Cervical Screening

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Every day in the UK, there are 9 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed, with women aged 25-29 being the highest risk group. Early detection of cervical cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery. While regular cervical smear tests are essential for women in this high-risk group, they should be maintained for all women up to the age of 64. Some women may choose to have more frequent cervical screening or tests outside the NHS programme age range.

happy woman that received a positive result after a smear test

What is a smear test?

A smear test, also known as cervical screening or a Pap smear, detects irregular changes at the cellular level in your cervix, which is the entrance to your womb. These changes are often caused by the HPV virus (Human Papillomavirus), which has over 100 types. If untreated, these changes can develop into cervical cancer. Identifying these changes allows your doctor to recommend treatments to prevent cancer.

Why do I need to have a smear test?

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, often remaining undetected until it's advanced. Early testing is vital for effective treatment. Even without symptoms, it’s crucial to have a smear test. If you experience irregular bleeding, abnormal discharge, or pain, see your GP immediately. For more information on symptoms that may indicate cervical cancer, click here.

The NHS programme recommends testing every three years for women aged 25-64. If you are registered with a GP, you should receive an invitation for a test. Many women opt for private clinics for annual checks.

Can I get a test if I am under 25?

Women under 25 are not eligible for the NHS Cervical Screening Programme, as smear tests are less effective in this age group due to natural cellular fluctuations. Studies show that only 2 in 100 women under 25 are diagnosed with cervical cancer. However, if you are under 25 and want to have a smear test, consider the following:

  • Hysterectomy Considerations: If you’ve had a hysterectomy but not had your cervix removed, consult your GP for information on a vault smear.
  • Low Cancer Risk: The chances of having cervical cancer are low if you are a virgin.
  • History of Sexual Activity: If you have been sexually active, even if not currently, consider a smear test.

Having a smear test during a pregnancy

Having a smear test during your pregnancy is not ideal. If you had previously had a test before and the results were normal, it is advisable to wait until your baby is born. Always check with your GP before deciding on any course of action. If the results you had before showed abnormalities, then you might be asked to further perform a series of tests, such as a colposcopy. However, most often you will be asked to wait until you’ve given birth. 

What happens during a smear test?

Though it may feel uncomfortable, our specialists aim to ease your concerns. After a brief consultation, you will lie down, and a speculum (a plastic or metal instrument) will be gently inserted to allow access to the cervix. A small sample of cervical cells is collected with a brush and sent to the lab for testing.

If results indicate borderline or mildly abnormal cells, we will conduct an HPV test to determine if further tests are needed.

After the test, you can resume your daily activities. While minor bleeding may occur, it should not be a cause for concern unless persistent or accompanied by severe pain. In that case, contact the clinic immediately.

Who performs the smear test?

Our experienced doctors aim to make your experience as comfortable as possible. Our friendly GPs and nurses will guide you through the process, ensuring you feel relaxed. We recommend bringing a family member or close friend for additional support.

Preparing for your treatment

Before having the test done, our friendly GPs will have a conversation with you, a time during which you will be asked about previous tests that you have carried out, such as blood tests, past diagnostics, scans and any additional medical symptoms and concerns that you might have.

✔ It is also advised you perform the smear test when you are not on your period. The recommended time is anywhere near the middle of your cycle. (2 weeks after the start of your last period)

✔ We recommend that 24 hours before the smear test, you should not have any intercourse as any chemicals present in the spermicide, lubrication or condoms could negatively impact the results of the test. 

✔ If you had treatment for any infections, such as vaginal pessaries, please wait at least one week after finishing the treatment before performing a smear test.

Getting your smear tests results. 

The results will be available in a period of 5 days and they will be sent to your home address. 9 out of 10 smear test results come out as normal, which means there is nothing you have to worry about. If the results are normal, you will have to only repeat the test in 3 years.

Inadequate Results.

Sometimes the results can also come out as inadequate and this happens when the sample has been composed of a small number of cell. It can also occur when the cells couldn’t have been observed clearly. This is often the cause of infection which means you will have to repeat the test in three more months.

