Cervical screening is a health test that checks the cervix, which is the entrance to the womb. A small sample of cells is taken and sent to a lab, where experts look for a virus called HPV (human papillomavirus). This virus can sometimes cause changes in the cells that might lead to cancer if not treated. The test only takes a few minutes and can be a little uncomfortable but doesn’t usually hurt. It helps find problems early, so they can be fixed before they get serious.

People aged 24.5 to 64 who have a cervix will be invited for cervical screening. This includes women, trans men with a cervix, and non-binary people with a cervix. To get an invite, you need to be registered at a GP surgery and listed as female.

If you are pregnant, it is usual to wait until 12 weeks after the baby is born to have your smear - however if you have any concerns discuss this with your GP.

People with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, or autism still need the test. The GP or nurse can make changes to help you feel more comfortable — these are called reasonable adjustments.

If you’re not sure if you need to go, call your GP surgery and ask to speak to a nurse.

When you're eligible, you’ll receive an invitation to book your appointment from the national screening service.

How You’ll Be Invited:

From June 2025 you will receive your invitation via the NHS App. Please ensure notifications are enabled.
If you don’t have the NHS App, you’ll be contacted by SMS or a letter sent in the post.

When You’ll Be Invited:

• Under 25:
  You’ll receive your first invitation around 6 months before your 25th birthday.

• Ages 25 to 49:
  If your result shows low risk or no HPV, from July 2025, you’ll now be invited every 5 years - providing your two most recent smears (inluding this one) does not show high risk HPV.
  If you’re at higher risk HPV, you’ll be recalled more frequently – when you get your results it will tell you when your next test is due.

• Ages 50 to 64:
  You will be invited every 5 years.

• Age 65 or older:
  You’ll only be invited if your last screening showed something that needs further checks.

Once you receive your invitation, you can either book online through the NHS App or contact your GP surgery to book your cervical screening appointment.

If you are registered as female with a GP, you will be automatically invited for cervical screening.

If you are registered as male but have a cervix, you can still be invited. You will need to ask your GP to make sure you get the letter.

You can book your appointment as soon as you get your letter.

If you missed your last cervical screening, you don’t have to wait for another letter — you can still book an appointment.

If you have any questions before your appointment, you can ask to speak to a nurse. If the nurse is busy, you can ask for them to call you back.