Being there for cervical screenings
Welcome to the wild and wonderful ride of your first period, an emotional waterfall full of feels, freak-outs, and figuring it out. You’re not alone in this. Let’s break it down by how it feels, what you might expect, and how to go from panic to prepared.
Contraception
What happens during an in-clinic cervical screening?
Cervical screenings are no one's idea of fun. They can feel uncomfortable, clinical and exposing. Whether it’s your loved one's first time, they’ve had a difficult experience in the past, or they've just not quite sure what to expect, it’s completely okay to feel a bit uneasy about the whole ordeal.
It's important to remind them that this is their body. They're in control. And they deserve to feel safe, supported, and respected at every step.
So that you are better informed as the support person going into the appointment, here’s what usually happens during an in-clinic cervical screening.
1. First, a convo with the doctor
They’ll usually explain what the test involves and ask about your partner's history with cervical screenings in a respectful, confidential way.
Your partner can ask as many questions as they like. They can also say no, pause or stop at any time.
2. They're given privacy and time to get ready
- Your partner will be shown to a private space (usually within the consultation room or exam room),
- They'll get undressed from the waist down and lie on an exam table with a sheet or blanket to cover themselves.
- Normally there will be a seat near their head where you can sit next to them (hold their hand, kiss them, distract them).
- They can request a female clinician, wear earphones, or ask for extra time.
3. They'll use a speculum to get a good view of your Partner's cervix
A speculum is a smooth plastic or metal tool (kinda looks like tongs) used to gently open the vaginal walls so the clinician can see they're cervix.
It may feel a little unusual or pressure-y, but it shouldn’t hurt. If it does, or if they feel uncomfortable, they can say so, they won’t be judged, and they can adjust or stop.
4. A quick sample is collected
Using a small soft brush or spatula, they’ll gently collect a few cells from your partner's cervix. This only takes a couple of seconds. It’s quick, and most people describe it as mildly uncomfortable at most.
5. And that's it! They're done
Remind them that they did the hard thing! Give them a big hug and go celebrate!
The speculum is gently removed, they get dressed in their own time, and the sample is sent to a lab for testing.
Results usually take a few days to two weeks, and their doctor will let them know how and when they'll receive them.
If HPV is found, your partner's doctor will explain what that means and what the next steps are, often just a repeat test or closer monitoring.
Relaxation techniques to use when you are mid Cervical screening
Here’s some relaxation techniques that you can have in your back pocket as the support person for mid-cervical screening to hopefully help calm your partner.
You may wish to practice these techniques together beforehand or just guide them during the appointment.
What to do:
- Inhale for 4 seconds
- Hold your breath for 4 seconds
- Exhale for 4 seconds
- Hold for 4 seconds, then repeat
What to do:
Picture yourself lying on a soft, fluffy cloud, floating effortlessly through the sky. With each inhale, imagine the cloud lifting you higher. With each exhale, feel your body releasing tension into the air.
Why it helps:
It creates a sense of weightlessness, helping you relax your pelvic muscles and reduce pain perception.
Prep before the appointment:
Plan what you are going to do post cervical screening. Think low-impact ‘happy place’. This could be indulging in your favourite food, curled up in bed binge watching your favourite tv series or snuggling with Meow-bert the long haired ragdoll. Organise this together so everyone is on board with the plan.
What to do:
Imagine yourself an hour from now in your pre-planned happy place.
Why it helps:
Your brain believes what you tell it - so by focusing on the post-procedure relief, you shift away from discomfort in the moment.
How to support someone anxious or overdue for their cervical screening appointment
Rapid fire prompts when supporting someone getting a cervical screening
What to say (and what not to say)
When it comes to cervical screenings, the way you respond matters just as much as the practical support you give. Here are some simple prompts to help you know what to say (and what not to say) that can make your partner feel seen, heard and understood.
- “I’m here for you, whatever you need.”
- “Do you want to know the step-by-step, or would you rather I distract you?”
- “You’ve got this. I’m proud of you for taking care of your health.”
- “Want to make a plan for something fun after?”
- “It’s no big deal” (It might be for them.)
- “You're overreacting, it’s just five minutes” (Minimises their feelings.)
- “You’ll be fine” (Too vague, offer tangible reassurance instead.)
- Any jokes about stirrups, speculums, or body parts unless you know humour is their coping style.
