What is cervical screening?

Cervical screening checks the health of your cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the womb that connects to your vagina.

Screening involves collecting a small sample of cervical cells which are then tested.

Screenings check your cervix for a type of virus called high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). This type of virus can cause cancer. If HPV is found, the cervical cells are then looked at to see if they are abnormal (if have any changes which could be pre-cancerous).

Cervical screening is not a test for cancer, but it can help prevent cancer by spotting any problems early. Screening is crucial as it helps to prevent cervical cancer.

Who should attend cervical screening?

You're automatically invited for screening if you are:

• Between the ages of 25 and 64
• Registered as female with a GP surgery
• If you have had a total hysterectomy and had your cervix removed, you will not need to have a screening.
• Trans men do not receive invitations if registered as male with their GP but are still entitled to screening if they have a cervix. Make sure you speak to your GP and ensure you are invited for screening if that applies to you.

How often will I have a screening?

You will be invited to a screening every 5 years if you live in England, Wales or Scotland. In Northern Ireland, women between 25 and 49 are invited every 3 years and women aged 50 to 64 are invited every 5 years.

Once you turn 65, you will only be invited again if your last test was abnormal.

If you have symptoms of cervical cancer, like unusual bleeding from your vagina, pain or changes to discharge, you should speak to your GP as soon as possible and not wait until you’re invited to your next screening.

Why do people call it a 'smear test'?

Sometimes cervical screening is referred to as a ‘smear test’. This comes from the older method of screening where a stick was used to collect cells, which were then smeared onto a plate for lab analysis. Nowadays, a brush is used, but the name is still sometimes used.

What happens during the test?

A doctor or nurse will carry out the test. The procedure is simple and takes around five minutes:

1. You'll be asked if you're comfortable and if you have any questions.
2. You'll be shown to a private area to undress from the waist down.
3. You’ll lie back on a bed, usually with your legs bent, feet together and knees apart.
4. The doctor or nurse will gently insert a speculum (a smooth, tube-shaped tool made up of two halves that can separate) into your vagina and open it so they can see your cervix.
5. They will insert a small, soft brush and collect cells from your cervix.
6. The brush and speculum are removed, and the test is finished.

You can ask for someone else to be present if you would like. This is usually another health professional. You can also bring a friend, relative or carer with you.

You might find wearing a skirt or dress helpful.

You might experience slight bleeding afterwards, which is normal. You may want to bring a sanitary pad with you or wear period knickers.

What if I find the test painful?

The test can be painful for some, especially if you have a history of trauma.

Other things like vaginal dryness, vaginismus (involuntary tightening of the vaginal muscles) or lichen sclerosus may also make it more difficult.

If you’re anxious about being alone with your nurse, or want extra emotional support, you can take someone with you to the appointment. You can also ask for a longer appointment, so you can take the appointment at a pace that is more comfortable for you.

You can ask to insert the speculum yourself, if that would be more comfortable, and there are different sizes of speculum available.

A water-based lubricant can be used and won't affect the results. If this isn't available, you are within rights to leave the test, or you might like to bring your own lubricant with you.

If you are in the menopausal or perimenopausal stages, you could have vaginal atrophy (thinning and drying of the vagina). Your healthcare professional can prescribe topical vaginal oestrogen (applied directly to the vagina) as a pessary (removal device that is inserted into the vagina) or a cream at least three weeks prior to the smear test. This is then stopped two days before the test.

If it hurts or you are worried, let the person doing the test know so they can help. They’re used to this and can guide you through it.

Can I go to a cervical screening on my period?

It's best to avoid the test during your period. If you unexpectedly start your period, you can rebook. This is to ensure your comfort and also because red blood cells can sometimes disrupt the screening sample, making it hard to pick up on subtle changes in the cells.

Can I go for a cervical screening if I'm pregnant?

You will not usually need to have cervical screening if you're pregnant, or could be pregnant, until at least 12 weeks after you've given birth. This is because pregnancy can make it harder to get clear results.

If you're pregnant and due for a cervical screening test, you will usually be advised to reschedule the test for a date after your baby is born.

If you've previously had an abnormal result from a cervical screening test, you may need to be screened while you're pregnant. Your GP or midwife will discuss any risks with you and arrange a screening if needed.

Do I need to go for screening if I’ve had the HPV vaccine?

The HPV vaccine helps to protect against cancers caused by HPV and is given as one injection.

Boys and girls are offered the vaccine between 12 and 13 years old.

The vaccine does not protect against all subtypes of HPV, so you should still attend your screening, even if you’ve had a vaccination.

What if I feel anxious about my cervical screening?

Talking to friends and family who have undergone screening can help alleviate anxiety. Sharing positive experiences can be reassuring. Consider practicing relaxation techniques or speaking with your clinician about your concerns. Discussing how to make the screening more comfortable with your doctor or nurse may help.

How common is HPV and can it be treated?

HPV is very common and most people will contract it at some point in their lives. It is not usually treated, because it often clears up on its own. Regular cervical screenings are important to monitor any potential cell changes caused by HPV.

What do the results mean?

The person doing your screening should tell you when to expect your results.

Possible results from a screening are:

• HPV not found – if your test does not show HPV (HPV negative), your risk of getting cervical cancer is very low, so you’ll be invited to another screening in 5 years
• Unclear – sometimes the results can be unclear, so you may need to have another screening in a few months’ time. This does not mean you have HPV or any abnormal cells, just that another sample is needed to get accurate results
• HPV found – if HPV is found in your sample (HPV positive), it will be tested to see if there are any abnormal cells
• HPV found but no abnormal cells – you’ll be invited to a screening again in a year and again the following year if you still have HPV
• HPV found and abnormal cells found – you’ll be invited to have a different test, called a colposcopy, so your cervix can be looked at in more detail

If abnormal cells are found, it’s important to remember that they are not cancer, but there is a risk they could become cancerous. That's why it's important to have a follow up check and monitor any changes.

What if I don’t have HPV but I’m worried about symptoms?

If your cervical screening results are negative for HPV, but you have any symptoms you’re worried about, you should speak to your GP. They can assess you and refer you for further tests if necessary.

Can I do the test at home myself?

There are plans for an HPV test that can be done yourself to be made available through the NHS. This test will enable people who have rarely or never attended their cervical screening to take a sample at home (self-sample).

The test will check for the presence of HPV, but it will not be able to detect whether there are any abnormal cells. If the test shows you have HPV, you will need to have a normal cervical screening, so your cervical cells can be looked at.

The test is due to be rolled out across England from early 2026. Roll out is expected in Wales and Scotland in 2026. In Northern Ireland, the test is being considered for use.

Self-sampling will only be offered to select groups of women who have never or rarely had a screening.

Importance of regular screening

Regular cervical screenings are vital for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. Since the screening programme started, the number of women dying from cervical cancer has halved.

Although it can be uncomfortable, and sometimes painful, regular cervical screenings are important to ensure any problems are caught early.

What is cervical cancer?

Learn more about cervical cancer, including how it is treated, on our cervical cancer page.