Cervical screening

$0.00

Cervical screening is one of the simplest things you can do to look after your long-term health, and we aim to make it as comfortable and unhurried as possible.

The Cervical Screening Test has replaced the old Pap smear. For most people it is recommended every five years from age 25 to 74, and it looks for HPV, the virus that can lead to cervical changes over time. If you are due, or not sure when you last had one, we can check and let you know.

We understand this is a personal appointment, and that for some people it can feel uncomfortable or bring up past experiences. You are welcome to ask for a longer appointment, a female doctor, or a support person in the room. Self-collection is also available for many people, where you take the sample yourself in privacy with our guidance. Whatever helps you feel at ease, we will work around it.

If anything needs a closer look, we will talk you through what it means and what happens next, and stay alongside you through it.

When to book: if you are 25 to 74 and it has been around five years since your last test, or you have any symptoms you would like checked.

Cervical screening is one of the simplest things you can do to look after your long-term health, and we aim to make it as comfortable and unhurried as possible.

The Cervical Screening Test has replaced the old Pap smear. For most people it is recommended every five years from age 25 to 74, and it looks for HPV, the virus that can lead to cervical changes over time. If you are due, or not sure when you last had one, we can check and let you know.

We understand this is a personal appointment, and that for some people it can feel uncomfortable or bring up past experiences. You are welcome to ask for a longer appointment, a female doctor, or a support person in the room. Self-collection is also available for many people, where you take the sample yourself in privacy with our guidance. Whatever helps you feel at ease, we will work around it.

If anything needs a closer look, we will talk you through what it means and what happens next, and stay alongside you through it.

When to book: if you are 25 to 74 and it has been around five years since your last test, or you have any symptoms you would like checked.

Your questions answered

A few of the things people often wonder about before booking. If there's something else on your mind, just ask, we're always happy to talk it through.

Book a cervical screening test

  • For most people it's every five years, from age 25 to 74. The current test looks for HPV and is more accurate than the old Pap smear, which is why the gap between tests is longer. If you're not sure when yours is due, we can check for you.

  • Most people find it uncomfortable rather than painful, and it's over quickly. If you've found it difficult in the past, let us know, we can take extra time, talk you through each step, and use a smaller speculum if that helps.

  • For many people, yes, self-collection is available, where you take the sample yourself in private with our guidance. It's just as accurate for detecting HPV, and we're happy to talk through whether it's right for you.

  • Absolutely. Just let our team know when you book, and we'll arrange it. You're also welcome to bring a support person into the room if that helps you feel more comfortable.

  • Most changes are minor and simply mean we keep a closer eye on things. If anything needs a further look, we'll explain clearly what it means and what happens next, and stay alongside you through it, an abnormal result rarely means anything serious.