Cervical Screening

The cervix is a muscular tunnel that connects the uterus to the vagina. It is approximately 4cm long and 3cm in diameter. It can change location and texture during your ovulation cycle. 

It allows fluid to pass between the uterus and vagina and enables the baby to leave the uterus during childbirth. It also acts as a barrier to prevent objects inserted into the vagina (such as tampons) from slipping inside your uterus. 

The most concerning changes in the cervix can involve the human papillomavirus (HPV).

There are more than 100 types of HPV, and 30 of those are sexually transmitted infection that affect your genitals. 

Many of these are harmless, such as genital warts. Most people will get some form of HPV in their life. 

However, some types of HPV are considered high-risk as they have the potential to cause cell changes that turn into cancer. 

A cervical screening test, also known as a smear, is a test that checks for abnormal cells on your cervix that have the potential to become cancerous, most commonly caused by HPV. 

The screening is offered to women aged 25 to 64 to check for abnormal cells. 

Between the ages of 25 to 49, you will be invited every 3 years.

Between the ages of 50 and 64, you will be invited every 5 years. 

When you attend a cervical screening, you will first be asked if you would like a chaperone. You can also bring someone with you for support if you wish.

The nurse will draw the curtain around the bed and leave you alone to remove your lower garments and underwear. If you are wearing a skirt, you can keep it on and just hike it up. The nurse will also give you a sheet to cover your lower half. 

Lie down when you are ready and you will be asked to bend your legs with your feet together and knees apart. A speculum (a smooth tube-shaped medical tool) is then inserted into the vagina with a small amount of lubricant and used to open the walls of the vaigina so that the cervix can be seen. 

A small, soft brush is then inserted through the speculum to the cervix to take a sample of cells. The nurse will then close and remove the speculum and leave you to get dressed. 

It usually only takes a few minutes, but you are in control and can stop the test at any time if you need to. 

You may experience some light bleeding or spotting after your test. This is common and should go away after a few hours, but if it persists please contact your GP surgery. If you experience heavy bleeding, contact your GP straight away or call 111.

Once the screening is done, your sample will be sent to a lab to test. Your results will usually be sent to you in a letter, but sometimes you may be asked to contact your GP to get the results. 

It can take 2 - 6 weeks to get your results back. If it takes longer, please contact your GP. 

Most people will receive a HPV negative result - ths means your risk of getting cervical cancer is very low, you do not require further tests, and you will be invited back in 3 or 5 years for another routine screening. 

If you have a HPV positive result, the letter will explain what will happen next. 

There are two types of HPV positive results: 

• HPV found but no abnormal cell changes - this means you will be invited for another screening in 1 year. If you still have HPV, then you be invited for another screening in 1 year. If after that screening it is still found, you will be asked to have a colposcopy. 
• HPV found and abnormal cell changes - you will be asked to have a colposcopy. 

A colposcopy is similar to a screening test, as it uses a speculum to open your vagina so that the cervix can be seen. A microscope is then used to look at your cervix in greater detail. A sample of cells may also be taken for testing - this is called a biopsy. 

Try not to worry is there is a positive result or have been referred for a colposcopy - any changes to your cells will not get worse while you wait for your appointment.