Cervical Self-Screening

What is cervical self-screening?

Cervical self-screening makes it possible to screen yourself.

What happens during cervical self-screening?

The test uses a small swab to collect a sample from the vagina to look for human papillomavirus (HPV). 

What are the benefits of cervical self-screening?

The test is quick, reliable and effective. It tests HPV types that can cause changes to the cells of the cervix and that can lead to cervical cancer.

• You can do it yourself
• It’s easy and painless: you use a small, Q-tip-like swab to collect a sample from your vagina (not your cervix)

The HPV test used for self-screening detects the same high-risk HPV types as the test ordered by a health care provider. However, the collection method is different. With self-screening, the sample is collected from the vagina using a swab. In contrast, a health care provider collects the sample from the cervix during a speculum or pelvic exam.

Learn more about HPV Screening and Cervical Cancer Prevention.

What to expect:

Step One

If you are due for screening, request a self-screening appointment by phone (1-888-561-2233) or email colcerscreening@ihis.org or fill out the online form.

You may be able to do self-screening through your primary care office. Check with your provider to see if cervical self-screening is available at their clinic.

Step Two

You can complete the test by following the instructions inside your kit. You can also ask a health care provider to explain or show you how to collect the sample or they can do it for you.

Video available in Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi and French.

Step Three

You will get results within three to six weeks. For more information about cervical self-screening results, visit Understanding Your Cervical Self-Screening Results.

What you need to know before self-screening – Restrictions and Limitations

Will I do it correctly? Will it hurt?

Cervical self-screening is easy and should not hurt. You collect a sample by turning a small swab inside your vagina for 20 seconds; it doesn’t have to go in too far. If you follow the instructions inside your kit, you’re doing it correctly. The sample you collect is just as accurate as a provider-taken sample.

Or watch this cervical self-screening instructions video. (Video is also available in Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi and French.)

Cervical Self-Screening is not an option and if:

• You are pregnant or recently gave birth
• You are experiencing symptoms
• You no longer have a cervix (for example, you had a hysterectomy)
• Your last result required follow-up, such as a colposcopy or an LBC (Pap) test
• You had certain abnormal results in the past, including treatment
• If you are under surveillance or treatment with a physician, nurse practitioner, or specialist

Why and when to choose self‑screening?

Self‑Screening can be helpful if you:

• Feel uncomfortable with pelvic exams
• Have a history of trauma and want more control
• Are transgender, non-binary and prefer privacy during screening
• Do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner: If follow-up is needed after screening (e.g., you test positive for HPV), you will be connected to a clinic in your community.
• Have trouble getting to appointments because of transportation, childcare, work or scheduling
• Live in a rural area and want a more convenient option
• Are part of a group that has been under‑screened or faced barriers to care in the past

If you experience symptoms:

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms – bleeding, abnormal or persistent discharge, pelvic pain, or pain during intercourse – or if you would like to discuss sexually transmitted diseases or contraception, it is important to talk to your health care provider. You can visit your family physician, go to a walk-in clinic, or contact SHORS at 1-844-365-8258. Alternatively, you can reach out to a Female Health Clinic at 902-367-3285, if you do not have a family physician or nurse practitioner.

Things to consider before cervical cancer screening.

A positive HPV result can cause some worry, but most people clear HPV infections on their own, and not everyone with an HPV infection will develop cancer.

No screening test is perfect. Your screening result might show no HPV even if abnormal cells are present, or HPV could be detected even if your cells are normal.

Screening could lead to additional tests and procedures. These steps can feel stressful for some people, but they are an important part of protecting your health.