What happens at your appointment
During 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.
It's usually done by a female nurse or doctor.
Before starting, they should explain what will happen during the test and answer any questions you have.
How cervical screening is done
- You'll need to undress, behind a screen, from the waist down. You'll 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 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.
Important
You're in control of the screening and can ask the nurse to stop at any time.
Things you can try to make the test easier
If you're worried about cervical screening, there are things you can try that might make the test better for you:
Do
- wear something you can leave on during the test, like a skirt or long jumper
- bring someone with you for support
- breathing exercises to help you relax – ask your nurse about these
- ask the nurse to use a smaller speculum
- ask the nurse about lying in a different position – such as on your side with your knees pulled up to your chest
- bring something to listen to or read during the test
Don't
- do not feel pressure to keep going – you can ask to stop the test at any time
- try not to be afraid or embarrassed to talk to the nurse – telling them how you feel will help them understand what kinds of support you might need
Things to look out for after cervical screening
You may have some spotting or light bleeding after your cervical screening test.
This is very common and should go away in a few hours.
See a GP if you have:
- heavy bleeding after cervical screening
- any bleeding after cervical screening that does not stop after a few hours
Page last reviewed: Sat Feb 2022 Next review due: Wed Feb 2020
