Reliable provider, reliable laboratory partner.
Our team have experience in women’s health & in the taking and processing of Pap-Smears.
- GMC Registered Doctors
- NMC Registered Nurses
- HCPC Registered Professionals
How to book your private smear
These procedures are available in all our clinics. They are undertaken by a qualified female GP or female specialist nurse and take 30 minutes.
You will be required to disrobe below the waist and prepare on the examination couch. Smears are undertaken by firstly gently inserting a speculum into the vagina for visibility. Using a light source at the end of the bed, the cervix is identified by the clinician and a small brush on a stick applied to the end of the cervix, where it is rotated 5 times to collect cells from the cervix. This can feel uncomfortable, on occasion cause a little bleeding. It should not be painful. Upon completing this collection, the speculum is removed and the procedure is completed.
Results are typically obtained within 3 weeks of examination and will be shared with you electronically. Like all modern smears, the sample is tested for HPV before being examined for cytology if positive.
You have access to discounted follow-up appointments with our GPs after this procedure by telephone, video or face to face in clinic.
Why get a private smear?
Your body, your choice
The UK Cervical Screening is undertaken every 3 years from age 25 to 49 and every 5 years from age 50 to 64 years of age. Is this enough?
Do you know that in Europe smears are performed annually from age 20 to 34 year of age. We think this is particularly important if you are sexually active – the relationship between HPV (human papillomavirus – an STD) and Cervical Cancer is well documented and contracted during penetrative sexual activity.
Consider having a smear from the age of 20 if you are sexually active and you wish monitor the health of your cervix; consider having a smear more often than than UK Screening allows to pick up pre-cancerous changes early before they become serious; think about having smears beyond the age of 64y.o if you wish.
It is also more important to have more regular smears if you have a history of: HPV infection; pre-cancerous cervical changes or a history of cervical cancer (if you still have a cervix).
Regular Smear Tests are important
It is important to have regular smear tests as it is the only way to pick up changes that can develop into cervical cancer
Having a regular smear can prevent cancer of the cervix developing by detecting abnormal cells or pre-cancerous cells and starting treatment early. It can also pick-up the presence of the Human papilloma virus (HPV) which is associated with cancer of the cervix.
Healthy sex life? Ever had an STD?
Consider getting more frequent cervical screening
What’s involved?
Answering common questions.
We offer appointments in the evening & weekends.
The smear test cannot be taken if you are menstruating (having your period), or if you have used a pessary to treat thrush. It’s best to book your appointment between periods.
If you have had a smear in the preceding 12 weeks – you need to wait beyond this time before undertaking a repeat smear – this is to minimise the chances of an inaccurate result.
After you are comfortable the clinician will introduce a small speculum into the vagina to allow them to visualise your cervix. Using a standardised brush device they gently rotate this at the cervix opening before depositing the cells collecting in a collection tube for processing at the lab.
The procedure should not be painful nor should it take long. But it is important for your own health & wellbeing to get it done.