Cervical screening
We know that a cervical examination can sometimes be a stressful and uncomfortable procedure. We also understand that this can be particularly difficult for survivors of sexual violence. A cervical smear might feel intrusive and upsetting and may trigger anxiety and distressing memories of trauma.
We have therefore created this page to provide information about cervical screening as well as some helpful self-care tips for when you attend your smear test.
What is a cervical screening test?
Cervical screening, also known as a smear test, is an examination carried out by a healthcare professional to check the health of your cervix.
Every person with a cervix aged 25 to 64 should be invited by letter to attend a screening. Cervical screening helps prevent cervical cancer by checking a sample from your cervix for certain strains of human papilloma virus (HPV).
If one of the high-risk strains of HPV is found, the sample is then tested to see if there are any changes to the cells. If you have HPV but there are no changes to the cells, then you will be asked back in 1 year for another screening to see if the HPV is still present. If the tests do show a change to the cells, then you will be asked to attend a colposcopy. A colposcopy is an examination of the cervix where the healthcare professional takes a closer look at your cervix, this is usually done in a hospital outpatient clinic.
Before the examination
If you have experienced sexual violence, whether you tell the healthcare provider that you are a survivor, is your choice.
You may not want to disclose this to the healthcare professional before the examination and this is okay, many survivors of sexual violence do not disclose their experience. Instead of disclosing, you may want to ask the professional about the examination, to see the equipment before the screening and you may want to tell them that you feel uneasy about the examination.
If you do wish to disclose your experience, you may want to take a trusted person with you for support or you might find it easier to write it down and hand it to the healthcare professional. Most healthcare professionals have seen hundreds of people and dealt with a variety of circumstances, there is nothing to be ashamed of. They are there to support you.
Your healthcare provider should gain your consent before carrying out the examination. You are not obliged to go through with the examination if you change your mind about it at any point, before or during the process.
If you are not sure whether you feel able to attend your cervical screening, you may want to book an appointment with your GP, practice nurse or sexual health professional to have an initial consultation and discuss the process, your worries and questions.
During the examination
It is important not to neglect your self-care when going through the process of cervical screenings; it is also important to be patient with yourself, and take things at whatever pace you need.
Some people find that music or sound is one way to relax during a screening or listening to a mindfulness meditation. Perhaps some music that helps relax you or something that helps to distract your thoughts. You can ask your healthcare professional if this is possible.
One technique that can be used is grounding. Grounding techniques can be useful to de-escalate heightened anxiety; we have more information on this in the Bitesize Mindfulness section on our website.
Remember that you can say ‘stop’ at any stage of the examination. Cervical screenings can be challenging and often overwhelming; it is okay to pause when you need to, and it is okay to feel you are not able to go through with it.
After the examination
Self-care is important before and after cervical screening, not just during. Take some time to think about what you need to do to look after yourself; this might be eating something you enjoy, having a bath or spending time with those close to you.
This experience can be extremely difficult if you are a survivor. You must remember to be kind to yourself.
If you need someone to talk to we are here for you.
To find out more about our services visit the link below.
