Cervical health

Cervical screening, HPV and colposcopy

Plain-language information for each step, from your screening test and results to colposcopy, treatment and follow-up. Each page also has a printable sheet.

Step 01

Screening

Self-collection for cervical screening

Self-collection lets you take your own sample for cervical screening, using a simple swab in the lower vagina.Read online · Printable sheet included

Step 02

Your screening result

Understanding your cervical screening results

Your Cervical Screening Test looks for human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes almost all cervical cancers.Read online · Printable sheet included

HPV 16 or 18 found: what it means

Your screening test found HPV type 16 or 18.Read online · Printable sheet included

HPV found (not type 16 or 18): your follow-up tests

Your screening test found a type of HPV other than 16 or 18, and your cells were normal or showed only low-grade changes.Read online · Printable sheet included

Step 03

Colposcopy and biopsy

Colposcopy: what to expect

A colposcopy is a closer look at your cervix.Read online · Printable sheet included

Aftercare following a cervical biopsy

A biopsy is a small sample of tissue taken from your cervix during colposcopy.Read online · Printable sheet included

Understanding your biopsy results

Your biopsy is examined under a microscope by a pathologist.Read online · Printable sheet included

Colposcopy and abnormal screening in pregnancy

Abnormal screening results are sometimes found during pregnancy.Read online · Printable sheet included

Step 04

Treatment

LLETZ: what to expect

LLETZ (large loop excision of the transformation zone) removes the area of the cervix where abnormal cells are found.Read online · Printable sheet included

Aftercare following LLETZ

After LLETZ, the treated area of your cervix heals over the next few weeks.Read online · Printable sheet included

Cone biopsy: what to expect

A cone biopsy removes a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix, including the lower part of the cervical canal.Read online · Printable sheet included

Adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS): treatment and follow-up

Adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) is a precancerous change in the glandular cells that line the cervical canal.Read online · Printable sheet included

Step 05

Follow-up after treatment

Test of Cure after treatment

Test of Cure checks that treatment for high-grade cell changes (HSIL) has worked.Read online · Printable sheet included

Also useful

Prevention

HPV and the HPV vaccine

The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers, as well as other HPV-related cancers and genital warts.Read online · Printable sheet included

This information is general and does not replace individual medical advice. Last reviewed October 2026.