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Cervical screening Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, September 2009.

Answers to questions about cervical screening

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

Do I need a cervical screening test if I don't currently have a partner?

Yes. You should have your routine screening test even if you don't currently have a partner.

Explanation

Cervical screening is a test to check the health of your cervix (the neck of the womb). The test checks for changes in the cells of your cervix that may, if untreated, develop into cervical cancer.

In England, women aged between 25 and 64 are screened; in Northern Ireland and Wales the age range is 20 to 64, and in Scotland it's 20 to 60.

Changes in the cells of your cervix that might lead to cervical cancer are often associated with a 'high-risk' subset of a family of viruses called human papilloma viruses (HPV). These are common viruses that can be passed on through sex but don't usually cause symptoms. It's thought that it can take many years for HPV to cause changes in your cervical cells or cervical cancer. Therefore, if you have had any male partners in the past you will still need to have regular cervical screening tests - even if you don't currently have a partner.

If you have never been sexually active with a man, your chances of developing cervical cancer are very low, and you may therefore choose not to have a screening test.

Further information

Sources

  • NHS Cervical Screening Programme. Cancer Screening Programmes. National Health Service (NHS). www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk, accessed 16 October 2008
  • Human papilloma virus (HPV) and cervical cancer - the facts. Royal College of Nursing. 2006. www.rcn.org.uk
  • Cervical cancer screening. Cancer Research UK. www.cancerhelp.org.uk, accessed 25 September 2008
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Can abnormal cervical cells be made worse by having sex?

No, having sex doesn't make the abnormal cells in your cervix worse.

Explanation

If your cervical screening test has shown abnormal cells, you can continue to have sex as usual. However, you should use an effective form of contraception as it's important not to get pregnant until you have had successful treatment. This is because hormones produced while you're pregnant can make treatment more difficult.

Abnormal cells can't be passed on to your partner during sex.

Further information

Sources

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How are abnormal cervical cells treated?

There are a number of treatments available to treat abnormal cervical cells. All of these aim to remove or destroy the abnormal areas that contain pre-cancerous cells.

Explanation

Most of the treatments take place at an out-patient appointment in a colposcopy clinic. Some procedures are done under local anaesthesia - this completely blocks feeling from the cervical area and you will stay awake during the procedure. Other treatments require an overnight stay in hospital and use general anaesthesia, which means that you will be asleep during the procedure.

The treatments available include the following.

  • Laser therapy (also known as laser ablation) uses heat to destroy the abnormal area.
  • Cold coagulation which, despite the name, also uses heat to destroy the abnormal area.
  • Cryotherapy involves using a probe to freeze the abnormal area to destroy the cells.
  • LLETZ (large-loop excision of the transformation zone) or loop diathermy uses a heated loop of wire to remove the abnormal areas. The cells aren't destroyed so the tissue can be sent to a laboratory for testing.
  • Cone biopsy - this is a minor operation in which the whole abnormal area is removed.
  • Hysterectomy - this is a major operation in which your cervix and womb are removed. This isn't usually necessary for cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN). It's usually only considered if you're past the menopause, or have completed your family.

Ask your GP or nurse for more information on these treatments.

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Will I have any side-effects from treatment for abnormal cells?

Most women feel fine after having treatment for abnormal cells. However, you may have mild physical symptoms, such as bleeding or pain, or emotional symptoms, such as feeling low.

Your doctor will advise you not to have sex for four weeks after treatment, because of the risk of infection.

Explanation

You will probably have some light vaginal bleeding or watery discharge for a few days after your treatment. This may last for a few days or several weeks, depending on the type of treatment you have had. If the discharge begins to smell or gets heavier, contact your GP for advice.

After you have had treatment you may have mild period-like pain for the rest of the day. Painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, may help. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine and if you have any questions, ask your pharmacist for advice.

You may find that you feel low or vulnerable after treatment. This may be because you felt uneasy about exposing private areas of your body or felt undignified during treatment. Usually these feelings will go after a short while, but if they don't, talk to your GP.

Further information

Sources

  • After your treatment for abnormal cervical cells. Cancer Research UK. www.cancerhelp.org.uk, accessed 24 April 2008
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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: September 2009

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