How to prepare
Preparing for a cervical screening test can help make the procedure smoother, more comfortable, and ensure the best possible sample for accurate results. Here is a list of things that you can do to make sure you have the best experience possible.
Timing matters
- Avoid scheduling during your period.
Light spotting is okay, but heavy bleeding can interfere with results. - The best time is usually mid-cycle — about 10–14 days after your period starts.
Avoid vaginal products or intercourse before the test
For 24–48 hours before your appointment:
- Do not have vaginal sex.
- Do not use tampons, lubricants, vaginal creams, pessaries, or douches.
These can wash away or obscure cells needed for accurate testing.
Hygiene
- Shower or bathe as usual, but do not wash inside the vagina (no internal cleaning).
The vagina is self-cleaning — using soaps or douches can disturb the natural balance.
Wear comfortable clothing
- A skirt or dress can make it easier to stay covered during the exam.
- You will need to remove clothing from the waist down, so wear something easy to change out of.
Communicate with your clinician
Before starting, the GP or nurse should give you information about cervical screening. They will ask you to sign a form to say you understand the information and to consent to taking part in CervicalCheck. This is called giving your informed consent.
Before starting, tell the nurse or doctor if you:
- Feel anxious or have had a painful screening before.
- Have any vaginal dryness, discomfort, or trauma history.
- Are using any vaginal medication or are pregnant.
- Bring a friend/family member if you wish
They can use a smaller speculum, extra lubricant, or a gentler approach to help you stay comfortable.
During the test
- Try to relax your pelvic muscles and take slow, deep breaths.
This helps reduce tension and makes insertion more comfortable. - You can ask for a mirror or talk through each step if that helps you feel more in control.
After the test
- You might notice light spotting or mild cramping, this is normal.
- Avoid vaginal products or sex for 24 hours if you feel sore.
- Results usually come in a few weeks
How to prepare if you are peri or post menopausal
Many postmenopausal people experience vaginal dryness or discomfort, and it can make cervical screening more difficult or uncomfortable if not managed properly. Here is how you can prepare and make the experience easier and more comfortable.
Talk to your healthcare provider beforehand
Let the clinic know you are postmenopausal and have vaginal dryness, they can:
- Schedule extra time for your appointment.
- Use a smaller speculum and extra lubricant.
- Suggest pre-treatment options to make the procedure more comfortable.
Consider vaginal moisturisers or oestrogen treatment
If dryness is significant:
- Vaginal moisturisers (e.g., Replens, Yes VM, Sylk, Hyalo-femme) can be used regularly in the days leading up to the test to improve comfort.
- Topical vaginal oestrogen (available as a pessary, cream, or ring) can help restore the vaginal tissue and make screening easier.
- This usually needs to be used for 2–4 weeks beforehand.
- Talk to your GP or nurse first, they can prescribe it safely, even if you don’t take systemic HRT.
Schedule your appointment wisely
- Avoid scheduling during or just after using vaginal creams or pessaries — they can interfere with the sample quality.
- Wait at least 24–48 hours after using lubricants, creams, or vaginal products before the test unless your clinician advises otherwise.
Use lubricant
- Ask the nurse to use a water-based lubricant, it will not affect the test accuracy.
- If you bring your own, make sure it is water-based and unscented.
Relaxation and positioning
- Try to breathe deeply and relax your pelvic muscles — tension makes insertion more uncomfortable.
- Ask for the smallest speculum and to have it inserted slowly and gently.
- Some people find placing their fists under their hips or lying on their side (lateral position) helps.
Ask about self-sampling (if available)
While Ireland has yet to roll out self-collection for HPV testing, it will most likely in due course be part of our screening programme. This would involve using a small swab yourself, which can be more comfortable. Check with your healthcare provider if this is an option where you live.
Acknowledgement
This page contains information based upon content from reliable sources including the HSE’s website (this link will take you to an external website).