Primary Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) screening has replaced routine cervical smears as the first line screening tool for cervical cancer in Aotearoa. Almost all cervical changes are caused by HPV, so detecting high risk HPV is the strategy Aotearoa has chosen to screen for cervical changes.
This means that if you are over 25 years old, you can either take a swab yourself or have you health care professional take one for you. It’s quick and simple, and can be done during pregnancy.
If your swab tests positive for HPV, then you may be asked to come in for a smear test, or you may be referred directly for a colposcopy. Your health care professional will discuss this with you, and these are usually done six weeks after birth, to allow the changes to your cervix that pregnancy causes to settle.