Gynae health 101

The smear checks the cervix for high-risk HPV — the virus behind nearly all cervical cancer. In England, you're invited from age 25:

• 25–49: every 3 years (every 5 years from 2025 if HPV-negative)
• 50–64: every 5 years
• 65+: only if recent abnormal results or never screened

What to expect: 5 minutes, paper sheet, speculum, a swab. Uncomfortable, not usually painful. Ask for a smaller speculum or to insert it yourself if it helps.

Tip: Book mid-cycle (not on your period), wear a skirt, ask for a chaperone.

Offered free on the NHS in school year 8 (around age 12–13) and up to age 25 if you missed it. Protects against the HPV strains that cause most cervical, anal, throat and genital cancers — and genital warts. You should still attend smears even if vaccinated.

Free in the UK from sexual-health clinics or by post (search "free home STI test" + your area). Basic panel covers chlamydia and gonorrhoea; full panel adds HIV and syphilis.

When: after any new partner, after unprotected sex, every 6–12 months if you have multiple partners, or if you notice unusual discharge, sores, pain, or bleeding.

You can stop at any time. You can ask for a chaperone, a specific gender of clinician, smaller equipment, or a pause. "Just relax" isn't pain relief — for IUD fittings, hysteroscopy and biopsies, ask explicitly what pain relief is offered (local anaesthetic, gas and air, sedation).

No fixed technique — just know what's normal for you. Check monthly, ideally a week after your period. See your GP for: new lumps, skin dimpling, nipple discharge or inversion, persistent breast or armpit pain, or skin changes that look like orange peel. UK breast screening starts at age 50–53 every 3 years.

• Bleeding after sex
• Bleeding between periods on more than one cycle
• Any bleeding after menopause
• Pelvic pain that's new, severe, or stops you sleeping/working
• Unusual or very smelly discharge that doesn't settle
• New lumps anywhere in the breast, vulva, or groin
• Periods that flood through your usual product in under 2 hours
• Persistent bloating, feeling full quickly, or pelvic pressure for >3 weeks (ovarian cancer signs)