Your Results

When your cervical screening results should arrive

The nurse or doctor will tell you when you can expect your results.

If you've waited longer than you expected, call your GP surgery to see if they have any updates.

Try not to worry if it's taking longer than expected to get your results.

It does not mean anything is wrong, and most people will have a normal result.

What your cervical screening results mean

Your cervical screening results will explain if human papillomavirus (HPV) was found in your sample, what your result means, and what happens next.

HPV is not found in your sample

Most people will not have HPV (an HPV negative result).

This means your risk of getting cervical cancer is very low. You do not need any further tests to check for abnormal cell changes in your cervix, even if you've had these in the past.

You'll be invited for screening again in 5 years.

An unclear result

Sometimes you'll be asked to come back in 3 months to have the test again. This does not mean there's anything wrong, it's because the results were unclear. This is sometimes called an inadequate result.

HPV is found in your sample

Your results will explain what will happen next if HPV is found in your sample (an HPV positive result).

There are 2 different kinds of HPV positive result.

Important

Having a positive HPV result does not mean your partner has had sex with someone else while you have been together.

You might have HPV even if you have not been sexually active or not had a new partner for many years.

If you need a colposcopy

A colposcopy is a simple procedure to look at your cervix.

It's similar to having cervical screening, but it's done in hospital.

You might need a colposcopy if your cervical screening results show you have HPV and abnormal changes to the cells of your cervix.

Find out more about having a colposcopy

Try not to worry if you've been referred for a colposcopy.

Any changes to your cells will not get worse while you're waiting for your appointment.

Sexual Health Advice

• Sexual Health Advice - Introduction and Overview
• The MenB vaccine that helps protect against gonorrhoea
• Sexual Health - Mpox and its dangers for Gay Men
• What happens when you visit an STI Clinic
• Ejaculation issues are common sexual problems in men
• The Male Menopause for men in their late 40s to early 50s
• Help and care if you have been Sexually Assaulted
• Mental health issues and self-harm are common amongst gay men