Doctors Share How To Cope With Cervical Smear Test Anxiety

In 2025, many people across the UK continued to search for information about their cervix, HPV and the early signs of cervical cancer.

Online search interest frequently includes common worries about cervical screenings, including timing, discomfort and embarrassment, all of which may affect whether someone books their smear test or not. 

Speaking exclusively with HuffPost UK, Dr Tim Woodman, medical director of policy and cancer services at Bupa Health Insurance, has answered the most commonly Googled questions of 2025...

(Scroll for more on tackling smear test anxiety, below.)

The most commonly asked cervical smear questions

Where is your cervix located? 

“Your cervix is the lower, narrow part of your uterus that connects to the top of your vagina. It sits deep inside the pelvis and acts as the opening to the womb.”

Can you have a smear on your period?

“It’s usually best to avoid booking your cervical screening during your period as blood can make the sample harder to read.”

Can you have a smear test when spotting?

“Spotting can make it harder to get a clear result. It’s best to contact your GP or nurse before your appointment – they may still be able to do the test or recommend rearranging to ensure the most accurate sample.”

How do women get HPV?

“HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a very common virus passed on through any skin-to-skin sexual contact, not just penetrative sex. Most people, men and women, will get HPV at some point, but in most cases the body clears it naturally.”

Do you need a smear test if you’re a virgin?

“Yes. If you have a cervix, you should attend your screening when you’re eligible, even if you’ve never had vaginal intercourse. HPV can be spread through skin-to-skin sexual contact, not only penetrative sex.”

What are the early symptoms of cervical cancer?

“Cervical cancer often has no symptoms early on. When symptoms do appear, they may include unusual vaginal bleeding (such as after sex or between periods), changes to vaginal discharge, or pelvic pain.

“So, attending your screening is so important, because it can flag the HPV virus/abnormal cells far before the point of becoming symptomatic.”

Anxiety about cervical smears and how to cope

We know that cervical smears are essential and that we should book an appointment as soon as we are asked to, but that doesn’t detract from how anxiety-inducing they can be. 

Here, Dr Samantha Wild, women’s health clinical lead at Bupa Health Clinics, shares how she copes with anxiety when it comes to her own cervical smear tests:

• Think about your timing. It’s best to book your screening midway through your menstrual cycle so you’re not spotting, or on your period.
• Think about what you wear to your appointment. Skirts or dresses may help you to feel more comfortable as it’s less necessary clothing to remove.
• Think about whether you need any extra time. If you feel especially anxious, you can always ask your health professional for a longer appointment when you book to help give yourself more time to relax. 
• Try and book with a nurse you know. If you had a good experience at your last screening, it may be useful to try and book with the same health professional. Some people find that booking theirs with a gender they feel most comfortable with helpful, too. Regardless of whether you already know the person doing your screening, if you’re feeling anxious, let them know when you get to your appointment. 
• Ask for a smaller speculum if you need it. If you find cervical screenings painful, ask your health professional if it’s possible for them to use a smaller size of speculum to help the appointment feel more comfortable for you. Your health professional may be able to use a small amount of water-based lubricant to help ease any discomfort, too. 
• Could having someone else there help? Having the calming presence of someone you trust with you at your appointment can help put your mind at ease if you find your screening particularly stressful. 
• Practice calming techniques. Before your appointment, get into the habit of calming yourself through slow, purposeful breaths. Think about your posture and breathe mindfully – this can help release tension in your body during your screening.
• Speak to your GP beforehand if you’re menopausal. The menopause may make your screening more painful if you suffer from vaginal dryness. Your GP may be able to recommend special vaginal creams or moisturisers to help with the dryness, but it’s important to stop using these products two days before your screening. 

• Remember you can ask for the screening to be stopped at any time. If you’re finding your screening difficult or painful, you can ask your health professional to stop. Don’t forget that you can also ask your health professional to explain each step of the screening beforehand if you think that may help to reduce any nerves.

What to do if cervical smears are painful 

Smear tests are often painless, if a little uncomfortable. If you experience pain during your tests due to a tilted cervix or gynaecological conditions, Dr Wild recommends placing your fists under your bottom while lying down.

“This may help your health adviser to find your cervix more easily and help the appointment feel more comfortable for you.”

Good luck! You’ve got this.