Last updated:
Monday, 20. October 2008
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Cervical Smears
It is important that all women between the age of 25 and 65 have regular cervical smear tests carried out in accordance with the NHS cervical screening guidelines.
The Birchwood Medical Practice is encouraging patients between 25-49 to have a smear carried out every three years and patients between 50-65 every five years. Some women may be asked to attend more frequently in individual circumstances.
Women who have never had sex and those that have had a hysterectomy do not usually need to have a smear.
This procedure is simple and painless and will take only a few minutes.
Appointments are available with the cytology nurse, practice nurse or GP at most times of the day. The best time to attend is in the middle of your menstrual cycle.
Please check the website for detailed explanations on NHS Cervical Screening Programme, which covers the following:
 | What is cervical screening? |
| What is a smear test? |
| What is Liquid based cytology |
| Future developments |
| What does the NHS cervical screening programme do? |
| Who is eligible for cervical screening? |
| Why are women under 25 and women over 65 not invited? |
| What about women who are not sexually active? |