What is cervical screening?
Cervical screening (a smear test) checks the health of your cervix. The cervix is the opening to your womb from your vagina. It’s not a test for cancer, it’s a test to help prevent cancer.
Cervical screening (smear testing) is available for free and we offer a friendly and non-judgemental service, to help you feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible.
When you will be invited for a cervical screening:
All women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 should be invited to attend their GP Practice by letter, Leicester Sexual Health offers opportunistic cervical screening for those who are overdue. It is advisable to have your letter with you at the time of screening.
If you missed your last cervical screening, please contact your GP Practice.
Recommended screening timetable:
| under 25 | up to 6 months before you turn 25 |
| 25 to 49 | every 3 years |
| 50 to 64 | every 5 years |
| 65 or older | only if 1 of your last 3 tests was abnormal |
When cervical screening is not recommended:
If you’re under 25
You will not be invited for cervical screening until you’re 25 because:
- Cervical cancer is very rare in people under 25.
- It might lead to having treatment you do not need – abnormal cell changes often go back to normal in under 25s.
If you’re 65 or older
You’ll usually stop being invited for screening once you turn 65. This is because it’s very unlikely that you’ll get cervical cancer at this age.
You’ll only be invited again if 1 of your last 3 tests was abnormal.
However, if you have not had cervical screening since the age of 50, you can ask your GP for a test.
If you don’t have a cervix
People without a cervix do not require cervical screening.
What happens at your appointment:
During a cervical screening a small sample of cells is taken from your cervix for testing.
The test itself should take less than 5 minutes. The whole appointment should take about 10 minutes and is done by a nurse or doctor. Please make us aware of gender preferences for staff members, although we cannot guarantee your preference.
Before starting, they should explain what will happen during the test and answer any questions you have.
What you will need to do:
- You’ll need to undress (behind a screen) from the waist down. You will be given a sheet to put 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 should 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.
Useful Links
- NHS Cervical Screening
- Cervical Screening Mythbusting Q&A video (learning disability resource from Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust)