Cervical screening and HPV testing

Cervical cancer is largely preventable. A cervical smear test or an HPV test at the right time can detect cell changes before they cause problems, allowing them to be monitored or treated. At Badagine, we tailor screening to your age, medical history and vaccination status.

What is cervical screening?

Cervical screening is a set of tests offered to people without symptoms to detect early changes in the cells of the cervix. Most of these changes are associated with persistent infection with a high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is very common, and in most cases the immune system clears the infection naturally.

Cervical smear test and HPV test

Both tests are performed during a gynaecological examination, using a quick sample taken from the cervix.

• Cervical smear (cytology): examines cervical cells for abnormalities.
• HPV test: detects high-risk HPV and, when positive, may identify higher-risk genotypes such as HPV 16 and 18.

Screening generally starts at age 25. Depending on age and previous results, cytology, HPV testing or both may be used. Your gynaecologist will recommend the appropriate interval. After a negative HPV test, the interval before the next test may be up to five years. Read our latest articles for updates on screening recommendations.

How to prepare

As a general rule, avoid sexual intercourse and vaginal products (such as pessaries, creams or douches) for the 48 hours before the test. The test should not usually be performed during your period. Sampling is quick and may cause mild discomfort; tell us if you experience pain so we can adapt the examination.

What happens if the result is abnormal?

An abnormal result or a positive HPV test does not mean that you have cancer. It means that further assessment or follow-up may be needed. The next step depends on the HPV genotype and cytology result. It may involve repeating the test after an appropriate interval or arranging a colposcopy.

Colposcopy uses magnification to examine the cervix and, if necessary, take a small biopsy. If a precancerous lesion such as CIN2 is confirmed, monitoring or treatment is considered according to age, test results and plans for future pregnancy.

HPV vaccination and screening

Vaccinated people still need cervical screening. Current vaccines do not cover every cancer-causing HPV type and do not treat an infection acquired before vaccination. Your vaccination history may be relevant when deciding on the screening interval.

When can screening stop?

Screening may usually stop at age 65 when there is an adequate history of screening and recent negative results. If your screening history is incomplete or unavailable, continued testing may be recommended. After a hysterectomy for benign disease, screening may be stopped in the absence of previous high-grade cervical lesions; this should be confirmed with your clinician.

When should you book an appointment?

• You cannot remember when you last had a smear test or HPV test.
• You experience bleeding after sex, between periods or after menopause.
• You have persistent unusual vaginal discharge or pelvic pain.
• You have received an abnormal result and would like follow-up or a second opinion.

This page is for information only and does not replace a medical consultation. Content reviewed by Dr D. Barazi del Pino, Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, COMB registration no. 41308.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I have a smear test or HPV test?

It depends on your age, medical history and the test used. Following a negative HPV test, the interval may be up to five years. Your gynaecologist will advise you individually.

Is a smear test painful?

It is quick and may cause mild discomfort, but it should not be painful. Please tell us if you feel uncomfortable so we can adjust the examination.

Does a positive HPV test mean I have cancer?

No. HPV is very common and often clears without treatment. Depending on the genotype and cytology result, we may repeat the test or recommend colposcopy.

Do I still need screening if I have had the HPV vaccine?

Yes. Vaccines do not cover every high-risk HPV type, so screening remains important. The interval may be adapted to your circumstances.