Private Smear Test in London
Cervical screening, often referred to as a ‘cervical smear test’ or ‘cervical sampling,’ is used to assess the health of the cervix.
It also checks for ‘high-risk’ strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the leading cause of cervical cancer.
During the quick procedure your nurse or doctor will use a speculum to open your vaginal canal and take a sample of your cervical cells. If HPV is detected, further monitoring or treatment may be needed.
It’s not a test for cancer. It’s a test to help prevent cancer.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 95% of cervical cancer are linked with HPV, making early detection crucial.
A cervical smear test is the best way to check if you have HPV, especially as most strains are symptomless, meaning many women can go years without knowing they have it.
It can be easy to put off having your smear test, but if it’s been a while, please book an appointment. Our team of female nurses and doctors will ensure the process is quick, simple, and as comfortable as possible.
Does it hurt?
A cervical screening test should not be painful but can cause some discomfort.
Speak to the nurse or GP who is administering yours if it hurts and they can make adjustments for your comfort.
Can I request a female nurse/doctor?
All of the nurses and doctors who undertake our cervical screening are women.
How old do I have to be to get a cervical screening?
Cervical screening is recommended from the age of 25.
However, if you wish to come for cervical screening under the age of 25 you can discuss this with the Nurse or Doctor.
How often should I have a cervical screening?
Usually we recommend a cervical screening every 3-years, however, it does depend on the outcome of your last test.
If you tested negative for HPV, your risk of developing cervical cancer is very low, and you’ll be invited for another smear test in 3 years to confirm you are still HPV-negative.
If you tested positive, we’ll check for any changes in your cervical cells to determine if treatment is needed or if closer observation is sufficient while your immune system fights off the virus.
Cervical screening helps prevent HPV-related cancer
Cervical screening is not a test for cancer, it's a test to help prevent cancer.
A cervical smear test checks for "high-risk" types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause abnormal cell changes in the cervix, potentially leading to cervical cancer and other forms of cancer.
While most HPV infections clear on their own, some persist and can cause cervical cancer if left untreated. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), HPV causes 95% of cervical cancers worldwide.
The HPV vaccine, Gardasil 9, offers strong protection against HPV-related cancers, protecting against the seven known oncogenic types.
If you don't have a high-risk HPV infection, your chances of developing cervical cancer are very low so regular smear tests are important.
Prevention is key to reducing the risk of HPV-related cancers.
How long do I need to wait for results?
Normally, we can get cervical screening results back to you in just an hour.
If you test negative for HPV, your risk of developing cervical cancer is very low, and you’ll be invited for another smear test in 3 years to confirm you are still HPV-negative.
If you test positive, we’ll check for any changes in your cervical cells to determine if treatment is needed or if closer observation is sufficient while your immune system fights off the virus.
Can I get a cervical screening on my period?
The short answer - yes.
You can have a cervical screening at any time during your menstrual cycle, but it might be more comfortable to have your appointment when you are not bleeding.
Are there any post-exam after effects?
You might experience some light cramping or spotting after your cervical screening.
This should go away after a few hours but contact us if these symptoms persist or worsen.
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FAQs
There is no difference between a pap test and a cervical sampling, a ‘pap’ test is just a colloquial name for a cervical sampling.
No, some people may find cervical screening a bit uncomfortable but shouldn’t be painful. If you have had a difficult experience in the past let your nurse or doctor know and they can make adjustments.
Everyone with a cervix should have regular cervical screening.
However, in some circumstances you may need to delay testing such as if you are currently pregnant, you’re less than 12 weeks post-natal, or you have used vaginal medication, lubricants or creams in the last 2 days.
Routine cervical screening should be carried out every 3 years, if you have HPV detected or any cell changes this may increase to annual screening.
In most people, the immune system clears HPV within about 2 years. If that doesn’t happen, it may go on to cause cervical cell changes. HPV is very slow to develop so more frequent screening is not required if you are HPV negative.
HPV is extremely common, and anyone who is sexually active is at risk.
During our lives, 8 in 10 of us will get some type of HPV. It usually goes away without any problems. Most of us will never know we had it.
Around 9 in 10 HPV infections clear within 2 years.
While sexual history may influence someone’s risk, it shouldn’t determine whether or not they can have cervical screening. Even if you are not sexually active you can still attend for routine cervical screening.
Cervical screening is aimed to prevent cervical cancer.
You should attend your routine cervical screening even without any symptoms.
If you have any symptoms you are concerned about these can be discussed at your appointment.
Everybody born with a cervix should attend routine cervical screening.
Yes, HPV virus can be easily transmitted, even in a same sex relationship, and also by sharing sex toys.
It depends on what type of contraception you’re using.
If you’re using spermicides, barrier methods, lubricant jelly, then it is advised to not have intercourse at least 24 hours before your test.
Cervical screening is a test to detect HPV.
If HPV is detected the sample is sent to cytology to see if the HPV has caused any changes to the cells.
Cervical screening is not a cancer test, it is used to identify early changes that could lead to cancer.
No, a cervical screening will not detect sexually transmitted infections.
If you have any concerns, while you are having your smear test you can request additional health screenings including sexual health tests.
We offer HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and Comprehensive testing.
Some tests are instant results, whilst all others can be delivered same day.
Please speak with your nurse or doctor during your appointment.
If your smear test is positive for HPV the sample will be sent to cytology to look for any cell changes.
At this point you may be asked to return for another cervical screening in 1 year, or you may be referred to colposcopy for further investigation.
Rest assured, our doctors and nurses will guide you through everything, ensuring you receive the best care possible, so there’s no need to worry.
