HPV Screening For Cervical Cancer

At Welbeck, HPV screening is performed by our consultant gynaecologists. To begin, you’ll need to remove your clothing from the waist down and cover yourself with a sheet that we provide while you wait.

The consultant will ask you to lie back on a bed – with your legs bent, feet together, and knees apart – but sometimes you might need to change positions during the test.

Then, the consultant will gently place a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) into your vagina to open it. This is so they can see your cervix in detail. They might use a small amount of lubricant to make you more comfortable.

Using a soft brush, they'll take a small sample of cells from your cervix – it might feel a little uncomfortable, but it shouldn't be painful. If you feel any pain, let your consultant know. You can also ask them to stop at any time. 

The consultant will then remove the speculum and end the test – the procedure part of the appointment should take about 10 minutes. 

HPV screening is very safe. You may have some light bleeding or spotting, but this should stop within a few hours.

It’s normal to feel worried about HPV screening, especially if this is your first time or if you usually find them uncomfortable. 

To make things a little easier on the day, you can:

• wear something that you can leave on during the test, like a skirt or dress

• bring someone with you for support

• try breathing exercises to help you relax

• ask the consultant to use a smaller speculum, if you feel any discomfort

• ask if you can put the speculum in yourself, if you would prefer to

• ask about lying in a different position – such as on your side with your knees pulled up to your chest

• bring something to listen to or read during the test

• ask the consultant to stop the test at any time

• tell the consultant how you’re feeling – try not to feel embarrassed, we’re here to help you

Our specialist consultants and staff are always on hand to help you feel more comfortable. If you need further treatment or support, our consultants can provide referrals to colleagues in other specialities.

It will take a few days for your results to become available.

If your test shows you don’t have high-risk HPV:

• your sample won’t be looked at for cell changes – it’s very unlikely you'll develop cell changes or cervical cancer without having high-risk HPV

• depending on your age, you’ll be invited to have another screening in 3-5 years

If your test shows an unclear result:

• you'll be asked to come back in 3 months to have the test again. This doesn’t mean there's anything wrong, just that the results were unclear

If your results come back as positive for high-risk HPV, your doctor will check the cells for any abnormal changes and:

• if no cell changes are found, you’ll be invited back for cervical screening in 1 year. This is to make sure the HPV has cleared

• if high-risk HPV and cell changes are found, you’ll be invited for further tests and a colposcopy

Remember that not all cell changes develop into cervical cancer, but they should be monitored and treated, if needed.

At Welbeck, HPV screening is quick, and you’ll be able to go back to normal activities right away. You might have light bleeding or spotting, but it should stop in a few hours.

Please contact our Women’s Health centre to discuss pricing.

At Welbeck, our gynaecologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

This service can only be booked alongside other services, and we’re currently unable to offer this as a standalone service. Please contact our Women’s Health centre for further information on how HPV screenings are performed at Welbeck.