Prevention is the best medicine - what to expect from your smear test

Advice and Information - 13 March 2023

Cervical cancer screenings save at least 2,000 lives every year in the UK. Cervical screening is a free health test that helps prevent cervical cancer.
Here's what you should expect from your smear test and why these screenings are important.
Photograph of a Doctor and a patient in an examination room talking.

Who is eligible?

All women and people with a cervix are eligible for a cervical cancer screening. This includes Trans men and non-binary people who are assigned female at birth and registered with their GP as female.

Screenings will occur at regular intervals between the ages of 25 and 64. If you're 25 to 49, invites to screenings will be every three years. For those aged 50 to 64, this will be every five years.

What to expect

A smear test should take around five minutes, and the whole appointment should take at most ten minutes. A female GP or nurse will carry out the test, but if you have any concerns, contact your GP practice or sexual health clinic ahead of your appointment, and they will work with you. 

The smear test may feel uncomfortable, but it should not be painful. If you experience pain during the exam, inform the GP or nurse attending you immediately. 

Many people put off booking or attending their smear test because they're not sure what to expect. Healthcare professionals conducting the exam will ensure you feel comfortable and safe and will be happy to talk you through the procedure.

Talk to someone

A smear test is a very personal procedure, which can be off-putting for some. You can talk to someone about the test if you feel embarrassed or worried. Sometimes it's easier to speak to someone you don't know. Your GP or nurse can talk you through what to expect, addressing any concerns or worries about the test. 

You may want to contact an organisation that provides information and support about having cervical screening if you're unable to speak with your practice: 

After the exam

Your GP practice or sexual health clinic will send your cell sample to a lab after the test. Ask the nurse or doctor when you will get your test results. Often, the most challenging part of cervical screening is waiting for results. It is natural to worry about this.

Usually, you will get a letter with the results within two to four weeks. If you are still waiting to hear something by six weeks, tell your GP so they can check for you.

After the exam, you may experience light vaginal bleeding for a day. If it continues longer than this or is particularly heavy, contact your GP or sexual health clinic immediately.

Where can I get a smear test?


Your GP practice can offer you an appointment for your smear test. You will be automatically invited to a test up to six months before you turn 25 or when your next one is due. 

However, the impact of the pandemic may mean that you are overdue an appointment or have yet to receive an invite. It's always worthwhile checking in with your GP.

You can also attend a sexual health clinic to have your smear test done if your GP practice cannot offer you an appointment. 

Your local Healthwatch can also help you get an appointment for a smear test. If you live in Halton you can contact us at Healthwatch Halton at: enquiries@healthwatchhalton.co.uk or call: 0300 777 6543. 

Need more support?

Follow the links below for more information on cervical cancer, how to book your smear test and what to expect:

You might also be interested in