General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
Cervical screening is offered from age 25 to 65 unless your doctor advises otherwise. It looks for abnormalities before symptoms appear, following a schedule suited to your circumstances.
From 25 to 29, testing examines cervical cells; from 30 to 65, it looks for high-risk HPV. Bring your previous result so the next due date can be checked.
A GP, gynaecologist or midwife can collect the sample. A laboratory can also do so on a medical prescription: confirm its arrangements before making an appointment there.
Ask how sampling works. Your consent is required and you can ask for the examination to stop. Discuss concerns and mention pregnancy or any local vaginal treatment.
If you have an invitation, show it to the professional. Ask separately about coverage for the analysis, sample collection and consultation, because their reimbursement rules are not all the same.
Ask how you will receive the result and arrange follow-up if it is abnormal. Bleeding outside periods or after sex needs medical advice without waiting for your next screening.
Sources
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