Smear tests are important and can save your life. You should get yours regularly when invited even if you are not currently sexually active. They are designed to detect changes, which if untreated could develop into cervical cancer.

In England & Wales, people with a cervix are invited every 5 years between the ages of 25–64 for their cervical screening. There is some variation in the UK, so you may be called more frequently in some areas.

The smear test is a screening test, which means it is used to find problems which may otherwise go undetected, before they cause symptoms. It is not suitable for people with symptoms that could be related to changes in their cervix. If you have symptoms such as irregular bleeding, unusual discharge, pain on sex, or bleeding after sex, a smear test is not suitable and you should see your GP as soon as possible for an examination.

For a smear test, you will be asked to lie on your back with your legs bent and your knees parted.

• A plastic or metal tube, called a speculum, is inserted into the vagina to hold it open so that the cervix (entrance to the womb at the top of the vagina) can be seen.

• The doctor or nurse will look at the cervix and then gently insert a specially designed plastic brush into the cervix before turning it in a circular motion to collect some cells and cervical mucus

• The cells are collected in a special fluid in a pot and will be sent to the laboratory.

• A cervical smear test only takes a few minutes. It is not painful but can be a bit uncomfortable. Your doctor or nurse will be able to tell you how long it will take to get the test results.
• Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). Therefore the sample is first tested for HPV. If the sample is negative (no HPV detected), you will be recalled after 3–5 years (depending on where you live in the UK). If HPV is detected, the cells will then be looked at under a microscope to examine for any changes. If there are any abnormalities, you may be recalled for a repeat test sooner, or invited for more detailed examination and tests at the colposcopy clinic.
• There is now a widespread HPV vaccination programme, but you should still attend for your smear test even if you have been vaccinated as not all strains can be covered by the vaccine.

First published on embarrassingproblems.com
Reviewed and edited by Dr Laura Gush
Last updated: June 2025 by Dr David Rook