Cervical Screening and Preventive Women’s Health Care
Regular cervical screening is an important part of maintaining cervical health. A Cervical Screening Test (CST) looks for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can increase the risk of cervical cell changes over time. If HPV is detected, your doctor can recommend appropriate follow-up where required, often before any symptoms develop.
Whether you’re attending your first Cervical Screening Test, returning for routine screening or have questions about your cervical health, your GP can explain the process, discuss any concerns and help you understand what to expect before the examination.
At South Melbourne Medical Hub, we provide cervical screening in Melbourne as part of our comprehensive women’s health services, with care based on your individual health needs.
Who Should Get Cervical Screening?
In Australia, cervical screening is generally recommended for people with a cervix aged between 25 and 74 years who have ever been sexually active. For most people, screening is recommended every five years if previous results have been normal.
If you’re unsure when your next screening is due, your GP can review your screening history and advise you accordingly.
What Can You Expect During the Test?
If you’ve never had a Cervical Screening Test before, or it’s been several years since your last one, it’s natural to have questions about the procedure.
There are two ways to complete a cervical screening test: self-collection or by a GP.
Self-collection involves taking your own vaginal sample using a small swab.
Your GP or healthcare provider will explain how to take the sample and provide you with a private space to complete the test. Unlike a GP-collected sample, the swab collects cells from the vagina rather than the cervix, so a speculum examination isn’t required.
Sometimes patients prefer having a GP conduct the screening. The test is usually completed during a standard consultation and generally takes only a few minutes. During the examination, your GP will gently insert a speculum so the cervix can be seen before using a swab to collect a sample from the cervix. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Self-collected and healthcare provider-collected samples are equally accurate and safe for detecting HPV. Both cervical screening options are available at South Melbourne Medical Hub.
What Happens After Self-Collection?
Once your sample has been analysed, your GP will explain your results and discuss any follow-up, if required.
If HPV is detected, it does not mean you have cervical cancer. HPV is very common, and in many people the infection clears naturally over time. Depending on your results, your GP may recommend repeat screening after a period of time or discuss whether further assessment is appropriate.
Your doctor will explain what your results mean and answer any questions you may have about the recommended follow-up.
What to Do Before Your Appointment
There’s very little you need to do before a Cervical Screening Test. If possible, you can book your appointment when you are not having your menstrual period, as this can make it easier to obtain a suitable sample.
If you’re pregnant, have previously undergone treatment involving your cervix, or have questions about the test, let your GP know before the examination. Your appointment is an opportunity to discuss your cervical health, understand your screening schedule and receive advice based on your individual circumstances.
If you are looking for cervical screening in South Melbourne, your GP can discuss the test, explain the process and answer any questions you may have as part of your consultation.
Looking to Book a Cervical Screening Test?
If you’re due for your routine Cervical Screening Test or have questions about cervical screening, your GP can discuss the process, answer your questions and advise whether screening is appropriate based on your age, medical history and previous screening results.
To book an appointment for cervical screening in South Melbourne, contact South Melbourne Medical Hub or book online at a time that’s convenient for you.