What will happen during my cervical screening?
Having your cervical screening should only take a matter of minutes. If it is the first time you are attending your screening it can be helpful to find out as much as possible about what will happen at your beforehand.
In the UK, GP's and practice nurses take the majority of cervical screening samples. Before the procedure starts the doctor or nurse should explain what is going to happen and answer any questions or concerns you may have. Make sure you ask if you have any questions.
You will be asked to undress from the waist down and to lie on an examination bed either on your back with your legs bent up and apart or sometimes lying on your side with your legs bent. Your doctor or nurse will then insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina. The speculum gently opens your vagina allowing the doctor or nurse to see the cervix. Throughout the UK, liquid based cytology (LBC) is used by the NHS and this method involves using a special brush to gently take cells from surface of the cervix. The sampled cells are immersed in a vial of preservative fluid and analysed under the microscope in the laboratory.
In the laboratory, the contents of the vial are spun and treated to remove obscuring material. Cervical screening/ PAP smears used to be spread directly onto a microscopic glass slide; however, LBC is now the preferred screening test in the UK because it is easier to see cellular material clearly under the microscope and reduce the numbers of unreadable screenings.
The best time (if possible) for a cervical screening to be taken is in the middle of your menstrual cycle, halfway between one period and the next. This enables the cytologist to examine the best possible specimen to achieve the best possible report.
For most women, cervical screening is not painful but it may feel a little uncomfortable therefore, if you experience any pain or other problems please do let the doctor or nurse know. You may have some spotting for a day after the procedure.
Helpful tips before your cervical screening
For many women the thought of going for cervical screening is often worse than the reality. Do not worry if you feel anxious about having your screening. If you do feel anxious before your appointment, it can help to be as informed as possible about what having a cervical screening is like. Make sure you discuss any concerns with your GP or practise nurse.
A few points to remember before going for your screening:
- Do not have sexual intercourse in the 24 hours before your screening. The use of sperm, spermicidal gel, and lubricants before your test may make it difficult to get a good sample of cells
- If vaginal pessaries have been prescribed to treat an infection then postpone your screening for at least a week after the treatment has finished
- If you are using a vaginal oestrogen cream for menopause symptoms, do not apply it on the day of your screening
- Do not douche or use a tampon for at least two days before your screening
- The more relaxed you are, the less discomfort you will feel.
* © 2009 Terese Winslow, U.S. Govt. has certain rights.
Last updated: 08/06/2011
