CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS
WEAR A SKIRT OR DRESS If you feel comfortable wearing a skirt or dress, it may help you feel more covered. You can keep it on during the test and only take off your underwear. You do get a paper
sheet to cover yourself. If you would like to, you can also ask if you can bring a spare shawl or blanket too.
ASK FOR A SMALLER SPECULUM
Speculums come in different sizes. If you find the standard size too uncomfortable, you can ask to try another size.
PUT THE SPECULUM IN YOURSELF You may feel more relaxed and comfortable about putting the speculum in your vagina yourself. If you have a partner with you, you may prefer them to put the speculum in.
LIE IN A DIFFERENT POSITION Lying on your back may feel uncomfortable for lots of reasons. You can ask to lie on your left hand side with your knees bent (left lateral position). Use post-menopausal prescriptions If you have gone through or are going through the menopause, let your doctor or nurse know. After menopause, the opening of the vagina and vaginal walls become less able to stretch, which can make the test more uncomfortable. You can ask your nurse to give (prescribe) you a vaginal oestrogen cream or pessary, which may help.
ASK TO BE REFERRED TO COLPOSCOPY
Sometimes the nurse may not be able to see your cervix. This could be because you have a tilted cervix, cervical stenosis (where the vagina narrows) or something else. It does not mean there is anything to worry about. The nurse may suggest you go to a colposcopy department for cervical screening, as they have equipment like adjustable beds that can help when trying to see the cervix.
VISIT A SPECIALIST CERVICAL SCREENING CLINIC Some people prefer to go for cervical screening in a clinic that meets their needs. If you have experienced sexual violence, the charity My Body Back has clinics in London and Glasgow. The London clinic is for people living anywhere in the UK,
09 | POLICE | DECEMBER | 2023
and the Glasgow clinic is for people living in Scotland. My Body Back clinics are now open, so please contact them to book your appointment.
If you are a trans man and/or non-binary
“If it is your first cervical screening or you have experienced anything that makes the test hard for you, telling the person doing the test means they can try to give you the right support.”
person with a cervix, you may experience dysphoria around cervical screening, as well as other feelings that make the test difficult. If you want to go for cervical screening, there are a number of specialist clinics in the UK.
This #CervicalCancerPreventionWeek spread awareness of cervical screening and the HPV vaccine, read up on the facts, and get involved where you can. Head to the Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust website to find out more. Together we can end cervical cancer.
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust is the UK’s leading
cervical cancer charity. It provides information and support to anyone affected and campaigns for excellence in cervical cancer treatment, care and prevention. Its national Helpline is free, confidential and on 0808 802 8000.
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