Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

The following questions are most commonly asked by women attending for their free smear test:

About CervicalCheck:
Having a smear test:
Results of your smear test:
If you have a not normal smear test result
Colposcopy
Smear tests and pregnancy:
More information

 

What is CervicalCheck?

CervicalCheck - The National Cervical Screening Programme is a Government-funded service that provides free smear tests to women aged 25 to 60.

What is cervical screening?

Cervical screening tests women for changes in the cells of the cervix (neck of the womb) by a smear test.

 

How can I be part of the programme?

To be part of the programme, you can arrange a smear test appointment with any registered smeartaker of your choice. Thousands of GPs, practice nurses, Women's Health, Family Planning and Well Woman Clinics all over Ireland are registered and you can see a full list in the 'Find a Smeartaker' section of this site. CervicalCheck also sends invitation letters to women who are on the CervicalCheck register. You can check that you are on the register in the 'Check Your Registration/Eligibility' section of this site. If you are not on the register you can add or update your personal details. If you have any questions you can call CervicalCheck on Freephone 1800 45 45 55.

Women who have already had a CervicalCheck smear test since the start of the programme in September 2008 will automatically be re-called by letter when their next smear test is due.

Women must sign the Cervical Cytology Form to take part in the programme and avail of a free CervicalCheck smear test. This allows CervicalCheck to receive, hold and use a woman's personal details and information about her smear test sample. This may include post-smear samples and colposcopy results. The Cervical Cytology Form has an information sheet attached to it explaining the smear test process and why consent is needed. The information sheet is available to women in Polish, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Irish, Latvian, Lithuanian, Romanian, Russian and Spanish.

What is the CervicalCheck register?

CervicalCheck has developed a Cervical Screening Register (CSR). This is a list of eligible women aged 25 to 60 from information received from the Department of Social and Family Affairs, from self-registration and colposcopy details.

The CervicalCheck register (list) is a secure electronic database that contains your name, address, date of birth and Personal Public Service Number (PPS No.). The register (list) also records your smear test results and any related procedures that you might have had.

Be assured that your information is secure. To maintain confidentiality, you will be given a unique identification number by the CervicalCheck register. To keep the register (list) up to date, please let us know if there is any change to your personal details such as name or address.

The Health (Provision of Information) Act 1997 allows CervicalCheck to get your name, address and date of birth so that we can invite you for regular free smear tests.

Why do I have to give my consent?

You are asked to sign a consent form - the Cervical Cytology Form - prior to having a CervicalCheck smear test. This consent allows CervicalCheck to receive, hold and use your personal details and information about your smear test sample. This may include past smear test samples and colposcopy results.

CervicalCheck, your smeartaker, the laboratory and/or the colposcopy clinic may use your information to tell you if you need any follow-up treatment and when to have your next smear test.

CervicalCheck may use your information to invite you to take part in research. It is your choice to take part or not.

The slide of your smear test may be used in teaching and review to ensure the quality of the programme.

Your name will never be included in any reports, teaching or reviews.

The Cervical Cytology Form has an information sheet attached to it explaining the smear test process and why your consent is needed. The information sheet is available to women in Arabic, French, German, Irish, Latvian, Lithuanian, Mandarin Chinese, Polish, Romanian, Russian and Spanish. These are available to view and download from the 'Information leaflets' section in 'Publications' on this website.

What if I do not consent?

If you do not consent you can not have a CervicalCheck smear test.

Why does CervicalCheck ask for my Personal Public Service Number (PPS No.)?

A Personal Public Service Number (PPS No.) helps the programme to correctly identify you and register your details.

How will CervicalCheck use my information?

We will use your details to:

  • Invite you for a free CervicalCheck smear test when your test is due
  • Advise you if any further treatment is needed or when to have your next smear test
  • Help to review CervicalCheck and find out how well it is working by including details in statistics and reports
  • Possibly invite you to take part in research

Back to Top

I have received an invitation letter, what do I do now?

You need to make an appointment to have a free smear test with any smeartaker (GP or practice nurse) that is registered with CervicalCheck. GPs, Women’s Health, Family Planning and Well Woman Clinics all over Ireland are registered to take smear tests. Many GP practices and clinics have a choice of either a male or a female smeartaker. Click on this link to find all registered smeartakers. http://www.cervicalcheck.ie/screening_locations/find_a_smeartaker.494.stsearch.html

I have received an invitation letter but I am unable to attend for a smear test at the moment, do I need to re-register?