Abnormal Results

Abnormal results are not specifically a sign of cervical cancer. They indicate that there are changes to the cells within your cervix. This is often known as dyskaryosis and usually, these changes will go away. However, in some women, these changes will turn into cervical cancer if left untreated. The outcome depends on the level of abnormality of your cells.

Borderline or Mild Results

Borderline or mild changes indicate that we will perform a second test that is going to look for HPV or high-risk human papillomavirus. If we identify any traces of the HPV virus, we will further invite you for a test called colposcopy in order to have a closer look at your cervix. If there aren’t any high-risk HPV traces in the test, then you only have a low chance of developing cervical cancer. This means you can continue carrying out regular smear tests. 

Moderate or severe Results

Moderate or severe changes indicate that the cells within your cervix will not go back to normal on their own. This means you will be invited for colposcopy in order to have your cervix examined more closely. We will know then what treatment you might need.

Why should I go to a private smear test?

Private smear tests allow for early detection of irregular changes, which can be life-saving. Benefits of choosing Midland Health include:

  • Tailored experiences from our compassionate team.
  • Testing options outside NHS age recommendations.
  • No GP referral required.
  • Immediate access to colposcopy if high-risk HPV is detected.

How much does a private smear test cost?

Our Cervical Smear test (to include the histology and HPV result) is priced at £320

Cervical Smear

£320

(to include the histology and HPV result)

Meet our GPs

We are proud to have a team of private GPs with impressive qualifications and experience. They make our care second to none. Discover our backgrounds and specialisms:

Dr Rupa Parmar

Our Medical Director, Dr Parmar, has over 10 years of experience working as a GP and a particular interest in gynaecology and contraception. She prides herself on getting to know her patients and their families to offer comprehensive care that addresses all their needs. Plus, she was awarded a Diploma from the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health in 2007.

Dr Sarah Wright

Dr Wright has been a qualified doctor for over 20 years and holds a Diploma in Family Planning and Sexual Health. As part of her open, friendly treatments, she can fit coils and contraceptive implants.

FAQ

Can I get a private smear test in the UK?

Yes, you can have a private smear test in the UK. While the NHS offers tests for women aged 25 to 65 every 3 to 5 years, you may choose to have more frequent tests to ensure your health is monitored closely.

Can I request a smear test if I am under 25?

Yes, we are able to provide cervical smear tests to young women under 25, particularly if they are sexually active. While the NHS programme does not cover women under 25, we recommend screening for those who are sexually active to help detect any early signs of cervical health issues. At Midland Health, we offer private smear tests to ensure you have access to timely care.

What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV) primary screening?

HPV testing is included in our smear test and this is because we can detect cervical cancer by looking at any existing high-risk human papillomavirus traces present in the sample. HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer and if there aren’t any traces of it in the sample we take, this means you are not at risk of developing it. 
In case we do identify traces of the HPV, we will then analyse the cells to see if there are any abnormal cells. Sometimes, the cells do not present any irregular changes and this means you will be invited again next year for another test. In most cases, this is only an infection that clears up, however, if it doesn’t by the time you have been invited back, then you are at risk of developing abnormal cells. You will then need a colposcopy to get your cervix examined. 

How are abnormal cervical cells treated?

The treatments that are available are to either destroy the cells that present the abnormal changes or to remove the part of your cervix that contains the abnormal cells. After you had been invited for a colposcopy, the doctors will be able to examine your cervix after which, they will take a small biopsy. The biopsy will further point out if you need treatment to have the cells removed or destroyed. The most common one is called diathermy or LLETZ (large-loop excision of the transformation zone) where a doctor will remove the cells by using a wire loop with an electric current. Other treatments that are available are laser therapy, cryotherapy (freezing) and cold coagulation.

At Midland Health we understand how difficult it can be for you to make that all-important step and book your private smear test. Our Midland Health GPs would be delighted to support you in this and take a full history and consultation to understand what symptoms you may have and what else might be causing this.

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