Cervical screening

Cervical screening checks for changes that can be treated before cancer develops. In the NHS programme, your sample is first tested for high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). If these are found, the sample is checked for changes to the cells that may need treatment to prevent cervical cancer.

The cervix is the opening of the womb into the vagina. Screening means taking a sample from it. New bleeding or discharge needs a medical appointment, even if your next screening date is a long way off. Screening is a separate check.

Check the programme and your invitation

This advice changed recently. From 1 July 2025, England changed the gap between routine screening invites from 3 to 5 years for people aged 25 to 49 whose test didn’t find HPV. In England, routine invites cover ages 25 to 64. If you’ve already been given an earlier date, or need closer follow-up, that still applies. Follow the date your screening service gives you.

The US uses different guidance. The table shows routine screening for people at average risk who have no symptoms. If you’ve had cervical cancer, serious cell changes that could lead to cancer, or a weakened immune system, you may need a separate plan. Ask your clinician which advice and test they’re using.

Programme or guidance	Routine approach
England, ages 25 to 64	Invites usually every 5 years. Your own follow-up can be sooner.
US USPSTF, ages 21 to 29	Cervical cytology, often called a Pap test, every 3 years.
US ACOG, ages 30–65	HPV testing alone every five years is preferred. Taking your own HPV sample every three years is an option.
US USPSTF, ages 30 to 65	HPV testing alone every 5 years, cytology alone every 3 years, or both together every 5 years.

Each row follows the advice of the organisation named, so the plans differ. ACOG’s newer advice adds taking your own sample and prefers HPV testing alone. The type of test you have matters when you book your next one. In other UK nations and other countries, ask the local programme for its current rules on invites and follow-up.

What happens after self-sampling

In England, HPV self-testing is offered to eligible people who haven’t come when invited. A kit is sent to the address they choose. They take a sample and post it to the lab. This offer doesn’t replace screening by a clinician for everyone.

A sample you take yourself can’t cover every part of follow-up. In England, if HPV is found, a clinician takes a sample from the cervix for more tests and to check the cells. In the US, ACOG says self-sampling needs a service that can share results and arrange follow-up. Before you use a kit, ask how you’ll get your results.

Making a clinic appointment more manageable

When a clinician does the screening, a nurse or doctor puts a speculum (a smooth tool) into your vagina to see the cervix. They use a soft brush to take the sample. You can ask for a smaller speculum, a different position or someone to come with you. You can ask them to stop at any time.

If you’re a trans man or non-binary and have a cervix, screening still applies to you. In England, your details at your GP surgery can affect whether you’re invited automatically. If you’re not getting invites, contact your GP surgery, sexual health service or gender clinic. Having sex only with women doesn’t remove the risk of cervical cancer.

Results and getting the right help

The message with your results says whether HPV was found and what happens next. Follow-up may mean another sample, or a colposcopy, which is a closer look at the cervix. Ask the screening team to explain your own result and appointment plan. The general timings above can’t replace those instructions.

If your results haven’t arrived when expected, contact the clinic or GP surgery. Book a GP appointment in the UK, or see your doctor in the US or elsewhere, for bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause, or unusual vaginal discharge. Don’t wait for your next screening invite.