Treatments, options and pricing
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Standard Cervical Smear 30 Minutes: £220
During a standard cervical smear, following NHS screening guidelines, a healthcare provider takes a sample of cells from the cervix to test for HPV infection, helping to identify potential health risks.
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Detailed Cervical Smear 30 Minutes: £300
In a more detailed cervical smear, the healthcare provider follows a comprehensive procedure where they not only test for HPV infection but also carefully analyse cervical cells for any abnormalities, ensuring a thorough assessment of your cervical health.
Common Q&A about Cervical Smear
Our FAQ section is designed to address common questions you may have, from how our treatments work to what you can expect during and after your session.
Our team is always available to provide additional support if you need more personalised guidance, ensuring that you feel informed and confident every step of the way.
A cervical smear test, also known as a Pap smear or Pap test, is a screening procedure used to detect abnormal cells on the cervix, which could potentially develop into cervical cancer.
The test is important because it helps detect early changes in cervical cells before they turn cancerous. Early detection allows for timely intervention, which can prevent cervical cancer from developing.
Women and individuals with a cervix are generally recommended to start having cervical smear tests at age 21, or within three years of becoming sexually active, and continue at regular intervals as advised by their healthcare provider.
The frequency of testing depends on your age, medical history, and the results of previous tests. Typically, it’s recommended every 3-5 years, but your healthcare provider will give personalized advice based on your situation.
During the test, you’ll lie on an examination table, and a healthcare professional will gently insert a speculum into your vagina to access the cervix. They’ll then use a small brush or spatula to collect a sample of cells from the cervix. The procedure usually takes just a few minutes.
The test may cause some discomfort, but it generally isn’t painful. Some women may experience slight cramping or pressure during the procedure. If you feel significant pain, inform the healthcare provider immediately.
Results can be normal, unclear, or abnormal. A normal result means no abnormal cells were found. An unclear result means the test needs to be repeated or further testing is required. An abnormal result indicates changes in the cervical cells, which may require follow-up testing or treatment.
While the primary purpose of a cervical smear test is to detect abnormal cervical cells, it can sometimes identify signs of certain infections, like human papillomavirus (HPV), which is linked to cervical cancer. However, it’s not a comprehensive STI test.
It’s best to avoid sexual intercourse, douching, or using vaginal medications or hygiene products 24-48 hours before the test. Try to schedule the test when you’re not on your period, as blood can interfere with the results.
If your results are abnormal, don’t panic. Abnormal results don’t necessarily mean cancer. Your healthcare provider will discuss the findings with you and may recommend further testing, such as a colposcopy, or treatment to remove or monitor the abnormal cells.
