Cervical screening, commonly known as a smear test, is a routine health check designed to help prevent cervical cancer.
The test looks for high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause changes to the cells of the cervix. Identifying HPV and abnormal cell changes early means that appropriate monitoring or treatment can be offered before these changes develop into cervical cancer.
A smear test is not a test for cancer itself. Instead, cervical screening is an important way of helping to prevent cervical cancer from developing.
At Gynae Solution, we understand that the thought of a cervical screening appointment can make some people feel nervous or uncomfortable. We aim to provide a professional, confidential and supportive environment, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and feel at ease throughout the appointment.
What Is a Smear Test?
A smear test is another name for cervical screening.
During the appointment, a small sample of cells is taken from the cervix using a soft brush. The sample is tested for high-risk HPV.
HPV is extremely common and is usually cleared naturally by the body's immune system. However, some types of HPV can persist and cause changes to the cells of the cervix. Over time, some of these changes can develop into cervical cancer.
Cervical screening helps identify these changes at an early stage, allowing them to be monitored or treated where necessary.
It is important to understand that an HPV-positive result does not mean that you have cervical cancer. In most cases, HPV infections clear naturally and do not cause serious problems.
Why Have a Cervical Screening Test?
The main purpose of cervical screening is to prevent cervical cancer.
By identifying high-risk HPV and, where necessary, abnormal cervical cells, screening can help prevent these changes from developing into cancer.
Cervical screening can also identify people who need closer monitoring or further investigation.
Having regular screening significantly reduces your risk of developing cervical cancer. However, screening cannot prevent every case of cervical cancer, which is why it is also important to be aware of symptoms and speak to your GP if you notice unusual bleeding, discharge, pelvic pain or other changes.
A smear test should not be used to investigate symptoms. If you have symptoms that concern you, speak to your GP or healthcare professional rather than waiting for your next screening appointment.
Who Should Have a Smear Test?
In the UK, routine cervical screening is offered to women and people with a cervix who are registered with a GP.
In England, people are routinely invited for cervical screening from the age of 25 to 64.
Generally:
- Those aged 25 to 49 are invited every 3 years
- Those aged 50 to 64 are invited every 5 years
- Those aged 65 and over are usually only invited if a recent test has shown HPV or abnormal cells
Screening recommendations can vary depending on where you live in the UK, so it is important to follow the guidance provided by your local screening programme.
You should attend your screening appointment even if you have had the HPV vaccination. The HPV vaccine significantly reduces the risk of HPV-related cervical disease but does not protect against every type of HPV that can cause cervical cancer.
If you have had a hysterectomy, your screening requirements may also be different depending on whether your cervix was removed and the reason for your surgery. Your GP or screening provider can advise you.
What Happens During a Smear Test?
A cervical screening appointment is usually relatively quick.
When you arrive, your healthcare professional will explain the procedure and give you the opportunity to ask questions. You will be asked to undress from the waist down, usually in a private area, and lie on an examination bed.
A speculum is gently inserted into the vagina. This allows the healthcare professional to see the cervix.
A small, soft brush is then used to collect a sample of cells from the surface of the cervix. The sample is placed into a container and sent to a laboratory for testing.
The test itself usually takes only a few minutes.
You may experience some pressure or discomfort when the speculum is inserted, but it should not be painful. If you find the examination uncomfortable, tell the healthcare professional. They can stop at any time and may be able to make adjustments, such as using a smaller speculum or changing your position.
You are in control throughout the appointment.
If you are particularly anxious about cervical screening, have experienced previous trauma, have a condition that makes examinations difficult or have previously found screening painful, let your healthcare professional know before the examination. They can discuss ways to make the experience more comfortable.
What Happens After the Test?
Once the sample has been collected, you can usually return to your normal activities straight away.
You may experience a small amount of spotting or light bleeding afterwards. This is generally nothing to be concerned about, but if you experience heavy bleeding, persistent bleeding or pain, seek medical advice.
Your sample will be sent to a laboratory where it will be tested for high-risk HPV.
If HPV Is Not Found
If no high-risk HPV is detected, your risk of developing cervical cancer is very low and you will usually be invited for your next routine screening appointment when it is due.
If HPV Is Found
Finding high-risk HPV does not mean that you have cancer.
If HPV is detected, the laboratory will usually check the sample for abnormal cervical cells. Depending on the result, you may be invited for another screening test sooner than usual or referred for further investigation.
If Abnormal Cells Are Found
If abnormal cells are identified, you may be referred for a colposcopy.
A colposcopy involves using a specialist microscope to examine the cervix in greater detail. If necessary, a small biopsy may also be taken.
Abnormal cervical cells are not cancer. In many cases, they are monitored or treated before they have the opportunity to develop into cervical cancer.
What If I Have Symptoms?
Cervical screening is designed to prevent cervical cancer rather than investigate symptoms.
If you experience symptoms such as:
- Bleeding after sex
- Bleeding between periods
- Unusual vaginal bleeding after the menopause
- Persistent or unusual vaginal discharge
- Pelvic pain
- Pain during sexual intercourse
you should speak to your GP or healthcare professional, even if you have recently had a normal smear test.
A normal screening result does not guarantee that cervical cancer will never develop, so it is important to seek medical advice if you notice changes that are unusual for you.
Making Your Screening Appointment More Comfortable
If you feel nervous about having a smear test, you are not alone. Many people feel anxious about the examination, particularly if it is their first screening appointment or they have had a difficult experience previously.
You can talk to your healthcare professional about your concerns before the examination begins.
You can also ask questions, request that the procedure is explained step by step, ask for a smaller speculum where appropriate, and ask the healthcare professional to stop at any point.
Taking control of the appointment and communicating what you need can help make the experience more comfortable.
Specialist Cervical Care
Regular cervical screening is one of the most effective ways of preventing cervical cancer. Attending when you are invited gives you the best opportunity to identify high-risk HPV and abnormal cell changes at an early stage.
If you have concerns about cervical screening, have experienced an abnormal smear test result or have symptoms that require further investigation, Gynae Solution can provide specialist assessment and advice.
Contact our friendly team to arrange a consultation with Mr Jafaru Abu or to discuss your individual circumstances.
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Common questions
How soon can I be seen?
Daily appointments are available at The Park Hospital. Call the secretary on 0115 966 2049, or send an enquiry below and we will reply within 24 hours on business days.
Do I need a GP referral?
Referrals from GPs are welcome, and you can also enquire directly. If you are using private medical insurance, check with your insurer whether a referral is required for your policy. See GP referrals and fees and insurance.
What does a consultation cost?
A new consultation is £250 and a follow-up consultation is £150. The cost of any tests, procedures or surgery is quoted individually after your consultation. See fees and insurance.
Enquiries
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