You do not need to re-register with the Programme. Attend for your smear test when it is appropriate for you, however, CervicalCheck will send you reminder letters. There is no expiry date on your invitation letter.

Having a smear test

What is a smear test and how is it taken?

A smear test (sometimes called a pap test) is used for cervical screening. It is a simple procedure where a doctor or nurse (smeartaker) takes a sample of cells from the cervix (neck of the womb) to look for early changes on the cells of the cervix. A smear test can identify cell changes before they become cancer cells. If these cells are not found and treated, they could become cancerous over time.

A smear test is a very simple procedure that takes approximately five minutes. It may be slightly uncomfortable but should not be painful. It is expected that the entire appointment should generally take about 15 minutes in the doctor's surgery or health clinic.

You may lie on your side or on your back for your smear test. The doctor or nurse taking the test will gently insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina to hold it open. The cervix is the area where the top of the vagina leads to the uterus (womb). The doctor or nurse will use a small, specialised broom to gently brush off a sample of cells from the cervix. This sample is sent to the laboratory to be checked.

A smear test is not a diagnostic test. It is not required for clinical investigation of fibroids, cysts, heavy or painful periods or pain during intercourse. A smear test is not used to detect any changes in the womb, the fallopian tubes or the ovaries. If you have any concerns about any of these issues you should speak to your GP or nurse.

I have fibroids, cysts, heavy or painful periods or pain during intercourse, do I need to have a smear test?

A smear test is not a diagnostic test. It is not required for clinical investigation of fibroids, cysts, heavy or painful periods or pain during intercourse. A smear test is not used to detect any changes in the womb, the fallopian tubes or the ovaries. If you have any concerns about any of these issues you should speak to your GP or nurse.

Who should have a smear test?

Women aged 25 to 60 should have a regular smear test and continue to have regular smear tests after the menopause. If you are aged over 60 years and have never had a smear test, please contact your local CervicalCheck registered smeartaker to discuss your cervical screening needs. A woman over 60 who has not had a free CervicalCheck programme smear test before is entitled to do so.

Why should I have this test?

Quite simply, having a regular smear test could save your life.

I am under 25 why am I not screened?

International best practice recommends that a population based cervical screening programme should target women aged from 25. Based on evidence to date, there is no additional public health benefit in starting screening below the age of 25. In women under the age of 25, minor changes in the cells of the cervix are common but invasive cancer is extremely rare. Population based screening in women under the age of 25 may lead to many women receiving unnecessary treatment for not normal cells that would never have developed into cancer.

I am over 60; can I have a smear test?

Yes, women over 60 can avail of a CervicalCheck free smear test. You do not need to register to have your smear test, simply make an appointment with a CervicalCheck registered smeartaker. Once you have had this smear test you are automatically part of the Programme.

Where can I have a smear test?

Currently, you can choose to have a free smear test from any smeartaker (doctor or nurse) registered with CervicalCheck. Many GP practices and clinics have a choice of a male or a female smeartaker.

For details of registered smeartakers, contact CervicalCheck on Freephone 1800 45 45 55 or visit www.cervicalcheck.ie. Please have your Personal Public Service Number (PPS No.) with you when you go to have your smear test.

Can I choose the smeartaker (doctor or practice nurse) who will take my smear test?

Yes. CervicalCheck has registered over 4,150 smeartakers in GP practices, Women's Health, Family Planning and Well Woman Clinics nationwide. In many registered practices and clinics, women have the choice of attending a doctor or practice nurse for their free smear test. In addition, many can offer a choice between a female or male smeartaker.

How often should I have a smear test?

After the first smear test, women aged 25 to 44 should have a smear test every three years. Women aged 45 to 60 should have a free smear test every five years once they have had two 'no abnormality detected' smear test results at three yearly intervals.

Once part of the programme, CervicalCheck will advise you when your next free smear test is due. If you have any unusual or irregular vaginal bleeding, spotting or discharge, these are not reasons to have your smear test repeated sooner than recommended. However, you should not wait for your next smear test – contact your doctor immediately.

When is the best time to have a smear test?

The best time to attend for your smear test is mid-cycle - that is 10 to 14 days after the first day of your period (if you are having periods). If you are not having periods or are menopausal, you can attend for your smear test at any time as long as you are not bleeding.

I am not sexually active; do I need a smear test?

CervicalCheck invites all women between the ages of 25 and 60 for cervical screening. But if you have never been sexually active with a man or woman, then the research evidence shows that your chance of developing cervical cancer is low. We do not say there is no risk, only a very low risk. In these circumstances, you might choose to decline the invitation for cervical screening on this occasion. If you are not currently sexually active but have had partners in the past, then we would recommend that you continue screening.

