Originally published on https://www.cusu.org/opportunities/campaigns/sexual-health/smeartests/ 

The brief was to provide a breakdown of smear tests for students to understand what they are, what happens at an appointment, and why they are important as a part of looking after your sexual health. As many people are apprehensive about attending smear tests, the tone needed to be friendly and clear in its explanation, while accessible to a student audience. 

Smear tests can seem like a scary and frightening prospect, especially when you’ve never had one before. But they’re an essential part of looking after your sexual health, especially as cervical cancer is more common in women aged 25-50.

You usually get smear tests done either at a hospital or at a sexual health or GUM (genitourinary) clinic. If you’re aged 25 or older you’ll be invited for a test each year, but starting earlier is better, as it means you’re staying on top of your health checks and you get used to going along. You can book one with your doctor or drop in to an appointment at a sexual health clinic.

When you get there, the doctor will talk through with you what they’ll be testing for, and answer any questions you may have. A nurse may also be in the room to assist with your test. You’ll be given privacy to undress from the waist down. Some women prefer to wear a dress or skirt which they can hitch up during the exam for a little extra modesty. You should be given a paper or cloth sheet to cover your thighs and lap with, and then you’ll be asked to lie back in the chair and either prop your legs open or put your feet into the stirrups.

Try to relax! It can feel really nerve wracking and embarrassing but the best thing you can do is breathe and relax. If you tense up, it makes it much harder to get the test samples and can make the process even longer and more uncomfortable. The doctor and nurse will be there to help you relax and you can tell them if you’re in pain during the exam and they’ll try to accommodate you.

The doctor or nurse will use a device called a speculum, which is gently inserted into your vagina with some k-y jelly to make it easier for you. This holds open the walls of your vagina so a clear sample can be taken and a quick visual exam can be done too. A small, thin device with a tiny brush on the end will be inserted, and this will brush against the cervix for a cell sample. The doctor may take another sample from the vaginal walls as well. It can feel uncomfortable but it’s not normally painful.

And that’s it! You’re all done. The exam normally won’t last more than a few minutes and it’s a small price to pay for keeping yourself healthy.