You will receive a letter through the post asking you to make an appointment for a cervical screening test. The letter should contain the details of where you need to contact for the appointment.

You can have cervical screening at your GP surgery or a family planning clinic. Most women choose to go to their GP practice. Screening is usually carried out by the practice nurse. You can ask to have a female doctor or nurse.

If possible, try to book an appointment during the middle of your menstrual cycle (usually 14 days from the start of your last period), as this can help ensure a better sample of cells is taken.

If you use a spermicide, a barrier method of contraception or a lubricant jelly, you should not use these for 24 hours before the test as the chemicals they contain may affect the test.

Your screening appointment

The cervical screening test usually takes around five minutes to carry out. You will be asked to undress from the waist down and lie on a couch, although you can usually remain fully dressed if you are wearing a loose skirt.

The doctor or nurse will gently put an instrument, called a speculum, into your vagina. This holds the walls of the vagina open so that the cervix can be seen. A small soft brush will be used to gently collect some cells from the surface of your cervix.

Some women find the procedure a bit uncomfortable or embarrassing, but for most women it is not painful. If you find the test painful, tell the doctor or nurse because they may be able to reduce your discomfort. Try to relax as much as possible because being tense makes the test more difficult to carry out. Taking slow, deep breaths will help.

The cell sample is then sent off to a laboratory for analysis and you should receive the result within two weeks. Read about cervical screening results.