Revisiones y cuándo consultar

Cervical screening (smear or Pap test)

Revisado: 4 de octubre de 2026

Solo en inglés por ahora

Cervical screening is a quick test that helps prevent cervical cancer by finding cell changes early. Who is invited, and how often, depends on where you live.

What cervical screening is

Cervical screening, also called a smear test or Pap test, checks the health of the neck of the womb (cervix). It looks for changes in cervical cells before they turn into cancer, so they can be treated early. Depending on the test, the sample is checked for human papillomavirus (HPV), for abnormal cells, or for both. Screening is for people who have no symptoms, and finding and treating changes early helps prevent cervical cancer. Keep going to screening even if you have had the HPV vaccine.

Who is invited and how often

Ages and intervals differ between countries, so follow the advice where you live. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a high-performance test, such as an HPV test, every 5 to 10 years from age 30, or every 3 to 5 years from age 25 for women living with HIV. For example, in England the NHS invites women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 every 5 years. In the United States, screening usually starts at 21 or 25 and is repeated every 3 or 5 years until 65, depending on the test. If you are over 65, or have had your womb and cervix removed, ask whether you still need screening.

What happens at the test

A doctor or nurse does the test, and it takes only a few minutes. You undress from the waist down and lie on your back with your knees bent. A smooth tool called a speculum is gently put into your vagina so the cervix can be seen. Then a small, soft brush collects some cells, which are sent to a lab. You may feel pressure or a cramp, but it does not usually hurt. Breathing slowly can help you relax, and if anything hurts, say so. In some places you can take the sample yourself for an HPV test, which works as well as a sample taken by a doctor or nurse.

Before and after

Try to book for a time when you will not have your period, as bleeding can affect the result. About 5 days after a period ends is a good time. For 2 days before the test, avoid sex in the vagina, tampons, and creams or medicines put into the vagina. Some people have very light bleeding afterwards. Ciclo's period predictions can help you choose a date, but they are estimates, so check your log too.

Results and next steps

If your result is normal, you will usually not need another test until the usual interval for your country. If changes are found, this usually does not mean cancer. You may be asked to have another test, or a closer look at the cervix with a magnifying instrument (colposcopy). Unclear results can also be linked to pregnancy, menopause or an infection. Screening is not a test for symptoms: if you have bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause, see a doctor without waiting for your next test.

This is general information. Screening ages and intervals vary by country, so check what is offered where you live.