Yes. The types of HPV that can cause changes in the cells of your cervix are transmitted through any sexual contact. This includes penetrative sex and other types of sexual activity, such as skin-to-skin contact of the genital area or using sex toys.
Cervical cancer screening
All women and people with a cervix in Scotland aged 25 to 64 are routinely invited for a cervical screening (smear) test every 5 years. You’ll get a letter through the post asking you to make an appointment for a test.
Cervical screening is a quick test to check your cervix for the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus that causes most cervical cancers but has no symptoms.
If you’re eligible and have missed or not attended a screening appointment, don’t worry; contact your GP practice to schedule a suitable time.
- The cervix is part of the female reproductive system. It’s inside the body and joins the top of the vagina to the lower part of the uterus (womb).
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I go for cervical screening if…
Attending cervical screening is a personal choice. However it is the best way of finding out if you’re at risk of cervical cancer.
There are usually no symptoms with HPV or changes in your cervical cells, and sometimes no symptoms with early stage cervical cancer.
Screening is therefore important as it can pick up changes even if you feel fine. Finding changes at an early rather than late stage means they’re easier to treat. In fact, 9 out of 10 people survive cervical cancer if it’s found and treated early.
- Cervical screening does not detect other cancers of the reproductive system, such as ovary, womb, vulval or vaginal cancer.
Real stories
I’d encourage everyone to go for their smear test. I was around a year late booking my smear test appointment so I was so fortunate that it was found at an early stage. It’s easy to put off, but I’d say that ten minute test is nothing compared to what you could be going through. It could save your life.
The cervical screening (smear) test involves taking a sample of cells from your cervix. The doctor or nurse uses a speculum to gently open your vagina so that they can see your cervix to take a sample with a small, soft brush.
The sample is checked for human papillomavirus (HPV). If HPV is found, your sample is then checked for cell changes.
Testing for HPV is an effective way of finding out if you’re at risk of developing cervical cancer. That’s why, if no HPV is found, you’ll be invited for your next cervical screening appointment in 5 years’ time, regardless of age. This is because evidence has shown your chance of developing cervical cancer in this time is very low. If HPV is found, you will either be referred for further tests or invited for screening more frequently, depending on the type of cell changes you may have.
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Tips for feeling more comfortable
If you’re worried about going for your test, here are a few things you can do to feel calmer on the day:
- If you feel comfortable wearing a skirt or dress, it may help you feel more covered. You can keep it on during the test and only take off your underwear.
- You can ask for a female nurse or GP.
- Speculums come in different sizes. If you find the standard size too uncomfortable, you can ask to try another size.
- Lying on your back may feel uncomfortable for lots of reasons. You can ask to lie on your left-hand side with your knees bent.
- If you have gone through or are going through the menopause, it can sometimes make the test more uncomfortable. You can ask your nurse or doctor to prescribe you a vaginal oestrogen cream or pessary, which may help.
And always remember, the nurse or doctor are there to help. So ask any questions you want and take it as slow as you like.
expands the full quotation and moves focus to the start of the 2nd paragraph, so you can continue to read the full quoteI’ve done hundreds, if not thousands, of smear tests during my career so far. It can be a nervous time for some women so I do what I can to put them at ease and always remind them that there’s no such thing as a silly question.
Afterwards, most women – especially those that have gone for the first time - are surprised by how quickly it’s all over. It takes just minutes, and could stop cancer before it starts, so I’d encourage all women to think twice before they add their invite to a pile of unopened mail or forget about it completely.
Remember, there are practice nurses and GPs across Scotland, just like me, waiting to help protect you from cervical cancer.
As well as regularly attending screening appointments it’s also important to continue to be aware of cervical cancer symptoms.
If you notice any unusual or persistent changes contact your GP practice.