What is a cervical smear test?
A cervical screening, or smear test, checks the health of your cervix (the base of the uterus, or womb) and helps to prevent cancer.
Cervical screening starts from the age of 25 years through to the age of 64. You may be invited for cervical screening from as early as 24 years and 6 months.
You will receive an invitation letter through the post directly from the screening programme. As soon as you get this letter you can make an appointment with a practice nurse at your GP surgery, and the invite remains valid until you have had the test done.
You will have screening every 3 years aged 25-49, and every 5 years from 50-64. You will only have screening after the age of 65 if one of the previous 3 tests were abnormal.
Cervical screening now detects high risk types of HPV (Human Papillomavirus) which can cause changes to the cells of the cervix. If these types are found, then the cells will be checked for changes.
You should receive your results through the post within two weeks. Your GP will receive the result at the same time as you. If you have not had your results within four weeks, please contact your surgery.
If any changes are detected, you will automatically receive an appointment from your local Colposcopy Department. A colposcopy is an examination where a doctor can look at your cervix more closely.
A few things to think about when arranging your smear test:
- Do not book when your period is due or if you are bleeding
- Do not book your smear test if you are pregnant. You need to wait 12 weeks after giving birth to have a smear test
- If you have been prescribed a local oestrogen or use moisturisers or lubricants, please stop this 7 days before your cervical screening, as these preparations can interfere with cytology results and your appointment may have to be postponed.
You cannot request a screening outside of these invitations and neither can your GP. If you have symptoms that you are worried about (bleeding, pain, discharge) you should then book an appointment at your GP surgery. You may need a referral to a hospital specialist.
