Cervical Screening

Many people find being invited for and having cervical screening (a smear test) uncomfortable and distressing. But if you have experienced sexual violence, you may find it particularly traumatic or distressing. If you feel this way, you are not alone. We know that many survivors do not attend cervical screening because of their experience of sexual violence.

Cervical screening can feel both intrusive and intimate because of the physical position the test is done in and the medical equipment used. This means it can trigger flashbacks of the things you have been through, or evoke physical and psychological responses, like a panic attack, dissociation, or freezing. Many survivors are anxious about having to disclose their experience to a healthcare professional.

Remember that these are all normal, reasonable responses and there is support available, including our Emotional Support Line and Emotional Support Email.

Screening letter

Getting the letter inviting you to cervical screening can be upsetting and make you feel very anxious. If you feel able, talking about your feelings with someone you trust could be a first step to dealing with any issues or concerns the letter might be bringing up.

You might want to talk to your partner, a friend, relative, doctor or nurse. If you are currently getting mental health support to deal with your experiences of sexual violence, you might prefer to speak to one of our Emotional Support Line team or one of our Counsellors, if you have one, one of our Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA), or another support professional.

If thinking about cervical screening is too much, you can ask your doctor to take your name off the cervical screening automatic invitation list until you feel stronger. Please be aware that you may be asked why you want your name removed.

Above all, try to remember that the violence you experienced was not your fault, and that you are deserving of care, safety, and dignity. It is also important to remember it is your choice whether to go for cervical screening and, if you do go, you are in control of the test.

Your appointment

Feeling that you are not in control of your cervical screening appointment may remind you of past violent or abusive incidents. You can begin to take back that sense of control by making some decisions about how you want the appointment to go:

• Ask for an appointment with a nurse (sample taker) of your preferred gender.
• Ask to be seen by a trusted doctor or nurse who you already have a good relationship with. While they may not already be fully aware of your situation, knowing that you chose them can help to make the appointment feel more comfortable. Be aware that they might not be qualified to do the test, but can be with you or talk to colleagues on your behalf.
• Book an appointment just to talk about cervical screening and find out more about what happens. You do not have to have the test at this appointment.
• If you are anxious about being alone with your nurse, or just want extra emotional support, take someone you trust to the appointment.
• Ask for a longer or double appointment. This allows you a little extra breathing space before and after the test, so you can take the appointment at a pace that is more comfortable for you.
• Plan what you are going to do after the appointment. You may not be able to carry on as normal immediately and need more time to ground yourself.