So, you’ve had your cervical screening (smear test) and now you have received your results; but what do they mean?

Dr. Hannah lawrence-smith explains:

“HPV (Human papillomavirus) is a common virus and most people will get it at some point. You can get it through any kind of sexual contact.
HPV can stay in the body for many years. It can stay at very low or undetectable levels and not cause any problems. This means a HPV infection may have come from a partner a long time ago.
There are many different types of HPV, but only some high-risk types can lead to cancer.
There is no treatment for HPV. Most HPV infections do not cause any problems and are cleared by your body within 2 years.

Cervical screening samples are tested for types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. Testing for HPV first, rather than looking at the cells down a microscope, is proven to be a more sensitive test. It will help to find out more women with cervical cell abnormalities that may need treatment.

results:

1. HPV not found - you will be offered a screening test again in 3 to 5 years (depending on your age)
   If you have a negative result for the most common types of HPV that cause cervical cancer, your risk of cervical cancer is very low and there is no need to check for abnormal cells even if you have had these in the past.
   
   If you have a positive result for HPV we will check the sample for abnormal cells. Abnormal cells are not cancer, but they could develop into cancer if left untreated.

2. HPV found (HPV positive) but no abnormal cells
   You’ll be invited for a repeat smear in 1 year and again in another year if you still have HPV. If you still have HPV after 3 smears, you may need to have a different test to look at your cervix (colposcopy).

3. HPV found (HPV positive) and abnormal cells
   You will be invited for a colposcopy

During a colposcopy a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) is gently placed into your vagina to open it. A microscope is then used to look at your cervix in greater detail. The microscope stays outside your body.

A small sample of cells may be taken from your cervix for testing. This is called a biopsy.”

If you are overdue your smear test, please book one at the surgery!