Everyone with a cervix who has ever been sexually active needs to have a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years, starting from when they are 25. A Cervical Screening Test is a test that takes cells from the vagina or cervix to test for a virus called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) that can cause cervical cancer.
But wait, what and where is my cervix and what is cervical cancer?
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus, which is located at the top of the vagina.
Cervical cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix. Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). This virus can be found both on the cervix and in the vagina.
Won’t testing be awkward?
So now that you know it’s important to do, are you scared of the awkwardness of getting a cervical screening test done? Well, have no fear, because the new self-collection method is here! That’s right, you can now do it yourself!
Before you go diving down there with a cotton swab, let’s talk about what this new method actually entails.
A self-collected sample is taken from the vagina, so you don’t need to worry about reaching the cervix or ‘getting the right spot’. All you need to do is insert a swab a few centimetres into your vagina and rotate it for 20 to 30 seconds.
You will be given a swab and private space, such as a bathroom, to collect your sample. This guide steps you through taking your own sample.
Why is testing important?
There are many types of HPV. Anyone can get HPV. HPV is very common. Anyone who has ever had sexual contact could have HPV.
HPV often clears up by itself with no problems. Sometimes HPV can change the cells in your cervix. These changes can sometimes turn into cancer. These changes happen very slowly.
It can take up to 15 years for these changes to turn into cancer. Sometimes these changes do not turn into cancer at all.
If HPV is found on a self-collected sample, you may be referred to a specialist for further tests, or you will need to go back to your GP to have a sample of cervical cells collected, to see if there are any abnormal changes to your cervix.
How much does it cost?
The cervical screening test is covered by Medicare – if your doctor bulk bills then the whole appointment will be free. Family Planning Australia offers bulkbilled appointments if you have a healthcare concession card.
When should I start cervical screening?
Anyone with a cervix who has had any sort of sexual contact including genital rubbing with a partner, oral sex, finger penetration or the use of sex toys with a partner should start screening at age 25.
Find more information about Cervical Screening here.
Got more questions? Speak to a Talkline nurse on 1300 658 886 Monday to Friday 8am-8pm, or email talkline@fpnsw.org.au
