Smear test dos and don'ts
When is the best time to have a smear?
The best time to have a smear test is 10-20 days after the start of your last period. You shouldn't have a smear during your period as the blood makes it difficult to see the results. Also avoid having anything in the vagina 24-48 hours before your smear. This includes:
- semen
- spermicides, foams or jellies
- vaginal inserts (e.g. pessaries for thrush)
- tampons
Some doctors will do a smear if you have a light period and there are also new, liquid-based smears that can separate the cells from the blood and mucus.
If you're not sure or suddenly start your period, call your surgery to see what they suggest. There's nothing more annoying than turning up, only to be sent away.
What if I'm pregnant?
You can still have a smear test if you're pregnant.
How about after birth?
It's a good idea to wait a while for a smear test after you've had a baby, as Katherine from Wales found out:
'Each time I had a smear after birth (I have 4 children) it came back inconclusive. By the time I was called for a colposcopy, the problem disappeared. Apparently because the smears were taken 6 weeks after each birth, it's too soon for cells to settle down after birth.'
By Catherine Archer
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