Cervical Screening Test

A couple of days ago I received a letter from the NHS saying that my CST (Cervical Screening Test) is now due and have to book it in our local surgery on or before 10.02.2012. This test is for all women between 25 to 64 every 3 years. It's my first time although I don't think I qualify as I'm not yet 25, but never mind this test is very helpful anyway. *wink*.
According to the letter, this test is to make sure that our cervix (neck of womb) is healthy, or if not, NHS could offer necessary treatment. This is to avoid the cervical cancer which very common among women.
And so earlier this morning I booked an appointment for the CST at 2:30. I went to the surgery with the thought that I only have to be injected as what my dear sister said. Five minutes of waiting was over, my name was called and so I got inside the Treatment room. The nurse explained to me the procedure, and this is what it is according to her leaflet;

How is the Smear test done?

• A doctor/nurse will gently open your vagina so they can see your cervix.
• They then use a wooden stick called a spatula, or thin brush, to gently scrape off some cells from the surface of the cervix.
•  The cells are sent away and looked at under a microscope to see if any are abnormal.

Not so nice procedure isn't it? Uncomfortable and undignified I suppose but it's for our own good. My test wasn't done, not because I was out off by the procedure but because of my menstrual period. whew! The nurse said better leave it for 1-2 weeks to clear as they may not see enough cells on this time. So I have to come back again in a couple of weeks.Hope and pray it'll be normal! It says result usually takes 6-8weeks.

If you want to know more about Cervical Screening Test, click here. Hope it'll help you! Cheers!