Why cervical smears are important
Cervical smear tests, also known as Pap smears or Pap tests, are a crucial part of women's healthcare.
They involve taking a sample of cells from the cervix to check for any abnormalities that could show:
Precancerous cells or
Signs of cervical cancer or
Infection with HPV (Human papilloma virus) or candida (yeast infection)
Why is having a smear test so important?
These tests are essential for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer, which can be highly treatable when caught early.
Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers where it has a pre-cancer state that can be detected and removed.
Also, if we pick up HPV we repeat your smear sooner the next time.
If we do not do the smear test we cannot know if you could have a precancerous cells as they are not usually visible with eye on examination of the cervix and we cannot know if HPV is present.
I can understand that having a smear test can be embaressing but for the doctor it is just another physical examination and the doctor will do their best to put you at ease , explaining the procedure and ensuring you feel relaxed and comfortable.
How is the smear test taken?
During a cervical smear test, your doctor will gently scrape cells from the cervix using a small brush in a clockwise direction.
The collected cells are then examined under a microscope for any changes or abnormalities. It's a relatively quick and simple procedure that can be done during a regular gynecological exam.
Some women can find the procedure uncomfortable and if you feel nervous this make the muscle in your pelvis tightne which can make it more difficult for your doctor to insert the speculum.
We do not know how our body will react to having the smear, so if your pelvic muscles tighten we stop the procedure and will advice on how to relax the muscles for your next visit. Sometime deep breathing can help and sometimes we use a muscles relaxant.
If you have never had sexual intercourse there is a peiuce of tissue that can prevent insertion of the device used to view the cervix. We generally do not recommend having a smear test if you have never had sexual intercourse however, we can use a small device and we can always try if you wish to have a smear test performed.
The reason smear tests are not recommended in non-sexually active woman is that cervical cancer is very unlikely as most people are only exposed the Human papilloma virus in the cervix during sexual intercourse.
How often should I have a cervical smear test?
The recommended frequency for cervical smear tests varies depending on factors such as age, medical history, and risk factors for cervical cancer. Generally, guidelines suggest starting regular screening around age 25- in sopme countries is age 21- and continuing at intervals of 2-3 years.
At Vitalis Health we provide a relaxing environment to have your smear.
When are results back?
Results are back within 7-10 working days.
If you have had a recent inconclusive smear test due yto insufficient cells retrieved we can repeat your smear at any time.
However, if you have had a recent smear with your NHs GP and are waiting results which are taking a long time, we must wait 12 weeks before repeating your smear test in roder for new cells to regrow tto allow for an accurate test.
Regular cervical smear tests have greatly reduced the incidence of cervical cancer in countries where they are widely available. They play a vital role in women's health by detecting abnormalities early, allowing for timely intervention and treatment.
You can book a smear test with us Monday to Friday.