Should women who have sex with women have a smear test?

Yes, screening recommendations do not differ for women who sleep with women or lesbians regardless of their history with men.

I have had a hysterectomy; do I need a smear test?

If you have had a hysterectomy, you should check with your doctor to see if you need to continue having regular smear tests. In general, the need to screen after a hysterectomy will depend on whether you have a cervix.

The results of your smear test

Results

The result of your test will be available from your smeartaker. CervicalCheck will send you a letter about your results within four weeks of your smear test. Most smear test results are found to be normal. Please try not to worry if you are called back for another test. For women who receive a not normal result, the doctor or practice nurse will explain the result and advise you of recommended follow-up.

If your result is not normal you may need to have another free smear test or a more detailed examination of the cervix using a type of microscope. This test is called a colposcopy. A colposcopy is free of charge as part of the CervicalCheck programme. If you decide to be referred as a private patient using your private health insurance you will have to pay a fee. If there are cell changes on your cervix they can be easily treated to prevent them developing into cancer cells.

I need a copy of my results, where can I get them?

You should contact your smeartaker if you need a copy of your results.

If you have a not normal smear test result

I have had a not normal smear test result. Have I got cancer?

It is very rare for a not normal smear test result to mean you have cancer. About one in 20 women will have a not normal smear test whereas about one in 2,000 will have cervical cancer. That means approximately one per cent of women with any grade of not normal smear test will have a cancer.

I got a not normal smear test result, is it my partner's fault?

No. A not normal smear test is not a form of sexually transmitted disease. Smear tests generate a lot of worry. Hopefully much of this can be avoided by understanding the answers to these questions.

Can my partner catch CIN/not normal cells?

No.

What is HPV and is my not normal smear test due to sex?

HPV or human papilloma virus is an extremely common virus transmitted via skin on skin contact. Approximately eight out of 10 adults have had the infection at some time throughout their lives and it rarely produces any effects but about five per cent of women have a not normal smear test. One to two per cent will develop pre-cancerous cells and a tiny minority of these progress to get cervical cancer. There is no blame on you, your current or any other partner.

Colposcopy

What is a colposcopy?

A colposcopy is a simple examination that is carried out in the same way as a smear test. A doctor or nurse will look at the cervix using a type of microscope called a colposcope. During the examination, a liquid or dye may be applied to the cervix to help identify any changes to the cells. If you are pregnant you should still attend for your colposcopy.

Where do I go for a colposcopy examination?

A colposcopy is carried out at a colposcopy clinic based in a hospital. This takes place on an out-patient basis. The colposcopy examination takes about 10 minutes. If you receive treatment at the same time, it may take a little longer. Further information on colposcopy clinics is available on this page www.cervicalcheck.ie/information_professionals/colposcopy_clinics.554.html.

How long do I have to wait for a colposcopy?

The purpose of cervical screening is to detect and remove pre-cancerous abnormalities on the cells of the cervix. Colposcopy services are an integral part of a cervical cancer screening programme. Additional resources were put in place by the National Cancer Screening Service to ensure increased capacity and improvements in the quality of the colposcopy services offered to women. Since the start of the CervicalCheck programme in September 2008, greater capacity in colposcopy services has meant increased numbers of high grade disease detected.

The target waiting times for a CervicalCheck colposcopy are:

  • Two weeks for an urgent referral.
  • Four weeks for high grade (HG) cell changes.
  • Eight weeks for low grade (LG) cell changes.

Click here to view the current (end of November 2011) waiting times at each of the 15 CervicalCheck colposcopy services.

Do I need to pay to attend a colposcopy clinic?

A colposcopy is free of charge as part of the CervicalCheck programme. If you decide to be referred as a private patient using your private health insurance you will have to pay a fee.

What can I expect at the colposcopy clinic?
You will be seen by friendly staff who are dedicated to the colposcopy clinic. They will understand how you may be worried and will take time to discuss your smear test result before the examination. You will be examined on a purpose-built couch. The cervix is viewed using a speculum (the instrument needed for your smear test to be taken) and then examined with the colposcope (a type of microscope). This does not go inside you. The doctor or nurse will put a number of different liquids on the cervix and look for changes that indicate the presence or otherwise of not normal cells.
What can I expect after a treatment at colposcopy?
It is not unusual to have ‘period like’ discomfort or stomach cramps. This will normally settle down after a few hours. If you need to take pain relief, use the tablets you would normally take for a headache or period pain, preferably a non-Aspirin product. You should take this medication following the dosage instructions on the package.

