If you’re 18–25 and haven’t had your first smear test yet – or Pap smear, cervical screening, or whatever it’s called where you live – this post is for you. The test itself is quick and simple, and it could literally save your life.
Did you know? It’s often called a “pap smear” (especially in the US and Canada) after Dr Georgios Papanicolaou, the doctor who developed the test to detect early changes in cervical cells. In other countries like the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, it’s more commonly called a “smear test” or “cervical screening”. Different names, same goal: Protecting your health.
Because cervical screening isn’t a test for cancer; it’s a test for early changes that could lead to it, especially those caused by high-risk HPV strains. Infections with HPV are really common, but catching any precancerous cells early means they can be treated before anything serious develops. ven if you’ve had the HPV vaccine, screening is still important, because the vaccine doesn’t cover every strain.
Most international guidelines, including those from the CDC, recommend starting smears between ages 21–25 and repeating them every 3–5 years until you're in your mid-60s, depending on your country. Check with your local health authority or your GP if you aren't sure.
The whole thing is quick, and usually takes under five minutes. You’ll undress from the waist down behind a screen, cover up your lower half with a paper cloth, and a nurse or doctor will gently insert a speculum (usually plastic and warmed) to open the vaginal walls. They’ll then use a small, soft brush to collect a few cells from your cervix, remove the speculum, and that’s it, you’re done. As explained by the NHS, it can feel a bit uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t be painful.
Some people with cervixes do find that a smear test can feel “pinchy”. If you’re nervous or anxious about it, you might find it hard to relax during the test – which is completely understandable, as you’re in a vulnerable position. You’re allowed to tell the nurse or doctor to slow down, explain things more clearly, or stop until you feel ready. Use your voice – it’s your body, and you have the right to feel respected and to consent to what is happening.
If you’re nervous, you’re not alone. According to a recent National Health Interview Survey, almost one in four people are not up-to-date on their cervical screening - 14% in 2005, jumping to 23% in 2019. These are pre-pandemic numbers, so it wouldn't be surprising if the percentage of people skipping their smear test was even higher now. But there are ways to make it feel less awkward and more manageable.
The Eve Appeal recommends practical steps like wearing easy-to-remove clothing, listening to music in your earbuds or headphones during the appointment, and asking for a smaller speculum if you’re worried about discomfort. You can also request a longer appointment or ask to bring someone with you if that helps. And it’s completely okay to pause or stop the test at any time.
After your smear, your sample is sent to a lab and checked for HPV and abnormal cells. Most people get results by post or online. If everything’s clear, you’ll be recalled in a few years. If HPV is found, or if cells look unusual, you might need a follow-up test or a closer look via colposcopy - a procedure where a doctor uses a special microscope (colposcope) to examine the cervix.
In some countries, like New Zealand, you might be able to do a self-swab test in the first instance. This might be offered at your GP, in a community-based clinic, in a mobile screening unit, or even a take-home test. This test collects a sample from the vagina, not the cervix, and this sample can then be tested for HPV. If the results show HPV is detected, then you will be asked to come in for further testing to check for cell changes that may lead to cervical cancer. This is a less invasive, somewhat more comfortable option and is becoming more widely available, so ask if this is suitable for you.
If you have a cervix, a smear test is one of the most important self-care steps you can take. Remember that you’re allowed to ask questions, take your time, and speak up if anything feels off. June 19 to 24 is Cervical Screening Awareness Week, so it’s a great time to tick this one off your list. One mildly uncomfortable moment could save your life later.
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