itself will only take a few minutes, you may spend some time waiting for your appointment, being directed to your room, or asking questions
  • If it would help or you need assistance, it is worth asking if someone can come with you as a chaperone, whether your partner, friend, family member, or someone else.2 They can be in the waiting room or examination room with you to offer support, or speak on your behalf to voice any worries
  • Consider your choice of clothing so you are comfortable and only have to remove what you want to.2 While you do get a paper sheet to cover yourself, certain clothing items may help you feel more covered. You can keep them on during cervical screening and only take off your underwear2
  • Needing to urinate can cause you to clench or feel fidgety during cervical screening, so try to go to the toilet before it begins
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  • Ask for a smaller speculum. Speculums come in different sizes and if you find the size offered too uncomfortable, you can try another size2
  • Put the speculum in yourself. You may feel more comfortable and relaxed doing it yourself, or if you have a partner with you, asking them to do it2
  • You may begin to clench your pelvic muscles if you’re anticipating the speculum being inserted, which can potentially make the cervical screening more uncomfortable.2 Think of something that will help to distract you during the cervical screening appointment1
  • Control your breathing. Try taking in breath for four seconds, and breathing out for eight.3 It’ll potentially help your body and mind relax3
  • Remember, you’re always in control. Ask your nurse or doctor to talk you through what’s happening if you feel that’ll help,3 or if you’re feeling discomfort, request the speculum to be inserted more slowly3 or to change the position
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  • Most people can continue their day as usual after cervical screening. You may experience some light bleeding (spotting) for a day after the examination4, so it can be useful to wear a sanitary pad or panty-liner
  • While pain killers are not generally required, some people report mild discomfort for a few hours after having their cervical screening.3 If that’s you, feel free to take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you feel that would help3
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How to book your cervical screening

Learn more

Additional resources to support you make an informed decision.

Supported by:

the eve appeal logo

1. NHS. What happens at your cervical screening appointment. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/what-happens/. Last accessed: August 2024

2. The Eve Appeal. Facts and tips for cervical screening. Available at: https://eveappeal.org.uk/gynaecological-cancers/cervical-cancer/facts-and-tips-for-cervical-screening/ Last accessed: July 2024

3. The Gynae Centre. 8 tips for making your smear test more comfortable. Available at: https://www.gynae-centre.co.uk/blog/8-tips-for-making-your-smear-test-more-comfortable/ Last accessed: September 2024

4. NHS. What happens at your cervical screening appointment. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/what-happens/. Last accessed: July 2024

Let's talk about booking your cervical screening appointment

 

When you receive an invitation letter from the NHS in the post, you can make a cervical screening appointment by contacting your GP surgery over the phone, or sometimes online.1 In some areas, you can choose to contact your local sexual health clinic to book.1

You do not need to wait for another NHS letter. Simply re-book via your GP surgery or local sexual health clinic.1

To book cervical screening, you can register with a GP or you can go to a walk-in centre or sexual health clinic that offers cervical screening.

If you think you’re due your next cervical screening, do not delay. Contact your GP surgery or local sexual health clinic and ask about the possibility of booking an appointment.1

Contact your GP surgery right away.2 The most common symptoms of cervical cancer include:

Vaginal bleeding that's unusual for you (such as after sex, between your regular periods, or after menopause); changes to your vaginal discharge; pain or discomfort during sex; and unexplained pain in your lower back or pelvis.3

Should you change your mind, you can always request your GP to add you back at any time if you previously decided not to have cervical screening.4

Some of you might have had the HPV vaccine. Even if you have, it does not protect you from all types of HPV, so you could still be at risk of cervical cancer and you should book your cervical screening once invited.4

To book your cervical screening, find your nearest GP and make an appointment.
Find a GP near you

Remember!

If you move house, be sure to contact your GP surgery to update your contact details so your NHS invitation letter arrives at the correct address.

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Let’s talk about when you’ll receive your results and the next steps


You’ll usually be sent your cervical screening results by post within four weeks of your appointment. If you don’t get a letter from the NHS within the timeframe given to you at your appointment, you may want to ring up. Dependent on your results and where you live in the UK, you’ll be asked to:2,5

  • Have further tests
  • Come back for cervical screening in 1 year
  • Come back for cervical screening in 3 years
  • Come back for cervical screening in 5 years 
     

The majority of cervical screening results come back as normal. Even if you are given an unexpected result, it may not mean it is cancer.6

How to book your cervical screening

To book your cervical screening, find your nearest GP and make an appointment.

Find a GP near you

Supported by:

the eve appeal logo

1. NHS. How to book cervical screening. Available at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/how-to-book/ Last accessed: August 2024

2. NHS. When you'll be invited for cervical screening. Available at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/when-youll-be-invited/ Last accessed: August 2024

3. NHS. Cervical cancer symptoms. Available at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-cancer/symptoms/ Last accessed: August 2024

4. NHS. Why cervical screening is important. Available at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/why-its-important/ Last accessed: August 2024

5. NHS. Your cervical screening results. Available at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/your-results/ Last accessed: August 2024

6. Cancer Research UK. Cervical Screening Results. Available at: www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cervical-cancer/getting-diagnosed/screening/results#:~:text=Most%20people%20will%20have%20a,after%20the%20cervical%20screening%20test. Last accessed: August 2024

Let’s talk about finding additional resources to support you make an informed decision about cervical screening

Getting comfortable with cervical screening starts with education, HPV awareness, and access to resources that can help you be proactive about your cervical health.

Swipe or scroll below to visit the many different organisations from around the UK and the valuable information they offer.

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How to book your cervical screening

Learn more

Additional resources to support you make an informed decision.

Supported by:

the eve appeal logo