Cervical Screening Awareness Week is here to highlight the importance of going for your smear test, as well as answering some frequently asked questions about the procedure.
Figures show nearly one in three don’t attend their cervical screening test, but Cervical Screening Awareness Week aims to change this.
Cervical screenings are used to detect abnormal cell changes in the cervix – and sometimes these cells can show the early signs of cancers. Women and people with a cervix are usually offered a cervical screening from the age of 25 – and it is important to take these up to prevent the risk of Cancer.
We have broken down some FAQs about smear tests to encourage you to get yours done.
What is a smear test?
A smear test is carried out to check for human papillomavirus and abnormal changes to the cells of the cervix. Abnormal cells can sometimes develop into cervical cancer, so detecting these cells early can prevent this from happening.
What happens at a smear test?
Your smear test appointment will usually only take around 10 minutes. When you go into your appointment, the nurse will sit you down to explain what is going to happen and what a smear test is for.
- They will then ask you to undress your bottom half and lie back on the bed with a sheet over you.
- The nurse will ask you to lie back on a bed, usually with your legs bent, feet together and knees apart. Sometimes you may need to change position during the test.
- They’ll gently put a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) into your vagina. A small amount of lubricant may be used.
- The nurse will open the speculum so they can see your cervix.
- Using a soft brush, they’ll take a small sample of cells from your cervix.
- The nurse will close and remove the speculum and leave you to get dressed.
How often should you have a smear test?
Women and people with a cervix are invited for a smear test every three years from the age of 25 to 49. Meanwhile, people aged between 50 to 64 will receive an invitation by post every five years.
This is because most cervical cancers develop between these ages – and you should consider having the screening regardless of your sexual orientation, sexual history, or whether you have had the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.
How long for smear test results?
Cervical screening results are usually sent to you in a letter within four weeks after your test. However, if you do not receive your results within this period, it is advised that you call your doctor.
What age do smear tests stop?
Women are usually invited for a smear test until they are 65 years old. However, even if you are 65 or older, you may still be invited for a test if you have recently received abnormal test results.
Meanwhile, if you’re 65 or older and have never been for cervical screening, or have not had cervical screening since the age of 50, you can ask your GP for a test.
Can you have a smear test on your period?
According to experts at Bupa, it is best to have your cervical screening when you’re not on your period. This is because if you are bleeding, the sample may not be clear and could result in you needing to have the procedure again.
It is also advised that two days before the test, you do not use any spermicide (including condoms coated with spermicide), lubricating jelly or vaginal creams. This is because chemicals in these products can affect the test.
Can you have a smear test when pregnant?
If you are pregnant but have had normal screening tests in the past, you can usually delay your routine test until three months after your baby is born – but check this with your doctor or midwife if you receive an invitation.
Meanwhile, if you have had an abnormal test before falling pregnant, you may need to have a colposcopy.
What is a colposcopy?
A colposcopy is the procedure carried out if your smear test shows abnormal results. It will usually be carried out at a hospital outpatient clinic.
You may be offered a colposcopy for one of the following reasons:
- You’ve tested positive for HPV infection and your sample also shows some abnormal cell changes.
- You’ve tested positive for HPV infection, and it hasn’t gone away after two years – even if you haven’t had abnormal cell changes.
- You’ve had two cervical screening tests in a row that didn’t give a result. These test results are called ‘inadequate’. Inadequate means the cells aren’t clear enough to look at, or there’s been a problem with the way the sample was taken.
- The nurse or doctor who carried out your cervical screening test didn’t think your cervix looked as healthy as it should be.
- You’ve had symptoms of cervical cancer and have been referred for a colposcopy by your doctor.
What will happen at a colposcopy?
A colposcopy is a test to take a closer look at your cervix. The cervix is the opening to your womb from your vagina.
A colposcopy is often done if cervical screening finds changes to your cells that are caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). These changed cells can turn into cervical cancer cells.
During a colposcopy, a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) is gently placed into your vagina to open it. A microscope is then used to look at your cervix in greater detail. The microscope stays outside your body.
A small sample of cells may be taken from your cervix for testing. This is called a biopsy.
Where to get a smear test
Most cervical screening appointments are carried out at your GP surgery by a female nurse or doctor. However, in some cases, you might be invited to a drop-in or mobile clinic to increase flexible appointment times or accessibility.
Cervical cancer symptoms
Very early stage cervical cancer may not show symptoms and is usually found as a result of the cervical screening test. However, you should look out for the following symptoms and inform a doctor if you are experiencing any of these.
Symptoms of cervical cancer include:
- Vaginal bleeding that’s unusual for you – including bleeding during or after sex, between your periods or after the menopause, or having heavier periods than usual
- Changes to your vaginal discharge
- Pain during sex
- Pain in your lower back, between your hip bones (pelvis), or in your lower tummy
Further reading
Medical misdiagnosis or delay – Oakwood Solicitors
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Jade Glover is a Solicitor in the Medical Negligence team. She has worked for the company for over 9 years and completed her training during that time. She has specialised in Personal Injury clai…
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