Smear tests are a form of screening for disease of the cervix before cancer develops. Having a regular smear can prevent cancer of the cervix developing by detecting abnormal cells or pre-cancerous cells and starting treatment early.

It can also pick-up cancer of the cervix and the presence of the Human papilloma virus (HPV) which is associated with cancer of the cervix.

If you are not sexually active you may chose not to have a smear test given that it is unlikely that you will develop cervical cancer without exposure to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) through sexual intercourse; however, the UK government offers it to all women from the age of 25 years to 65 to screen for cancer of the cervix.

Smear tests look for the presence of HPV and also look at the shape of the cells on the cervix to see whether they are normal, slightly abnormal, precancerous, or in some cases cancerous.

HOW IS A SMEAR TAKEN?

The doctor will look at your cervix using a small speculum and lots of gel to ensure that this is not too uncomfortable. If this is your first smear it can be a little bit uncomfortable and so the doctor may use a smaller speculum to reduce discomfort. The doctor will then take a long plastic soft brush that is rotated clockwise five times within the opening of the cervix. The brush picks up the cells on top of the cervix, this brush is rinsed in a solution to capture the cells for analysis. You will see the doctor vigorously push the brush down ten times into the pot to allow all the cells to be captured in the solution.

This solution is then sent for analysis of the cells to the laboratory in London. They also look for the human papilloma virus which can increase the risk of cervical cancer if present. It takes seven working days for these results to come back and the doctor will share them with you by secure email. If there is any abnormality that needs attention the doctor will refer you locally to a gynaecology clinic that will deal with ongoing care.

It is important to have regular smear tests as this is the only way to pick up cervical cancer early and then start treatment early.

Some women put off having a smear because they are embarrassed or think it may be painful.

At Vitalis Health the doctor will do her best to ensure you are at ease and comfortable before performing the smear test. If you would like a chaperone- someone to come with you and be present during the smear test- this is still possible though they must respect social distancing during the the procedure, due to the COVID pandemic.

We can also provide a female chaperone if you do not have someone to attend with you.

All smears are performed by an experienced female doctor and take five minutes to do.

Smear tests are also known as a PAP test or PAP smear.

The smear test cannot be taken if you are menstruating (having your period), or if you have used a pessary to treat thrush. It’s best to book your appointment between periods.