This week is Cervical Screening Awareness Week.
According to the NHS nearly a third of women and people with a cervix haven’t attended their latest smear test. NHS England are calling for people to come forward for this potentially life-saving free test.
What happens during a smear test?
We know that Cervical Screening isn’t pleasant for most and can be traumatic for some people so here’s a run down of what happens during a routine smear test.
During a smear test a nurse will take a sample of cells from your cervix. The test only takes a couple of minutes but can be a little uncomfortable.
When you arrive at your appointment you’ll be asked a couple of questions and this is your chance to ask any questions you may have about the process too.
You’ll then be asked to remove your clothing from your waist down. The nurse will pull the curtain round or leave the room to give you privacy. You’ll then need to lie on the bed and you’ll be given a large tissue sheet to cover yourself up with.
The nurse will check you’re ready and will ask you to bend your knees so your feet are almost touching your bottom and you’ll then be asked to part your knees as much as possible.
They will shine a light so they can see what they’re doing (don’t worry, this is their day job and they’ve seen it all before, many times) and once you’re ready they’ll insert the speculum, which is an instrument that opens up your cervix, into your vagina. It might feel a bit cold and a little uncomfortable but it shouldn’t be painful.
The nurse will then gently open the speculum, will scrape a small sample of cells from your cervix using a small brush (again, this shouldn’t cause any pain) and once that’s done the speculum is gently removed and you’re all done!
You’ll be given privacy to redress. The cells will be sent off to be tested and you’ll be contacted with your results.
It’s that quick and simple. And it could save your life.
What happens if you’re told you have abnormal cells?
You may be invited to a have colposcopy which is where a doctor will take a closer look at your cervix. This does not mean you have cervical cancer. But the results of your smear may suggest cell changes that need further investigation.
The colposcopy will take place in hospital and will determine whether further treatment is required.
Symptoms of cervical cancer to be aware of
- vaginal bleeding that is unusual for you, including after the menopause, after sex, or between regular periods
- changes to vaginal discharge
- pain or discomfort during sex
- unexplained pain in your lower back or between your hip bones (pelvis).
[Source: Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust]
These symptoms might be caused by something else but if you are experiencing them it’s important to speak to your GP as soon as possible.