Having a smear test

Smear tests aren't the most comfortable thing.

What is a smear test?

The smear test is a method of screening that detects pre-cancerous changes in a woman's cervix (the neck of the womb). That means the test will show up any abnormal changes that could lead to cancer of the cervix. A smear test can detect changes very early on, at a pre-cancerous stage. Cervical cancer can take 10-15 yrs to develop making it a very preventable disease. After breast cancer, cervical cancer is the most common type of cancer found in women: that’s why we need to have regular smear tests.

It’s recommended that women start having regular smear tests (about every 3 years although there’s a lot of different opinions) from their early 20s upwards. However if you’re younger than that and sexually active, you should ask your doctor if it’s a good idea to start smear tests earlier. When you have your first smear test you’ll need to return for a second test one year later.

What happens during a smear test?

The doctor or nurse asks you to take off your clothes from the waist down. Yes you’re pretty naked during a smear test, but remember that doctors do this everyday: it’s no big deal.
If you feel uncomfortable or nervous, talk to your doctor. If you normally have a male doctor, you can ask for a female doctor if you want. Most girls feel more comfortable with a female doctor for smear tests.
You lie on your back with your knees bent and legs open.
The doctor or nurse inserts a speculum (a medical tool that holds the vagina open) into the vagina so that the cervix can be seen. You’ll feel some pressure from the speculum, but it shouldn’t hurt.
Then a tiny flat stick is used to scrape some cells from your cervix. Sometimes the doctor or nurse will also use a small brush. The cells are sent to a laboratory for analysis.
The whole thing can feel uncomfortable but not painful. The more you relax, the less painful it’s likely to be.
Sometimes a pelvic examination will also be done. This means that the doctor or nurse will use their hand (wearing a glove) to check your vagina, womb and ovaries.
After the test, some people bleed a little. Bring a sanitary pad just in case.
You should ask for a breast examination and blood pressure test while you’re there and mention any worries you might have about your periods or contraception.
Ask the doctor when you’ll get the results of your smear test and when you should return for the next one.