Cervical screening.

About cervical screening

Cervical screening is a test for human papillomavirus (HPV) and abnormal cell changes on the cervix — the entrance to the uterus from the vagina. The test looks for changes that, if left untreated, could develop into cervical cancer over many years.

The current UK programme is “HPV primary screening” — the sample is tested for HPV first. If HPV is present, the cells are then examined for any abnormal changes. This approach is more sensitive than the older cytology-first method.

Cervical screening doesn’t diagnose cancer. It identifies women who need further assessment because they have changes that could potentially progress.

Who’s eligible?

NHS programme schedule

• Women and people with a cervix aged 25–49: invited every 3 years
• Women and people with a cervix aged 50–64: invited every 5 years
• Aged 65+: only if recent abnormal results or never screened
• Under 25: NHS routine screening doesn’t start (cervical cancer is very rare under 25, and HPV is common but usually clears on its own)

When private screening makes sense

You can have private cervical screening regardless of age or NHS schedule, but it’s most useful for:

• You’re due NHS screening but waiting for an appointment
• You’ve missed your NHS invitation and want to catch up
• You want screening more frequently than the NHS offers (and accept the cost)
• You have symptoms but smear has been normal — though symptoms usually need separate assessment
• You’ve had previous abnormal smears and want extra reassurance
• You don’t want to wait the typical NHS appointment time
• You’re over 65 with a history of abnormality and want continued monitoring

Why HPV testing matters

HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common virus, mostly transmitted sexually. There are over 100 strains; around 14 are considered “high-risk” for cervical cancer. The key facts:

• HPV infection is very common — around 80% of sexually active adults will have HPV at some point
• Most infections clear naturally within 1–2 years
• Persistent infection with high-risk strains can lead to cell changes over many years
• Vaccination (Gardasil) protects against the highest-risk strains
• Smoking, immunosuppression, and other factors increase the chance HPV won’t clear

HPV primary screening identifies women at higher risk so they can have closer monitoring or treatment of any cell changes. Women without HPV are at very low risk in the short term — explaining why screening intervals can be longer.

What happens at the appointment

The whole appointment usually takes 15–20 minutes. The actual sample collection is brief — about 30 seconds.

Before the test

• Avoid having the test during your period — blood interferes with sample analysis. The middle of your cycle is ideal.
• Avoid vaginal sexual activity, lubricants, spermicides, and douching for 24 hours before the test
• Don’t use vaginal medications, creams, or pessaries unless they’re prescribed and necessary
• Empty your bladder before the test for comfort

The test itself

1. We discuss the test briefly and answer any questions
2. You undress from the waist down (privacy provided)
3. You lie on the examination couch with knees bent. You can position yourself in whatever way is comfortable.
4. A speculum (a smooth instrument) is gently inserted into the vagina to see the cervix
5. A small soft brush is rotated against the cervix to collect cells
6. The brush is removed and placed in a fluid sample pot
7. The speculum is removed
8. You get dressed

What it feels like

The test is uncomfortable for some women, fine for others. Common sensations: pressure as the speculum is inserted, brief brushing sensation as the sample is taken. Sharp pain isn’t expected; tell us if you feel any.

If you find the test difficult, painful, or distressing, options include:

• Using a smaller speculum
• Taking time, breathing techniques
• Choice of clinician (male or female)
• Chaperone present
• Doing the test self-administered where appropriate (HPV self-sampling pilots are emerging in the UK)

If you have a history of trauma or significant anxiety about the test, tell us in advance so we can plan accordingly.

Understanding your result

Results come back from the laboratory in 7–14 days.

HPV-negative

The most common result. No high-risk HPV detected. Very low risk of cervical cancer in the short term. Return to the standard screening interval.

HPV-positive, cytology normal

High-risk HPV present but no abnormal cells seen. Repeat screening in 12 months to check whether the HPV has cleared.

HPV-positive, cytology abnormal

Referral to colposcopy — a specialist appointment where the cervix is examined more closely with magnification, and biopsies taken if needed. Most abnormalities can be treated as outpatient procedures with excellent outcomes.

Inadequate sample

Sometimes the sample is technically insufficient (not enough cells, blood, mucus, or other factors). The test simply needs to be repeated — this isn’t a worrying result.

We communicate all results to you. If anything is abnormal, we explain what it means, what happens next, and arrange referral. We also share the result with your NHS GP with your consent so your records stay joined up.

After the test

• You can return to normal activity immediately
• Some women have light spotting for 1–2 days — normal
• No need to change anything about your usual routine

Private vs NHS screening

The NHS Cervical Screening Programme is excellent — thorough, quality-controlled, and free. Most women should use the NHS programme as their routine screening. Private screening is useful when:

• You can’t wait for the NHS appointment
• The NHS appointment time doesn’t suit you
• You want a calmer, quieter setting
• You want to screen sooner than the NHS schedule allows
• You want continuity with one familiar clinician
• You’ve missed multiple invitations and want to restart the process

Our results are processed by the same UK accredited laboratories that handle NHS samples — the test quality is identical.

When screening isn’t enough

See us promptly for any of:

• Bleeding between periods
• Bleeding after sex
• Bleeding after menopause
• Unusual or persistent vaginal discharge
• Persistent pelvic pain
• Pain during sex

These symptoms warrant proper gynaecological assessment, often including pelvic examination, swabs, and ultrasound — not just a smear test.

When to see us

Book a private cervical screening appointment if:

• You’re due NHS screening and can’t get a convenient appointment
• You’ve missed your NHS invitation
• You want screening sooner than the routine schedule
• You’ve had previous abnormal smears and want closer monitoring
• You’ve had treatment for cell changes and want follow-up
• You want a more private setting
• You have a chaperone preference that NHS settings can’t accommodate easily

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost?

Current prices are on our Fees page. The fee covers consultation, sample collection, laboratory processing, and result communication.

Will my insurance cover it?

Routine cervical screening is usually NOT covered by UK PMI policies because it’s available free on the NHS. Coverage for follow-up of abnormal results varies. We’ll provide procedure codes if you wish to claim.

Can I get a smear if I’m a virgin?

Yes — cervical screening isn’t dependent on sexual activity. However, the risk of HPV-related cervical cancer is very low without sexual activity, so screening is less important. NHS guidance suggests you can opt out if you’ve never been sexually active — though some women still prefer to screen.

Can I have it if I’m a same-sex partnered woman?

Yes — you’re eligible. HPV can still be transmitted between female partners. NHS screening is for everyone with a cervix.

What about if I’m transgender?

If you have a cervix, you may be eligible for screening regardless of gender identity. We provide screening in a respectful, gender-affirming way. Trans men registered with NHS as male may not be invited automatically — private screening can fill the gap.

I’ve been vaccinated against HPV — do I still need screening?

Yes. The vaccine protects against the highest-risk strains but not all. Vaccinated women still need routine cervical screening.

I had a hysterectomy — do I still need screening?

Usually not, if your cervix was removed and the hysterectomy wasn’t for cancer reasons. The remaining vaginal vault doesn’t need routine screening. If you had a partial (subtotal) hysterectomy with cervix preserved, you do still need screening.

How accurate is the test?

HPV primary screening is highly accurate at identifying women at risk. No screening test is perfect — there’s a small false negative rate. Regular screening is what makes the system work; one test alone isn’t guaranteed.

What if I find it painful or distressing?

Tell us — we can pause, use a smaller speculum, change technique, or refer for self-sampling options in some cases. Your comfort matters.

Can I have it during pregnancy?

Cervical screening during pregnancy is generally deferred until after delivery unless there’s a specific reason. Talk to us if you’re pregnant and your screening is due.