Cervical Screening

If you’re aged 25 to 64 and registered as female with your GP, you’ll be invited for cervical screening every 5 years. It used to be every 3 years for younger women, but this changed in July 2025. You may still be invited more regularly depending on when your last test was, and the result.

If you're trans or non-binary, you may not automatically be invited. If you think you should be, you can still request screening, just ask your GP.

Your invitation will now be sent via your NHS app. If you don't book in, you'll receive a follow up letter.

You'll be invited to book your cervical screening at your GP surgery, but you can also attend YorSexual Health. We offer both bookable and walk-in clinics, so you can choose whatever works best for you. Our staff are friendly, experienced, and here to make you feel as comfortable as possible.

When booking your screening, you'll need to check your menstrual cycle, as it's best to have your screening when you're not bleeding. Try and avoid using lubricants just before your screening too, as this can impact your result.

On the day of your screening, it's normal to feel apprehensive. Try not to worry, as your nurse will do all they can to make the experience a positive one.

When you arrive for your screening, your nurse will ask you a few questions before starting the screening. These will be things like any medical history, and the date of your last period.

When it's time for the screening, the nurse will ask you to undress from the waist down. You'll lie back on the bed, and either put your feet into the rests, or put your feet together and drop your knees apart.

They'll gently put a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) into your vagina. A small amount of lubricant may be used. The nurse will open the speculum so they can see your cervix. There are different sizes of speculum, so if it's uncomfortable, you can ask for a smaller one.

Using a soft brush, the nurse will take a small sample of cells from your cervix. The brush has very bendy bristles on it and doesn't hurt. It can feel a little strange and uncomfortable though. 

The nurse will close and remove the speculum, and the screening will be done.

Results are expected 4 -6 weeks after your test. 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 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. This is a more detailed look at your cervix, done at the hospital.

It's totally normal to feel scared or anxious about attending your cervical screening, particularly if it's your first time, if you're overdue, or if you've had a bad experience or experienced trauma.

There are lots of things that can be done to improve your experience and ensure you are able to access this hugely important screening. Our team are highly experienced, particularly at supporting those who may struggle to access their screening elsewhere. 

• When booking your appointment, let the team know that you are worried. We'll be able to make a note, and put additional comforts in place.

• If you don't feel comfortable letting us know verbally, you can fill out one of our additional support forms, located in our clinics. Hand this to your nurse who will adjust the appointment to support you.

• Bring a friend - moral supporters are always welcome

• Attend one of our walk in clinics. This can help you make a spur of the moment decision, reducing the build up.