Key Information

The Goal: When a cervical screening (smear test) invitation arrives, it is completely natural to have questions. This guide outlines the simple path from receiving your letter to being ready for your appointment.

The Routine: We invite patients based on their age. You will get your first letter about six months before you turn 25, and then every five years until you are 64.

Important: Do Not Wait If You Have Symptoms

Cervical screening is purely for prevention and is designed for people who feel perfectly well and have no symptoms. It is not used to diagnose existing problems.

Red Flag Symptoms

If you are experiencing any of the following, please do not wait for a screening appointment:

• Unusual bleeding in between your periods.
• Bleeding during or after sex.
• Any bleeding at all after you have gone through the menopause.

Action: Contact us straight away through our online service so we can arrange an examination for you.

Booking Your Appointment

Booking is easy and flexible.

• Where: You can book here with us using our online service, or at a local sexual health clinic if you prefer.
• Missed an Invite?: If you have missed an invitation in the past, please do not worry. It is never too late. Just contact us and we will get you booked in.

Getting Ready for Your Test

To help us get the best possible sample, please follow these simple preparation steps:

• Timing: Try to book your appointment for a day when you are not on your period.
• 48 Hours Before: Avoid using any vaginal creams (unless advised by a doctor), spermicides, or lubricants.

Your Comfort is Our Priority

We want you to feel as prepared and comfortable as possible. If you are feeling very nervous or have a history of difficult smear tests, please tell us what you need when you book. You can always:

• Ask for a longer appointment so you don't feel rushed.
• Request that a female doctor or nurse performs the test.
• Ask to be booked into a specific women's health clinic with a clinician experienced in performing difficult smear tests.

Trans & Non-Binary Patients

If you are a trans man or non-binary person and you have a cervix, you are eligible for screening. We want to ensure you are receiving your invitations correctly. Please get in touch with our reception team so we can make sure you are properly registered on our system. We are here to support you.

What Happens Next?

If you have received your invitation or missed a previous one, please get in touch to book your appointment today. If you have symptoms, please reach out immediately.

Discuss Your Cervical Screening

Further Information

To learn more about cervical screening, including why it’s done, how to book and your results, please see the NHS website.

• Learn more about cervical screening

Last reviewed: 12 April 2026
Next review due: 12 April 2029