Cervical Screenings

Cervical screening (also called a smear test) checks your risk of cervical cancer and is for anyone with a cervix (the part that connects the vagina to the womb). Women most often attend cervical screenings, but anyone with a cervix should go for a cervical screening, including transgender men and residents of other gender identities who also have a cervix.

People with a cervix aged 25 - 49 years are invited every three years and those aged 50 - 64 years, every 5 years.

Please call your GP to make an appointment. When you are due for a screening, you will be contacted by your GP.

The test takes less than 5 minutes. The nurse or doctor will explain what will happen during the test.

During the test, the nurse or doctor will use a speculum and brush to take a small sample of cells from your cervix. If you want to see what a speculum and brush may look like, please click here to view the NHS website:

What happens at a cervical screening appointment - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

The video below gives you an idea of what to expect during your appointment. 

The test may be a little uncomfortable, but should not be painful. The important thing to remember is that if you are uncomfortable or experience any pain, you can stop the test at anytime. You can also bring someone with you for support if you would like to.

Most of the time it will be a female nurse or doctor, however you can always ask to see a female doctor or nurse if you want to make sure the person who does your appointment is female. 

Most of the time it will be a female nurse or doctor, however you can always ask to see a female doctor or nurse if you want to make sure the person who does your appointment is female. 

Your nurse or doctor will let you know when to expect your results and what will happen next.

Your results will be explained to you. They may ask you to come back for another test in 3 months if the results were unclear.

If your result is negative, you risk of cervical cancer is very low so you will be invited for another appointment in 3-5 years' time.

If your result is positive for HPV, you will be invited for another test in a year and you may be booked on for another kind of test to investigate.

For more information about HPV and cervical screenings, please visit the NHS website:

Cervical screening - NHS (www.nhs.uk)