Cervical Screening
Cervical Screening
We offer cervical screening to check the health of your cervix and help prevent cervical cancer. We look for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). This is because it can cause abnormal changes that may lead to cervical cancer.
Finding and treating any changes early can prevent most cases of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer mostly affects women and people who have a cervix under the age of 45, but abnormal changes can happen at any age.
We routinely invite women aged 25 to 64 every 5 years. Most cervical cancers develop between these ages. Cervical screening saves thousands of lives each year in the UK.
Your cervical screening will be carried out by our Practice Nurses.
They’ll take a sample of cells from your cervix with a soft brush for testing at a lab. After this, most people will not need any further tests.
If we find high-risk HPV in your sample, we also check for any abnormal changes in the cells. This helps to make cervical screening results more accurate.
If we find changes, you may need a different test called a colposcopy to look at your cervix more closely. We’ll offer you an appointment to discuss this if you need it.
For further information go to www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/cervical
Further help and support for cervical screening – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
What a smear is: What happens at your cervical screening appointment – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Information about smears in other languages: Cervical screening: leaflet for women considering screening – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Contraception
We provide all methods of contraception including implants and IUCDs (copper coil and Mirena or hormone coil). For further information please ask at reception or go to www.sexwise.org.uk.
Emergency Contraception
If you have had unprotected sex, you can use emergency contraception contact us, Victoria Health Centre or Pharmacy First for support.
Sexual Health
You can have a sexual health check-up at any age. For further information on chlamydia screening go to www.chlamydiascreening.nhs.uk