For some cervical screening is slightly uncomfortable or embarrassing, but for most it's not painful.
To make cervical screening more comfortable you could:
- bring someone with you for support - check when booking that it's OK to do this
- wear something you can leave on, like a skirt or long jumper
- bring something to listen to or read
What happens at your cervical screening appointment
Medicines to help make cervical screening comfortable
Certain symptoms or health conditions can affect cervical screening.
They can make cervical screening uncomfortable or painful. They can make a good quality cervical screening sample difficult for a GP or nurse to take.
But there is medicine that can help.
Non-urgent advice: Talk to your GP before booking your cervical screening appointment if you:
- have perimenopause or menopause symptoms
- find cervical screening uncomfortable or painful
- have vaginal discomfort
- have vaginal dryness
- have vaginal atrophy (thinning of the vaginal tissues)
- take long-term testosterone
They may prescribe you a tablet, gel or cream such as vaginal oestrogen for between 2 and 6 weeks before your appointment.
You will need to stop using this 48 hours before your appointment.
If you get your period
If you get your period contact the GP surgery or clinic to change your appointment.
48 hours before your appointment
Do not use any vaginal cream, moisturiser, lubricant or medicine such as vaginal oestrogen in the 48 hours before your appointment.
They can affect the cervical screening sample and results.
On the day of your appointment
On the day of your appointment bring your:
- PPS number
- reminder letter with you - if you have it
This will help us find your correct records and update them.
To make cervical screening more comfortable you could:
- bring someone with you for support - check when booking that it's OK to do this
- wear something you can leave on, like a skirt or long jumper
- bring something to listen to or read