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FAQs on HPV and Cervical Screening

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What is Cervical Screening?

Cervical screening, sometimes known as a ‘smear test’, can help prevent the development of cervical cancer.

It is not a test for cancer, it’s a test to help prevent cancer from developing. Cervical screening (smear tests) can detect signs of cervical cancer in people with no symptoms. Routine screening is offered to women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25-65.

A new method of cervical screening has been used in Ireland since March 2020. This is called HPV cervical screening. HPV is the human papillomavirus – almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV.

If you’ve had a smear test before, then you’ll find that the new test is very similar. The biggest difference is that the new HPV cervical screening test checks if you have any of the high-risk types of HPV that cause cervical cancer.

If HPV is found, your sample will be checked to see if you have any abnormal cells in your cervix. Your cervix is the opening to your uterus (womb) from your vagina.

You can find out more about the screening process here.

Who Should be Screened?

If you’re aged 25-65, a woman or a person with a cervix, and have ever had sexual contact (including non-penetrative sex), cervical screening is an important part of your healthcare.

Most people contract HPV within their lifetimes and may not even be aware that they have it. You may be at risk of cervical cancer if you have certain high-risk types of HPV. High-risk HPV can cause abnormal, or pre-cancerous, cells to grow around your cervix.

What to Expect Before, During and After Cervical Screening

Step 1 - Making an appointment

You do not need to be a previous client of the IFPA to book an appointment. Simply call your preferred clinic – Dublin City Centre or Tallaght – or call the appointment line 0818 49 50 51 and speak to one of our receptionists.

Step 2 - Preparing for the test

Avoid using any vaginal medications, lubricants or creams in the two days before you have your test. They can affect the results. Bring your PPS number with you. We need this to identify your correct records and update them.

Step 3 - Arriving at the IFPA clinic

Arrive at the healthcare facility at your scheduled appointment time. Check-in with the receptionist or front desk staff.

Step 4 - Meeting with the nurse

You will be taken to an examination room where you will meet with the nurse. They will explain the procedure to you and address any questions or concerns you may have.

Step 5 - Sample collection

You will be asked to undress from the waist down and lie on an examination table.
Using a small brush or spatula, the nurse will gently scrape or brush cells from the surface of your cervix. This process may cause slight discomfort or pressure but should not be painful. Once the sample has been collected, the speculum will be carefully removed from your vagina.

Step 6 - Results

It may take up to six weeks from the time you have your smear test until you get your result. The majority of smear test results are negative or normal. Each smear test result is accompanied by a recommendation to advise what needs to be done next. The recommendation in the letter from CervicalCheck following a smear test should always be followed. For more information about your results, click here.

Follow any instructions provided by your healthcare provider regarding follow-up appointments or further testing based on the results of the cervical smear test.

It’s important to remember that while a cervical smear test may cause mild discomfort or pressure for some individuals, it is generally a quick and routine procedure that can help detect early signs of cervical cancer or other abnormalities. If you have any concerns or questions about the test, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

About Cervical Cancer

Every year in Ireland approximately 300 people are diagnosed with cervical cancer, with over 90 lives lost to the disease. Cervical cancer often has no signs or symptoms. Symptoms of cervical cancer may include abnormal bleeding, pain in your pelvis or pain during sex.

If you are worried about symptoms that might mean you have cervical cancer, please phone the IFPA, your GP or contact CervicalCheck on 1800 45 45 55.

Never ignore symptoms.

Cost of Cervical Screening

You do not need to pay for cervical screening (smear testing), it’s free. The IFPA is registered with CervicalCheck, the National Cervical Screening Programme, offering free cervical screening to women aged 25 to 65 at our two Dublin clinics.

Before you make an appointment, please check that you are registered for cervical screening by visiting www.hse.ie/cervicalcheck, call Freephone 1800 45 45 55 or contact info@cervicalcheck.ie.

If you don’t live in the Dublin area, see www.cervicalcheck.ie for a full list of registered cervical screening services.

Our Clinic Locations

Dublin City Centre Clinic,
5/7 Cathal Brugha Street,
Dublin 1
01 872 7088
View map		 Tallaght Clinic,
Level 3, The Square Shopping Centre,
Dublin 24
01 459 7685
View map

Further Questions?

Have a read of our HPV Cervical Screening FAQs.

If you are worried about symptoms that might mean you have cervical cancer, phone the IFPA, your GP or contact CervicalCheck on Freephone 1800 45 45 55.

Never ignore symptoms.

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