Cervical screening (a smear test) is a test to check the health of the cervix and help prevent cervical cancer. It's available to people with a cervix aged 25 to 64.
We are running walk-in and wait cervical screening clinics throughout the year in North and North Yorkshire. Please click here for our list of clinic times and locations.
Cervical screening at YSH
If you’re due your cervical screening, or have received your cervical screening letter reminder, call us on 01904721111 to book an appointment. We offer cervical screening appointments across York and North Yorkshire.
If you have the below, please bring them to your appointment: - Your NHS Number. This can be found on your NHS app, or on your national screening programme letter. - Your invite letter from the national screening programme. - Details of the GP you are registered with (if you are not registered with a GP, we can still do your screening).
When will I be invited?
All people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 should go for regular cervical screening. You'll get a letter in the post inviting you to make an appointment.
Age
When You're Invited
Under 25
Up to 6 months before you turn 25
25 to 49
Every 3 years
50 to 64
Every 5 years
65 or older
Only if a recent test was abnormal
Currently, only people who are registered as female with their GP surgery or clinic are automatically invited for cervical screening. If you are registered as male, aged between 25 and 64, and have a cervix, you can ask your GP surgery to send you invites directly.
You will not be invited for cervical screening until you're 25 because cervical cancer is very rare in people under 25 and it might lead to having treatment you do not need as abnormal cell changes often go back to normal in younger women. You will not be invited for cervical screening if you're 65 or older because it's very unlikely that you'll get cervical cancer. You'll only be invited again if a recent test was abnormal. However, if you're 65 or older and have never been for cervical screening, or have not had cervical screening since the age of 50, you can ask your GP for a test.
When can’t you have a cervical screening?
We won’t be able to complete your screening if you: - Are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 weeks (Vaginally or c-section). - Have had a miscarriage or abortion in the last 12 weeks. - Currently have any menstrual bleeding/abnormal discharge. - Have used any vaginal lubricants or creams in the last 2 days- this can affect your results. - Have used any vaginal medications e.g. thrush pessary in the last 7 days- this can affect your results. - Have had any procedure to the cervix in the last 12 weeks e.g. coil fit. - If you were asked to have a repeat test and it’s less than 12 weeks since your last inadequate or rejected sample. - If you've had a total hysterectomy to remove all your womb and cervix. - Haven’t had a letter requesting you attend for screening.
What to expect at your cervical screening appointment
1. The clinician will ask you to lie back on a bed, usually with your legs bent, feet together and knees apart. Sometimes you may need to change position during the test. 2. They'll gently put a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) into your vagina. A small amount of lubricant may be used. 3. The nurse will open the speculum so they can see your cervix. 4. Using a soft brush, they'll take a small sample of cells from your cervix. 5. The nurse will close and remove the speculum.
The cervical screening test itself should take less than 5 minutes. The whole appointment should take about 10 minutes.
During your appointment, there will be plenty of opportunity for you to ask questions. You'll be in complete control of the screening.
If have anything you would like to share with your nurse but might find this hard to talk about, such as any experiences or health conditions that may impact your experience, you can download our additional support form or pick one up from the waiting area. We want to ensure you have a positive experience with us, and will do all we can to ensure this is the case.
Your cervical screening results letter will explain if human papillomavirus (HPV) was found in your sample, what your result means, and what happens next.
HPV is not found in your sample.
This means your risk of getting cervical cancer is very low. You do not need any further tests to check for abnormal cell changes in your cervix, even if you've had these in the past. You'll be invited for screening again in 3 or 5 years.
HPV found (HPV positive), but no abnormal cell changes.
You'll be invited for screening in 1 year and again 1 year later if you still have HPV. If you still have HPV after 2 years, you'll be asked to have a colposcopy.
HPV found (HPV positive) and abnormal cell changes.
You'll be asked to have a colposcopy.
Inadequate result.
The results were unclear. You’ll be asked to come back in 3 months to have the test again.
We're holding our next walk in cervical screening (smear) clinic at our 📍 Monkgate clinic on Saturday 3rd May 2025 from 9am - 12pm. If you're due or overdue your screening, we'd love to see you there!
🌷 The screening itself takes just seconds and could save your life.
🌷 Our highly experienced nurses carry out daily screenings and are trained to ensure you are comfortable and supported. There are lots of adjustments we can make, such as a smaller speculum. The screening shouldn't be painful but if it is, or you find it difficult for any reason, we can help.
🌷 Cervical screening involves a small, flexible brush collecting some cells from your cervix. These are tested for HPV. If your result is negative, you'll be recalled in 3-5 years. If it's positive, your cells will be tested further. If they are normal, you'll be invited back in 1 year. If they are abnormal, you'll be invited for further screening.
All you need on the day is your NHS number. It's a good idea not to be screened during or just before your period, so double check your dates before you come.
Our 📍Monkgate clinic is easy to find - visit our page for a walk through if you're unsure. There's ample parking and direct access from Monkbar Car Park just behind us, and we're easily accessible on foot from the city centre.
If you'd prefer to book an appointment, we offer bookable clinics across the region throughout the week. Simply call our central bookings team on 01904 721111 and they'll be pleased to help you make an appointment that suits you best.
It's World Immunisation Week and you might be eligible for a vaccination to help you take care of your sexual health 💘💉
Find out more this World Immunisation Week by scrolling or visiting our website www.yorsexualhealth.org.uk. You can call us to book your vaccination on 01904 721111.
Please note that we only offer these vaccinations where a sexual risk is present, and not for travel purposes.
