True or False: Cervical Smear Edition

Whether you need a topic for a zoom quiz or a little vulva-related general knowledge to liven up a dingy January day, we got you.

How much do you know about cervical screening? Answer these questions or share them with your pals to work out who’s the vulva victor and who needs to get her head out of her vagina and swat up on this important topic. 

Question 1:

The cervical smear test tells you if you have cervical cancer. 
Question 2:
In the UK, cervical screening invites are sent out from the age of 25. 
Question 3:
You need to attend the doctor’s for a cervical screening every year. 
Question 4:
A cervical screening appointment takes around 15 minutes. 
Question 5:
Smear tests are only important for those of childbearing age. 
Question 6:
Only women need to attend cervical screenings. 
Question 7: 
You can have sex the night before a cervical screening. 
Question 8:
Cervical screenings hurt. 
Question 9:
A cervical screening is the collection of cells from your cervix. 
Question 10:
Cervical screenings save lives. 

Spread your legs… and the word.
We’re sure we have some cervical buffs in the making, but before we crown you vagina queens, we wanted to remind you that this week is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week. The best way to prevent cervical cancer is to attend your cervical screenings when invited, or speak to your doctor if you have any concerns at any other time.



As you’re on our blog, we’re assuming you’re one of our NAYDAYA warriors, and are very used to our open chats about vulvas. We’re happy to shout “CHECK YOUR VAGINA” from our bedroom windows and see if any passers by spit out their coffee. 
However, not everyone’s used to talking so openly about their bodies, and you might have some much loved gal pals who find it difficult to. Send this link to those you care about to remind them to get their cervical smear.

Zoe Sugg filmed her cervical smear and a generation of women applauded

YouTube sensation Zoe Sugg felt inspired after chatting with Jo’s Cancer Trust, who do amazing work to raise awareness about the importance of getting checked. So, she made a courageous effort to put everyone else’s minds at ease. You can view Zoe’s experience
here.




Time to find out the answers: Are you a font of knowledge on all things cervical screening?

Question 1:
The cervical smear test tells you if you have cervical cancer. 
False. The test itself doesn’t tell you if you have cancer, rather it detects abnormal cells in the cervix which could cause a problem later on if left untreated.

Question 2:
In the UK, cervical screening invites are sent out from the age of 25. 
False. You will receive your invite 6 months before your 25th birthday. This is to ensure that you have time to book in an appointment, so keep an eye out for your letter.

Question 3:
You need to attend the doctor’s for a cervical screening every year. 
False. You will be invited for a smear test every 3 years between the ages of 25 and 49 and then every 5 years between the age of 50 and 64. You’ll only be asked to attend smear tests after the age of 65 if you’ve recently had an abnormal test. 

Question 4:
A cervical screening appointment takes around 15 minutes. 
True. However, the actual examination will only be around 2 minutes long. The rest of the appointment will be filled with form filling and checking in.

Question 5:
Smear tests are only important for those of childbearing age. 
False. It’s important to get tested when invited, throughout each stage of adult life.

Question 6:
Only women need to attend cervical screenings. 
False. Anyone with a cervix needs a cervical screening test, so if you are a trans man or non-binary person with a cervix, you should get tested too. Note that doctors’ surgeries will only automatically send invites to patients registered as females, so if you need a test, you should speak to your surgery directly.

Question 7: 
You can have sex the night before a cervical screening. 
True. Hell yes, honey. However, you should avoid using lubricants or spermicide for 24 hours before the test, as they may affect your results.

Question 8:
Cervical screenings hurt. 
False. Though it’s not exactly a sensual experience, your smear test should not hurt. However, every cervix is different, which might explain why your friends may have different experiences to you.

Question 9:
A cervical screening is the collection of cells from your cervix. 
True. A smear test detects the presence of high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) cells in a cervix. 

Question 10:
Cervical screenings save lives. 
True. Getting your cervical screening is the best way to prevent cervical cancer and potentially save your life. 

How did you score? Should we be asking you to takeover the NAYDAYA channels for an expert takeover? We hope you learned something new. Please do share this quiz with your loved ones.

For any more information on cervical smears,
check out our
Q&A with expert, Dr Pavan.



Stay safe.

Love, NAYDAYA. x