Cervical Screening
A cervical screening test is a recommended test to detect for HPV infection.
A cervical screening test is a recommended test to detect for HPV infection.
A cervical screening test is the most effective way to detect early changes in your cervix.
The test itself detects the presence of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV can cause changes in your cervical cells, which if left untreated, can potentially lead to cervical cancer within 10-20 years.
A regular cervical screening test every 5 years can help to prevent up to 90% of the most common types of cervical cancer.
As your specialist gynaecologist, Dr Nathan is here to help you make proactive choices for your health, and can advise you on the best approach for your cervical screening.
In the past you would have received a cervical pap smear every 2 years. But recent developments to medical technology mean we now have a better understanding of cervical cancer.
On December 1 2017, the cervical screening test replaced the cervical pap smear as the preferred cervical screening test.
This new test is just as safe as the old test, is more effective, and is expected to deliver a significant reduction in the incidence and mortality rate of cervical cancer in Australian women.
One big risk factor that causes cervical cancer is HPV.
HPV is a common sexually-transmitted infection, which you can get through skin-to-skin contact during sex. It affects both men and women, and typically shows no symptoms. Because of this, 80% of people will have an HPV infection at some point in their lives, and they won’t even know it.
In around 98% of women, HPV will go away by itself. But in a small number of women it sticks around, and in these cases, a persistent HPV infection can lead to abnormal cervical cell growth, resulting in cervical cancer.
A cervical screening test can help save your life by detecting and preventing against cervical cancer.
The cervical screening test works much the same way as a cervical pap smear procedure.
A plastic speculum is placed inside your vagina, which lets your doctor get a better view of your cervix. They can then use a swab to take a sample of cells from your cervix, and these cells are then tested for HPV infection.
The cervical screening test can detect 14 different types of HPV, however it’s specifically looking for evidence of types HPV 16 and HPV 18. These two types are known to cause around 70% of all cervical cancers.
If HPV 16 or 18 is detected, we will organise for a follow-up appointment where we will discuss your options. This can include colposcopy, or a repeat HPV test in 12 months’ time.
We recommend that every woman between 25 and 74, who has ever been sexually active, should receive a regular cervical screening test. This include same-sex relationships.
Some women prefer to see a gynaecologist for their cervical screening. This is common in women who have had a previous abnormality detected, or have anatomical variations, such as a retroverted uterus.
We recommend getting a cervical screening test prior to pregnancy planning.
You can book a cervical screening test with us at any time that suits you, as long as we have availability.
When booking your appointment be sure to tell us that you’re coming in for your test, so we can make sure everything is prepared.
After your consultation with Dr Nathan, we will provide your results either by phone call, or via text message if appropriate. All other information will be provided in person.
And please, as a courtesy to us, notify us ahead of time if you have your period. This may mean we’ll need to reschedule your appointment to another day.
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While the HPV vaccine does protect against most types of the virus, it doesn’t protect you against all of them. So it’s important that you continue to have your cervical screening test every 5 years.
Please bring a referral (if required), your medicare card and private health insurance details, and any results for pathology or ultrasound.
If you’re able to fax, email, or send in your referral and other information ahead of time, this will help us to get to know a bit about you first, and will make your initial consultation much more specific to your needs. Dr Nathan will be able to read your referral to prepare for your consultation.
This depends on whether your appointment is for a consultation or a procedure. As a courtesy, we prefer if you notify us ahead of time if you have your period. We can then tell you the best course of action. This may mean we’ll need to reschedule your appointment to another day.
For a colposcopy it’s always best to view your cervix when you’re not bleeding.
If you’re not sure whether or not bleeding is due to your period, please call our offices to discuss your situation.
The advice on COVID-19 is changing constantly, so we will update you on our social media pages as new advice comes through.
Our current COVID-safe plan includes:
Currently we ask our patients to please wait in their car, and we call you in when we’re ready for your appointment, in order to minimise the number of people in our waiting room.
Get in touch with us to book a consultation at a time and clinic that suits you. Either give us a call on the number below, or send us an email with your details and we’ll get back to you to confirm your appointment.
