Why Women Need Their Smear Tests

There’s a lot of negativity and uncertainty around smear tests, with a lot of women avoiding them for fear they’ll be uncomfortable. But the main reason they’re worried is that they don’t know how it all works! So today we’re going to bust some myths and walk you through a smear test step by step, so that you aren’t afraid of getting this vital healthcare procedure done. Especially since this month is cervical cancer awareness month!

What is a Smear Test?

A smear test (or a cervical screening as it’s often called) is a preventative health check designed for anyone with a cervix. It’s designed to detect HPV (Human Papillomavirus if you want the fancy wording) and abnormal cell changes, which, if found, can help doctors prevent cervical cancer from developing.

There’s a lot of worry about having a smear test done. After all, it’s a very intimate area, and our healthcare system isn’t great at managing women's pain in that regard. But the good news is, there’s no pain involved at all! Just a few minutes of minor discomfort. Here’s how it works:

Preparation: You’ll be asked to remove your lower clothing and underwear and lie on the exam table. When the nurse (or doctor, but usually a nurse) is ready, they’ll ask you to spread your legs nice and wide, and shuffle down the bed so that you’re in the right position.

Procedure: The nurse will then lubricate and gently insert a speculum into your vagina. This is a medical decide made of plastic or metal that allows medical professionals to gently open your vagina so that they can view your cervix. It’s a little uncomfortable, but no different to inserting a sex toy without warming up properly. 

Cell Collection: They will then use a small, soft brush to gently sweep the surface of your cervix. This brush is designed to capture cells in its bristles with minimal contact, and the actual collection only takes 10-30 seconds.

That’s it! Just clean up and you’re good to go. The whole procedure itself can take a few minutes, but we can guarantee you’ll be in and out in almost no time. It really is a simple, quick and easy test, so the benefits hugely outweigh any negatives.

What Does it Look For?

HPV: The main point of the smear test is to check for high-risk HPV. It’s a common virus that often clears up on its own. But don’t be fooled - it also causes most cervical cancers, which is why it’s so important to have smear tests done. 

Cell changes: If the initial test does find HPV, the lab will then check the cells that were taken for abnormalities. Changes or abnormalities in your cervical cells could be a sign that something’s wrong.

Early Detection: Screening like this means changes can be caught early, and if abnormalities are found, they can be treated to prevent cancer from developing. Regular cervical screenings have significantly reduced the number of cervical cancer deaths since the program was put in place.

The problem is, a lot of people still aren’t getting them done. Because of the nature of the procedure, a lot of people feel uncomfortable about it, and avoid having it done at all. And while yes, we’ll admit it’s no box of chocolates, the whole process is finished in less than 5 minutes, and only has to be done every 3 years. When you compare that to potentially developing cervical cancer without realising until it’s too late, isn’t the few minutes of mild discomfort worth it?

Who Should Get Tested?

Anyone with a cervix who is between 25 and 64. That includes women, trans men, and anyone else who happens to have a cervix. This isn’t about how you identify, but making sure you’re getting the right healthcare for your anatomy. 

The NHS generally issues invitations for smear tests to everyone in that category every 3 years from the year you turn 25. This changes to every 5 years once you hit 50. It’s so important that you attend these screenings, even if you’ve had the HPV vaccine, since the HPV vaccine doesn’t protect against all variations of the HPV virus, and it doesn’t treat existing infections.

Remember, around 3,300 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in the UK every year, and causes around 860 deaths a year. It’s the 14th most common cancer in women (or anyone owning a cervix), and it’s one that’s easily prevented with regular cervical screenings. The HPV vaccine brought the rate down hugely, but it still only gives you up to 87% protection if it’s given between 12 and 13. The WHO estimate that by combining more effective screening and the vaccine, 99.8% of cervical cancer cases will be prevented. Which would be such an amazing thing to see!

So stop putting it off. Get your smear test done today. You’ll sleep sounder once you have.