Today, I went for a routine cervical screening. In the UK people aged 25-49 receive invitations every 3 years and people aged 50-64 receive invitations every 5 years. I was invited via letter and popped into my surgery to get it booked in.
I wanted to share my experience today for people who may have not been before or have had bad experiences in the past. Let’s get one thing straight: cervical screening is not comfortable and it can be emotional and painful, however it is also life saving. And there are ways practitioners can make this more comfortable for you; chaperones, privacy, female only staff, coverings and plastic equipment are some of those choices all people should be afforded when going for cervical screening.
People who are labelled ‘male’ under the NHS will not usually be asked for a cervical screening even if this would be appropriate. If you are trans masc, trans male or non-binary and have a cervix you are entitled to this screening. More info from OUTpatients – an amazing LGBTQIA+ cancer charity in the UK lead by an amazing queer person with experience of cancer.
I was called into my doctors office and met by a female practitioner. She asked if I wanted a chaperone – to have another female practitioner in the room for support and security. I said “no” but was happy to be asked. With my permission, the door was then locked.
I was asked some questions about whether I had had HPV before, whether I had had the HPV vaccine (I was not the ‘right’ age when this rolled out in the UK), and asked whether I was HIV+. Human papillomavirus (HPV) are common viruses that are usually harmful but can cause genital warts or cancer (more info from the NHS here)
I wore a dress to my appointment, took off my underwear whilst the practitioner looked away and then got onto the bed. The bed was brought upwards so it was easier for the practitioner and more comfortable for me. The physical examination went well – it was uncomfortable and a little itchy inside which is pretty standard with my experience.
An instrument called a specullum, a device used to gently open the vagina to make the examination quicker and easier was used. Specullums are usually metal however your practice should have a plastic specullum which can be used instead. Throughout the procedure I was checked in on, all my winces, flinches and odd noises were cause for the practitioner to stop and check I was okay. If chaperoned I could have shared discomfort or pain with the chaperone too or get them to ask the practitioner to stop if I felt I couldn’t ask myself. You should also be able to take a partner, friend or family member with you for support who can also advocate for you.
A sample was taken with what feels like a metal brush which tickled and scratched inside, for about five seconds. It did not hurt me however this sometimes can cause people pain and discomfort and can cause a small amount of bleeding. It is not your fault if this happens to you, we are all built differently and there is no shame in how you or your body responds to this procedure.
Once my specimen was taken, I was left alone to get my clothes back on. I asked some questions around what happens next. In my practice the results come back within four weeks via letter I have been told that if I do not get my results that I should call my practice directly as it will come up on their system (I put a reminder in my phone and diary to chase this up if needed, this can be chased up by your carer – for me this is my husband).
All other information I needed for what would happen next would be on my letter – or given to me via the practice if my letter did not come to me within the month. If my results showed for HPV, I was told that another specimen would need to be taken and my screenings may become more frequent so that practitioners could keep an eye on me. HPV rarely shows symptoms so it is very difficult to find without cervical screening.
Some useful resources:
About cervical screening (Cancer Research UK)
Macmillan easy read cervical screening booklet
Felix, a trans man, shares his experience of cervical screening
Cancer risk and screening: Information for people who are transgender,
non-binary, and gender-diverse