HPV & Cervical Screening
Cervical screening
This information regarding cervical screening applies to all people with a cervix (regardless of their gender identity).
It is recommended that any person aged 25 to 69 with a cervix should have regular cervical screening every five years. It is important to have these regular cervical screenings regardless of your gender identity and the gender identity of your sexual partners. It is safe to undergo cervical screening while pregnant.
As of September 2023, the primary test under the National Cervical Screening Programme is an HPV test, with the option of self-testing. This is a better first test for the prevention of cervical cancer.
Having a positive HPV test does not mean you will have or will get cancer. After a positive test you can be monitored by colposcopy through the cervical screening programme. This ensures that if abnormal cells are detected they can be treated, if necessary, well before they may ever develop into cancer.
What is the process for cervical screening?
While cervical screening previously involved a clinician using a speculum to complete a smear test, for most people this will no longer be necessary with changes to the National Cervical Screening Programme.
The HPV test can be done as a simple vaginal swab. You can choose whether you would like to do a self-test or have the swab performed by a clinician. Even when self-testing, this will need to be done by visiting a healthcare provider. In some instances, such as if you are immune deficient, a smear test may still be recommended and you can discuss this with your healthcare provider.
This test can be done through your GP, Family Planning, sexual health services, and community health services.
It is from a cervical smear that most people usually find out that they have HPV, however, others will find out because they have developed genital warts. It is impossible to know how HPV is transmitted to any particular person even through cervical screening.
For further information about the National Cervical Screening Programme in New Zealand:
- Freephone: 0800 729 729
- Website: Time to Screen
HPV is thought to be the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the world, and most people are infected with HPV at some time in their…
HPV infection - key information – Vaccination against HPV has been available for many years. 80% of unvaccinated adults will pick up HPV at some point…
Papilloma is a word that means a small wart-like growth on the skin or mucous membrane. There are many types of papilloma infections - even some that…
While HPV is an extremely common infection, and there is a link between HPV and cervical, anal, penile, some vulval and throat cancers, it is…
HPV is transmitted to your mouth by oral sex. It may also be possible to get oral HPV in other ways. An increased number of oral sex partners…
Some types of HPV are linked to abnormal cell changes on the cervix which place women at higher risk of abnormal cervical smears and developing…
HPV and penile cancer – HPV-related penile cancers most often affect the ‘head’ of the penis and are rare.
HPV and anal cancer – HPV-associated anal…
The emotional impact of finding out that you or your partner has an STI can sometimes be worse than the actual infection.
It’s really important to…