Self Collected Cervical Screening Test - is it for you?

Cervical screening is the new name for the old Pap Smear. It is a screening test for Human Papilloma Virus - the virus that transforms the cervical cells into cervical cancer ( over many years). The test is done every 5 years in the same way we always did with a speculum examination and visualisation of the cervix. While it can be a little uncomfortable it should never be painful and don’t worry about manicuring down there, we’ve usually seen it all before and there are no judgements from me.

The CST is done every 5 years now if you are negative for the HPV. If you have a positive test it will either mean you will need to see a gynaecologist or have your test repeated in 12 months.

There are many types of HPV and we have narrowed it down to high risk and low risk types. So depending on your result you could be referred or asked to return the next year. This virus can be cleared by our own immune system hence why it is safe to wait 12 month to see if it has been cleared.

With the new self collect, you still need to see your GP to ensure you are eligible to do this. If you have previously had abnormal papsmear result or have symptoms then it may be more important to have a clinician review the cervix.

For someone who has always put their screening off this is for you! Again you will start with seeing your GP who will take a history and make sure you have no symptoms that warrant further investigation.

Most importantly if you are symptomatic it may mean you need more test including ruling out infection or pathology from the uterus.

If you do have any questions please talk to your GP. Primary prevention is our thing so we don’t want you to wait too long.