Cervical screening tests for human papillomavirus (HPV).
HPV is very common. Most people will get the virus at some point in their life. It is spread through close skin to skin contact during any type of sexual contact. There are many different types of HPV, some types can cause abnormal cell changes, but only some types can lead to cancer, these types do not cause any symptoms. In most cases, your immune system can get rid of the virus without you ever knowing you had it.
Sometimes HPV can stay in the body for many years at undetectable levels without causing any problems. This is called ‘dormant’ HPV. Dormant HPV can become active and is then found at screening. This means the HPV infection can become active again years after you have it. HPV can cause abnormal cell changes in your cervix.
Your cervix is the lowest part of your uterus (or womb), and it is found at the top of your vagina.
Diagram showing the female reproductive system.
Your body can usually get rid of the abnormal cells and your cervix returns to normal. But sometimes this doesn’t happen, and the abnormal cells can go on to develop into cancer. This is usually a slow process taking over 10 years.
Going for cervical screening when invited is the best way to protect yourself against cervical cancer. It is your choice whether to have a cervical screening test or not. Please read the leaflet about cervical screening available at: Cervical screening: leaflet for women considering screening – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). This leaflet will help you decide whether to have the test and provide more information about HPV and cervical cancer.
You will get an invitation for cervical screening through the post if:
- your contact details are up to date
- you are between 25 and 64 years old
- you are registered as female on your NHS records*
In some areas, you may be able to arrange your appointment at a sexual health clinic instead of your GP practice.
If you are not registered at a GP practice and would like to have screening at a GP practice, you will need to register first; more information about registering is available at: How to register with a GP surgery – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
In some areas, local sexual health clinics may also offer screening. More information about finding a sexual health clinic local to you is available at: Find a sexual health clinic – NHS (www.nhs.uk).
If you are not sure if you are due for cervical screening, you can ask your GP or health professional.
*If you have a cervix but are not registered as female with your GP you will need to ask for a cervical screening appointment. You can talk about this with your GP, practice nurse, at a sexual health clinic or transgender health clinic. More information is available at: NHS population screening: information for trans and non-binary people
You may feel understandably anxious or worried about attending, this could be for many reasons and may include:
- a mental health condition
- previous cervical screening experience(s)
- previous traumatic experience(s)
- sexual and/or domestic violence
This information talks about what support is available if you are worried, feel anxious or think it may be painful when attending your cervical screening. You can use this information to help decide whether to attend and to find support to make it easier for you if you would like it.
Cervical screening: support for people who feel anxious about attending – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)