About cervical screening - Your cervical screening appointment
Where will I be screened?
You can have your cervical screening at your doctor’s surgery. It may be possible to have it at a sexual health clinic. If you would like to be seen by a female nurse or doctor, you can ask when booking your appointment.
Changing my appointment
If you need to change your appointment, contact your doctor’s surgery or sexual health clinic. Another appointment can be arranged.
Cervical screening appointments are limited. Let your doctor’s surgery or sexual health clinic know if you are not planning to attend, so they can offer your appointment to someone else.
If you missed your cervical screening appointment, contact your doctor’s surgery or sexual health clinic to arrange another appointment. It is important that you do not wait to be invited again.
What if I do not want to be screened?
If you do not want to be sent any future invitations, you can contact Cervical Screening Wales and we will send you an ‘opt out’ form.
If you decide to opt out of screening, you can choose to ‘opt in’ again at any time.
Preparing for my appointment
Before your appointment:
- Read the information we sent you.
- Contact your doctor’s surgery or clinic if you need support at your appointment.
- Contact your doctor’s surgery if you are a carer for the person who has been invited for screening, or you need help to get on and off an examination couch.
- Contact us if you have any questions about your invitation letter or leaflet.
You cannot have a test during your period. Make sure you make an appointment before or after your period is due. It is useful to know the date of your last period (if you are still having them).
If you are using vaginal medication that you insert into the vagina (e.g. creams, pessaries, or gels), please ensure that at least 72 hours have passed since your last dose before attending your cervical screening (smear) appointment. This is to help ensure the sample collected is as accurate and reliable as possible. If you’re unsure about the timing of your appointment in relation to your medication, please contact your sample taker for advice.
Some people may feel embarrassed especially if it is their first test. Let your sample taker know if you feel worried or anxious about having the test.
About the test
The test will be taken in a clinic room. Before the test is taken the sample taker will:
- Check your details.
- Talk to you about what the test involves.
- Ask about any medical problems you may have.
- Ask about any medication you are taking.
You will need to remove your underwear and get onto a couch. You will be asked to lie on your back, with your knees bent and your feet on the couch. Some clinics have special couches, which support your legs.
The sample taker will gently put a speculum (medical instrument) into your vagina. The speculum can be opened, so your cervix can be seen. They will then sweep a soft nylon brush over the cervix to take a sample of cells. The test will only take a few minutes.
Your cervix is the lower part of your womb (also called a ‘uterus’). It is sometimes called the ‘neck of the womb’. Your cervix connects with the top end of your vagina.
The sample will be put into a pot of fluid and the speculum will then be gently removed. The sample will be sent to the laboratory.
Some people may find the test uncomfortable. Tell the sample taker if you want to stop the test at any time. It is not unusual to have a small amount of bleeding afterwards.
Find answers to common questions about cervical screening in our frequently asked questions section.
Page last reviewed: 23rd January 2026