How a cervical smear test works
Written in association with:
Obstetrician - gynaecologist
Published: 06/11/2023
Edited by: Carlota Pano
A cervical smear test is a gynaecological procedure that checks the health of the cervix and helps prevent cervical cancer.
Here, Dr Giada Frontino, renowned consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist based in London, provides an expert insight into a cervical smear test.
What is a cervical smear test?
A cervical smear test, also known as a HPV test, is a non-invasive procedure used to check for human papillomavirus (HPV) in the cervix.
HPV is the name for a group of common viruses that are acquired through sexual contact. There are over 100 different types of HPV, which can be low-risk or high-risk. While low-risk HPV types only cause genital warts, high-risk HPV types can cause abnormal changes to the cells of the cervix. If left untreated, abnormal cervical cells can turn into cervical cancer.
A cervical smear test is thus a simple way to check the health of the cervix and prevent cervical cancer. In the UK, all women from age 24 are recommended to go for a cervical smear test every three years.
How is a cervical smear test performed?
During a cervical smear test, the specialist will insert a speculum into the vagina using a bit of cold lubricant gel. The speculum is a small, transparent vaginal dilator that is inserted just like a tampax. Once the speculum has been inserted, the specialist will then use the soft, small, silicone brush to gently brush a sample of cells from the surface of the cervix. This will normally take less than 3 minutes.
Following the cervical smear test, the specialist will send the sample of cells to the laboratory, where they will be checked for high-risk HPV types. If high-risk types of HPV are found, the sample will then be checked for signs of abnormal cell changes. If abnormal cervical cells are found, these will be treated promptly, well before cervical cancer even has a chance to develop.
Is a cervical smear test painful?
A cervical smear test is not painful. However, women with decreased vaginal lubrication, women with vaginal infections, and women with thrush may experience some degree of discomfort during the insertion of the speculum. Let the specialist know of any vaginal dryness or discomfort when you book in for the test.
In addition, here are some tips on how to ensure a painless cervical smear test:
A small-sized speculum: Ask for a small-sized speculum to be used on the day of the cervical smear test. Request this when you book your appointment so that there is time to order a small speculum if they don’t have it in stock. Oestrogen vaginal gel: Ask to be prescribed oestrogen vaginal gel two weeks before your cervical smear test. When applied daily, this gel will improve natural lubrication in the vagina, which will help ease the cervical smear sampling. Stop using this gel three days before your cervical smear test. Lubricant: Ask for lubricant to be used on the day of the cervical smear test. This will ease the insertion of the speculum into the vagina and prevent any friction. A specialist clinic: Please ask to be referred to a specialist vulva clinic if you have experienced trauma, abuse, or genital mutilation. This will ensure that you have the cervical smear test done in the utmost comfortable setting.
If you wish to undertake a cervical smear test, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with Dr Giada Frontino via her Top Doctors profile today to receive expert care and advice.