It is normal to have vaginal discharge for four to six weeks after a colposcopy treatment. This discharge may be red-brown in colour initially (looking like the tail end ofa period) and will change as healing takes place. If the bleeding is heavier than during your period, if it lasts longer than six weeks, or if you have a discharge that smells, you could have an infection and may need antibiotics. You should contact your GP or the colposcopy clinic where you had your treatment. It takes four to six weeks for your cervix to heal. During this time you should avoid sex and wearing tampons to reduce the risk of infection. It is advisable to wear sanitary towels during this time. You should use the shower rather than take a bath for six weeks following a colposcopy treatment. You should not carry out heavy work or exercise such as vacuuming, golf or swimming for the first few days following a treatment. The first period you have after having a colposcopy treatment may be heavier than normal but your periods should then return to normal. If you have any concerns or need further information or help please contact the colposcopy clinic where you had your treatment by telephone or see the list of colposcopy clinics on the CervicalCheck website http://www.cervicalcheck.ie/information_professionals/colposcopy_clinics.554.html

Will treatment to my cervix alter my periods?

There is no evidence that the flow during your period is increased or that how regularly you have your periods is changed by treatment.

Can treatment to my cervix affect future pregnancies?
Any treatment has to involve a balance between removing any problem cells and minimising any possible harm. The aim of the treatment is to remove as little tissue as possible while making sure the treatment is successful. The more of your cervix that is removed then the less tissue remains to support future pregnancies. Your colposcopist (person who carries out your treatment), will be aware of this and you should feel free to discuss any concerns you may have with your colposcopist.

If you have had multiple treatments and are pregnant or considering a pregnancy then you should inform your doctor or obstetrician (a doctor who delivers babies) about your treatment at the colposcopy clinic.

Back to Top

What if I need more information about a treatment at colposcopy, who do I call?
If you have any questions about your treatment at colposcopy you should contact the colposcopy clinic where you had your treatment. For a list of colposcopy clinics follow this link http://www.cervicalcheck.ie/information_professionals/colposcopy_clinics.554.html.
Is there additional information available online in relation to colposcopy?
See the useful links page http://www.cervicalcheck.ie/useful_links/useful_links.449.html for more information.

Smear tests and pregnancy

I am pregnant and have received an invitation letter, what do I do?

If you are due your routine smear test and you are pregnant then the smear test can be delayed until three months after your you give birth.

Back to Top

My last result was not normal and now I am pregnant, what should I do?

A not normal result will not affect your pregnancy. If you have had a not normal result and a repeat smear test is due then you can discuss this with your smeartaker. If you have been referred to colposcopy you should attend your appointment. You can discuss this issue with your smeartaker if more information is needed.

Can not normal smear tests affect my pregnancy?

A not normal smear test has no affect on pregnancy. Occasionally women may experience slight bleeding after having a smear test in pregnancy but a smear test will not make you more likely to miscarry or lose your baby.

I have had a baby; do I need a smear test?

You do not require a smear test after having a baby unless you are due to have a smear test.

I have had a miscarriage and have received an invitation letter, what do I do?

You should wait three months before you attend for your smear test.

More information

I would like to know more about the HPV vaccine

If you would like to know more about the HPV vaccine you should contact the Department of Health and Children who can provide you with information on the vaccine or visit www.hpv.ie.

About cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is a cancer of the cells of the cervix (neck of the womb). Cervical cancer is the second most common female cancer in Europe. Cervical cells change slowly and take many years to develop into cancer cells, making cervical cancer a preventable disease.

Does cervical cancer run in the family?

No. Daughters and other female relatives of women with not normal smear tests, pre-cancerous cells (CIN) or cervical cancer do not have an increased risk of not normal smear tests, pre-cancerous cells or cervical cancer.

How can I reduce my risk of getting cervical cancer?
  • Have a regular smear test to pick up any early changes
  • Stop smoking
  • Visit your doctor if you have any concerns or symptoms such as irregular vaginal bleeding, spotting or discharge
CervicalCheck information leaflets

To view CervicalCheck information leaflets, please click here.

CervicalCheck podcasts / audio clips

click here.

Frequently asked questions

Freephone information line: 1800 45 45 55
CervicalCheck - The National Cervical Screening Progamme
PO Box 161, Limerick, Ireland