I’m a midwife and here’s what getting your smear tests really looks like

GETTING a smear test done can be a daunting thing.

Even if it is your first time or your fifth, it's not the most pleasant thing to be willingly doing.

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But understanding the process can make it much less uncomfortable.

And the more relaxed you are, the quicker and simpler it will be.

Certified nurse-midwife Sarah Pringle’s demonstration video shows exactly what happens, and what tools are used.

Sarah's  and pages are full of educational videos which cover everything from pregnancy to periods and contraception.

In this clip she shows how a student is practicing doing a smear test on a model of a vagina and cervix.

The trainee takes a speculum - which looks big, but less big when you compare it to their hand - and inserts it.

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It opens up to make sure there is room for the swab to go all the way up to the entrance to the cervix without picking up the wrong cells.

The video then shows how quickly it is inserted and swabs the area to be tested, before it is gently removed and the speculum is too.

It comes after an expert said women may only need one smear test in their lifetime thanks to a new vaccine.

The HPV vaccine is leading to such dramatic reductions in cervical cancer that it could spell the end of regular check-ups.

HPV vaccines have been given to teenage girls since 2008 to prevent cancer in later life, and boys since 2019.

We've previously shared tips from a gynaecologist on how to make your smear as painless as possible.

Dr Shree Datta said to make sure you time it around your period, wear a skirt, don't rush, ask for a smaller speculum or take some painkillers beforehand if you find it especially uncomfortable.

GET CHECKED

The most important thing is that if you have a cervix, you go for your smear test when invited.

Smears help prevent cervical cancer, which per year is diagnosed 3,000 times and tragically takes the lives of 850. 

The test looks for changes in the cells of the cervix and the human papillomavirus (HPV).

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By detecting any abnormalities, doctors can prevent cancer from developing. 

All women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 should be invited by letter to get their smear, and should try to not delay booking their appointment.