What is a smear test? And is it painful?

Have you ever wanted to ask more questions about cervical cancer screenings or smear tests but were worried you’d sound silly? Smear tests help to save thousands of lives in the UK every year. But it’s fair to say that they can feel overwhelming and nerve-wracking for some people. Remember, if you’re ever worried or unsure about anything, you should always ask your healthcare professional for more information. In the meantime, read on for our answers to some of the most pressing questions about smear tests. If you’ve ever wondered what smear tests actually are, why they’re essential or whether they’re painful, this is everything you need to know.

What is it? 

A smear test (or cervical screening) is offered to women aged 25 to 64 by the NHS (you can have a smear test at any age privately) and checks the health of your cervix to help prevent cancer. The screening will pick up human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, which, over time, can develop into cancer.

What does it mean to find abnormal cells?

First and foremost, getting abnormal results on your smear test does not mean you have cancer. Cervical screenings don’t diagnose cervical cancer. They’re designed to prevent cancer from happening – by checking for certain strains of HPV and cell changes, which may mean you’re at greater risk of developing the disease. These can then either be monitored or treated as required. If cell changes are detected during your screening, the next step is usually a colposcopy, which enables a healthcare professional to take a closer look at your cervix. If necessary, a small sample of cells (biopsy) may be taken for further testing.

What should you wear for a smear test?

You can wear anything you like, but for practicality and comfort, don’t wear a big jumper or a jumpsuit. Wear a maxi dress or some joggers which are easy to get on and off. So many women worry about being judged when they go for a smear test but please be assured that this is the last thing you need to worry about. Healthcare professionals have seen everything and wouldn’t be able to pick you out of a crowd afterwards. Smear test clinics tend to be more female-led which should put you at ease.

What actually happens during a smear test?

Your practitioner will ask you to lie on an examination bed and give you a clean paper sheet to cover the lower half of your body. You can either lie:

• On your back with your legs bent up, your ankles together, and your knees apart
• On your left side, with your knees bent.

Your practitioner will let you know when the test is about to start. First, they gently put a clean speculum into your vagina. A speculum is usually a plastic cylinder with a round end. This is the part that some people find slightly uncomfortable but not painful.

Once the speculum is inside your vagina, the practitioner will gently open it so they can see your cervix. They then use a small, soft brush to take a sample of cells from your cervix quickly. This may feel a bit strange but should not be painful.

Your practitioner will put your sample of cells into a small plastic container (vial) of liquid. The liquid preserves the cells so they can be sent to a lab for testing. And that’s it! Your practitioner will take the speculum out of your vagina and give you a private space to dress again. They will explain how and when you should get your results.

Is a cervical screening painful?

For most women, a smear test is not painful. When the speculum is inserted into the vagina, it might feel a little uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t hurt. When the cells are collected from the lining of the cervix with a soft brush, it might feel strange, but it shouldn’t cause any discomfort.

If you feel pain or discomfort at any point, you can ask the healthcare professional performing your smear test to stop and take a break.

If you’d like to learn more about our cervical cancer screening services or if you have any questions, click here to enquire.

Disclaimer: Please be aware that results and benefits may vary from patient to patient taking into consideration factors such as age, lifestyle and medical history.