Cervical Screening (Smear)
All women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 should go for regular cervical screening.
You’ll get an invitation through the NHS App, by text or by letter asking you to make an appointment.
Trans men and non-binary people with a cervix are eligible for cervical screening. How you’re invited will depend on the sex you’re registered with at a GP surgery.
How often you are invited depends on your age.
| Age | When you’re invited |
|---|---|
|
Under 25 |
Up to 6 months before you turn 25 |
|
25 to 49 |
Every 3 years |
|
50 to 64 |
Every 5 years |
|
65 or older |
Only if a recent test was abnormal |
You can book an appointment as soon as you get an invitation.
If you missed your last cervical screening, you do not need to wait for an invitation to book an appointment.
Patients in one of our Stalybridge Dukinfield & Mossley PCN practice can call 0161 393 2976 to book an out of hours appointment.
If you’re trans or non-binary
If you’re a trans man or are non-binary and have a cervix, how you’re invited will depend on the sex you’re registered with at a GP surgery.
- if you’re registered as female with a GP, you will automatically be invited for cervical screening
- if you’re registered as male with a GP, you can be invited for cervical screening automatically – speak to your GP surgery, sexual health service, or transgender health clinic and ask to get invitations automatically
If you’re a trans woman or are non-binary and do not have a cervix, you do not need to have cervical screening. But, if you’re registered with a GP as female, you may still be invited. Contact your GP surgery, sexual health service or transgender health clinic and ask to stop being invited.
GOV.UK has more information about population screening for trans and non-binary people.
