Should all women have cervical smears?
I've never had sexual contact with a man - am I at risk of developing cervical cancer?
If you've never had sexual contact with a man, you are at low risk, but not at no risk, of developing cervical cancer. It is still not entirely clear what causes abnormalities to develop. Often, it is because a virus has infected the cervix. This virus is called human papilloma virus (HPV) and is passed on during sexual contact.
HPV can be passed on in other forms of sexual activity apart from full intercourse. This applies to heterosexual women, bisexual women and lesbians. HPV is passed on through body fluids. This means that oral sex, transferring vaginal fluids on hands and fingers, or sharing sex toys can all be ways of being exposed to HPV.
I've never had sexual intercourse - wouldn't a smear test hurt?
If you've never had sexual intercourse, but you want to have a smear test, you should tell the doctor or nurse taking the smear that you have never had intercourse. This will let them choose the right size of instrument (speculum). Similarly, if you've never used tampons, it would be helpful to tell the person taking your smear.
As with any examination, you are in control and can say 'stop' at any time.
I haven’t had sexual contact for many years – do I need a smear test?
The HPV virus can remain in the cervix for many years and for this reason we advise that anyone who has ever had sexual intercourse should have screening until the age of 65.
What is cervical screening?
Cervical smear tests are carried out as part of a national NHS cervical screening programme, which is organised in Wales by Cervical Screening Wales.
Cervical screening is not a test for cancer. It detects possible abnormalities or changes in the cells, which may develop into cervical cancer if they are not treated. The type of cervical cancer that the cervical screening programme is designed to prevent is called squamous carcinoma of the cervix.
Are there any other types of cervical cancer?
There are other types of cervical cancer, some of which may be picked up by the smear test.
Almost all abnormalities detected by screening are successfully treated. It is estimated that screening prevents the around 3900 cases of, and over 1000 deaths from, cervical cancer in the UK each year.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
The most common symptom is bleeding from the vagina at times other than during your period. This includes during or after penetrative sex, and bleeding at any time if you have been through the menopause. Other symptoms are an unpleasant-smelling vaginal discharge, and pain or discomfort during penetrative sex. Other conditions much less serious than cervical cancer can also cause these symptoms. If you are concerned, you should speak to your GP, or visit a Sexual Health Clinic for advice.
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