Hello Ats91 and thanks for the post

Cervical screening is all about preventing cervical cancer by picking up abnormality at an early stage where it can either be monitored or treated.

The first test in the UK is primary HPV testing that checks for high risk (hr) strains of HPV. Most abnormal cells in the cervix are caused by hrHPV and if left unnoticed may eventually turn into cancer.

Not everyone with hr HPV will have abnormal cells so these are checked if the primary HPV test comes back positive. Most people clear HPV within a couple of years without it causing any problems. However sometimes it persists and causes abnormal cells that need monitoring (low grade) or removing ( higher grade). People who smoke or have a lowered immune system can find it more difficult to clear an HPV infection.

If the screening comes back HPV negative then the woman is returned to the routine 3 yearly programme regardless of any previous results. Usually treatment to remove abnormal cells is successful and if not this is repeated and the woman is followed up until the cervix returns to normal. Then they are returned to 3 yearly screening. 

Cervical screening is run by the NHS screening programme. I understand that GP surgeries are notified of the results from screening tests so do ask your surgery if they have a record. Otherwise ask the surgery for the local cervical screening contact details to see if you can find out more from them about your most recent test result.

Additional private screening shouldn't be necessary as it usually takes years for abnormal cells to develop so a gap of 3 years after a HPV negative test is unlikely to cause any problems for someone.

Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Best wishes,

Naomi