Booking a cervical screening appointment

You'll be sent an invitation letter in the post when it's time to book your cervical screening appointment.

Your invitation letter will tell you where you can go for cervical screening and how to book.

Most cervical screening is done in a GP surgery by a female nurse or doctor.

Call your GP surgery to book an appointment with them. You might be able to book the appointment online.

In some parts of England, you may be able to go to a local sexual health clinic or walk-in centre instead.

If you were invited for cervical screening but missed or did not book an appointment, you can contact your GP surgery or local sexual health clinic to book now.

You can still book even if you were invited weeks or months ago.

When to book cervical screening

Try to book your appointment as soon as you get invited. If you missed your last cervical screening, you do not need to wait for a letter.

It's best to book an appointment for a time when:

you're not having a period – also try to avoid the 2 days before or after you bleed (if you do not have periods, you can book any time)
you've finished treatment if you have unusual vaginal discharge or a pelvic infection

Find out more about cervical screening during pregnancy and health things you should know in pregnancy.

Important

Avoid using any vaginal medicines, lubricants or creams in the 2 days before you go for cervical screening as they can affect the results.

Things to ask when you book

It's OK to let the GP surgery know if you have any worries about going for cervical screening.