Treatments & Procedures
A cervical smear checks a sample of cells from the cervix for high-risk HPV, the virus responsible for almost all cervical cancers. If HPV is found, the same sample is then examined for any changes in the cells.
At The Pelvic Clinic, Mr Broome offers private cervical smears with HPV testing and cytology, in a calm, unhurried appointment, with results usually back within a week.
Overview
A cervical smear, sometimes still called a Pap test, involves taking a small sample of cells from the surface of the cervix with a soft brush, then sending it to an accredited laboratory for analysis.
The sample is tested first for high-risk HPV. If HPV is detected, the same sample is then examined under the microscope for any cell changes. This combined HPV and cytology approach is now the standard method used across the UK.
Because HPV can be present without any symptoms, and cell changes often develop silently over months or years, screening remains the only reliable way to catch problems before they progress. That’s why staying on top of regular checks, even when feeling perfectly well, makes such a meaningful difference to long-term outcomes.
Who It Suits
If you've missed your NHS screening invitation, a private smear lets you catch up without waiting for the next available appointment.
NHS screening now invites most women every five years if HPV isn't detected. Some prefer more frequent checks for extra reassurance.
Unexplained bleeding between periods, after sex or after the menopause always deserves a clinical assessment, whatever your last result showed.
For ongoing monitoring after a previous high-risk HPV result, colposcopy (a closer examination of the cervix), or treatment for abnormal cells.
To make sure your screening is up to date and any concerns are addressed before you start trying to conceive.
For women who would rather be seen by a specific consultant, with time to talk through any worries beforehand.
Step by Step
The whole appointment takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The sample-taking itself lasts under a minute.
You’re welcomed into a discreet, private clinic. The whole visit, from arrival to leaving, is designed to feel calm and unhurried.
A brief conversation about your menstrual cycle, any symptoms, previous smears, and any concerns you have about the examination.
A small speculum is passed into the vagina, and a soft brush is used to collect cells from the cervix. Women may find it uncomfortable but not painful.
We send the sample to an accredited laboratory. HPV and, where needed, cytology results are usually back within a week.
Meet Your Consultant
Mr Jonathan Broome is a consultant gynaecologist and urogynaecologist based in Manchester, with 26 years’ experience, including 16 years in full private practice. He was trained in medicine at the University of Birmingham before completing a fellowship in advanced endoscopic gynaecology at the Royal Hospital for Women in Sydney. He then built his reputation treating complex pelvic floor cases as a consultant at Royal Bolton Hospital, and now consults privately, offering cervical smear tests at Spire Manchester and Spire Hale.
He founded The Pelvic Clinic to give women the time to be listened to, to offer accurate diagnosis and a meaningful treatment plan individualised to each patient’s requirements, concerns and lifestyle goals.
In Our Patients’ Words
Verified reviews from patients seen by Mr Broome, shared through Doctify.
Real Patient Journeys
A snapshot of real patients that Mr Broome has treated across the range of conditions he specialises in.
A difficult labour left Alison with a uterine and vaginal wall prolapse. A keyhole sacrohysteropexy with Mr Broome lifted the…
Years of flooding periods and iron-deficiency anaemia caused by fibroids. A keyhole myomectomy with Mr Broome removed the…
Kate had been living with severe pelvic pain from endometriosis for over a decade. Laparoscopic excision surgery with Mr Broom…
After menopause, Kaye developed a bothersome vaginal vault prolapse that stopped her running and swimming. A…
NHS screening now invites women aged 25 to 64 every five years if HPV isn’t detected, or more often after a positive result. You can arrange private smears at any interval that suits you.
Women may find it uncomfortable rather than painful. It takes a minute or so, and you can ask to stop at any point.
Results are usually ready within a week. You can choose to be contacted by phone, text, or letter.
It means the virus has been found in your sample. The same sample is then checked for cell changes, and you’ll be advised whether you need further monitoring or treatment.
It’s best to avoid your period if possible, ideally booking for roughly the midpoint between periods, as blood can make the sample harder to read.
Avoid intercourse, condoms, spermicide, and vaginal products for 24 hours beforehand, as these can affect the accuracy of the result.
Yes. You’re welcome to bring a partner, friend, or family member for support if that would put you at ease.
Yes, we send results directly to you. You can also choose whether to inform your GP.
Private appointments can usually be arranged within days for self-pay and insured patients, without the wait typically associated with NHS booking.
Common Questions
Answers to the questions patients ask most often about private cervical smears at The Pelvic Clinic.
