Cervical smear tests
A cervical smear test detects abnormal cells on the cervix before these cells become cancerous. This enables these cells to be treated early and to prevent cervical cancer. 97% of smears are negative (normal).
Usually the practice nurse at your doctor’s surgery will perform the smear test. Sexual Health Clinics (GUM clinics) can also offer smear tests as can a Family Planning Clinic or a Well Women’s Clinic.
What will happen during the smear test?
You will be asked to undress from the waist down and to then lie down on an examination couch. You have to part your legs so that the practice nurse can insert a speculum into your vagina. A speculum is either made from metal or plastic and holds open the walls of your vagina. The nurse will then wipe over your cervix with a small spatula to pick up some cells.
The whole procedure should be painless and will only take a few minutes.
The cells are then sent to the laboratory to be analysed for any abnormal cells. You will be told when your results will be ready and how you will receive them.
If you are called back then this may simply mean that your test was unclear and needs to be repeated. Or it could be that there are some slight changes in the cells of your cervix that need to be looked at in more detail.
Many women feel anxious or embarrassed about going for a smear test, especially lesbian and bisexual women. Please remember that you are in control of your body and you have the right to stop the procedure if you are in pain or feel upset for some reason. If it is painful when the nurse inserts the speculum then you must say so, she will then be able to use a smaller speculum.
If you want, you can specifically ask for a woman to do the test when you make an appointment. It will be a woman performing the test in the majority of cases. You may also like to take a friend or your partner into the room with you. You can ask the nurse any questions before she begins or you may want to explain that you are feeling a little nervous. If this is the case then just try to relax and take slow deep breaths.
