Your cervical screening appointment
You can choose whether to go for cervical screening. Some people are worried about having the test. Finding out what will happen at your appointment can help. You can also consider where you want to have your test. And if you need to think about anything beforehand.
During the screening test, a nurse or doctor uses a small soft brush to take a sample of cells from your 
. This test looks for a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). You might also hear this test called a smear test. This was the test used before HPV testing.
Where can I have cervical screening?
You can have cervical screening for free at:
- your GP practice
- some sexual health clinics
- specialist clinics for cervical screening
You can ask to talk to someone before you book or go for screening. This might be with a health professional such as a doctor or nurse. It might be over the phone, a video call or in person. Ask if you can take someone with you if you think this might help.
When to book your cervical screening appointment
You will receive a letter inviting you to your screening appointment if you are eligible and registered with a GP. It might help to book it as soon as you are invited.
You don’t need to wait for a letter if you missed your last cervical screening.
The best time to book an appointment is when:
- you are not having a period - you can book anytime if you don't have periods
- you have finished treatment for unusual vaginal discharge or a pelvic infection
Some women who use a hormonal implant or can have unpredictable bleeding and so this is difficult to plan. It's sometimes possible to do the test if the bleeding is not too heavy. The staff at the clinic can talk you through this if this applies to you. They will understand if you need to cancel nearer the time. It might help to make a new appointment at the same time, so you don’t forget.
Vaginal creams and pessaries
Some women may find the screening test uncomfortable or that it hurts. This is more likely if you are going through the menopause, or you are. Lower levels of oestrogen in the body mean that the vaginal tissue could be dry, thinner and more prone to inflammation.
Contact your GP or screening clinic if you think this might be a problem for you. They can prescribe you oestrogen cream or pessaries that you put into your vagina at night. You usually use these for about 2 weeks. You must then stop using these 2 days before your screening appointment. The vaginal oestrogen should make the test more comfortable.
Do not use any vaginal creams, medicines or lubricants for 2 days before your test. These products could affect the test results.
Other conditions could make it more difficult to have the test. For example:
- a skin condition called lichen sclerosis
- involuntary tightening of the vagina (vaginismus)
Speak to someone at your GP practice or screening clinic and let them know. They can support you. Try not to let it put you off booking a screening test.
What to wear
It might help to wear something comfortable that you can adjust or remove easily. The nurse will ask you to go behind the screen or curtain and undress from the waist down. With a loose fitting skirt or dress, you can just lift these up. Or you could wear leggings or trousers that are easy to slip off. They will then ask you to lie on the couch on your back. The staff will provide a sheet or some disposable paper to cover your hip area when you lie on the couch.
Specialist clinics
Specialist clinics are available for people who may find it difficult to have cervical screening or would like a clinic more suited to their needs.
Specialist clinics for the LGBTQAI+ community
The OUTpatients website provides information about clinics that offer cervical screening as part of their sexual health services.
Specialist screening clinics for those who