The cervix is the opening to your womb from your vagina. All women aged 25 to 64 are invited by letter to cervical screenings, previously called a smear test, to check the health of their cervix.
If you have a cervix, it is very important you go for cervical screening, as it is a test to help prevent cancer and one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer.
During the screening, a small sample of cells will be taken from your cervix and checked for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause changes to the cells of your cervix.
HPV is a common virus and most people will get it at some point. You can get it through any kind of sexual contact.
Sometimes you may be asked to have another test 3 months later, but this does not mean that there is anything wrong, just that the results were unclear.
Most people will not have HPV and return a HPV negative result. This means your risk of cervical cancer is very low and you do not need any further tests to check for abnormal cell changes in your cervix. You will be invited for another screening in 3 or 5 years.
If you return a HPV negative result, you may need another cervical screening test in 1 year or colposcopy. There are 2 different kinds of HPV positive results:
- HPV found but no abnormal cell changes - you'll be invited in 1 year and 1 year again f you still have HPV. If you still have HPV after 2 years, you'll be asked to have a colposcopy.
- HPV found and abnormal cell changes - you'll be asked to have a colposcopy.
Try not to worry if you have HPV positive results and have been referred for a colposcopy - any changes to your cells will not get worse while you are waiting for you appointment.