# Cervical screening if you are trans or non-binary

> Anyone with a cervix can have it

Category: Conditions · 3 min read · Written by the Splash team · Sources checked October 2026
URL: https://splash.care/learn/conditions/cervical-screening-trans-non-binary

## Quick answer

- Everyone with a cervix should be offered cervical screening.
- If you are registered as male you can opt in through a GP, sexual health clinic or gender clinic.
- Asking for what makes the appointment comfortable is fine, including a smaller speculum.

Cervical screening checks for the human papillomavirus ([HPV](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/hpv)) that can lead to changes in the cells of the [cervix](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/cervix). The NHS says everyone with a cervix should be offered screening, whatever their gender identity or who they have sex with. In England, all women aged 25 to 64 are invited every 5 years. If you are 65 or older you are only invited if a recent test was abnormal, but you can ask for [a test](https://splash.care/tools/pregnancy-test-timing).

## How invitations work in England

- Registered with [your GP](https://splash.care/learn/conditions/talk-to-your-doctor) as female: you are invited routinely. You may be invited even if you do not have a cervix, and you can ask to stop the letters.
- Registered as male or anything other than female: you are not invited automatically, but you can opt in by contacting your GP, a sexual health clinic or a gender clinic.
- GOV.UK recommends that you consider screening if you have not had a total hysterectomy and still have a cervix, especially if you have had an abnormal result before.
- Make sure your GP records are up to date so letters reach you in the right way.
- Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland run their own programmes, so check with your local service.

## Making it more comfortable

- You can ask for a nurse or doctor you feel comfortable with. The NHS says most screening is done by a female nurse or doctor, so tell the clinic if that is a barrier.
- Ask them to explain each step, to stop at any point, and to use the language that suits you.
- GOV.UK says that if you have taken testosterone for a long time, screening may be uncomfortable or painful. You can ask about a smaller speculum and extra lubricant.
- If you have a period on the day, contact your GP to rearrange.

The NHS is also introducing an HPV self-test you can do at home. It is for people with a cervix aged 30 to 65 who have not attended screening after being invited before, and you need an invitation to get one. It does not replace routine screening, and a positive result means you will need a clinic test.

> **Splash says:** Even if you have had the HPV vaccine, GOV.UK still recommends going for screening when you are invited. A normal result is usually good for 5 years.

### When to see a doctor

See a GP about any bleeding between periods, during or after sex or after the menopause, unusual vaginal discharge, or pain during sex, even if your last screening was normal. Do not wait for your next appointment.

## Sources

1. [GOV.UK: NHS population screening, information for trans and non-binary people (England)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nhs-population-screening-information-for-transgender-people/nhs-population-screening-information-for-trans-people)
2. [NHS: Cervical screening](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cervical-screening/)
3. [NHS: When you'll be invited for cervical screening](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cervical-screening/when-youll-be-invited/)
4. [NHS: How to book cervical screening](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cervical-screening/how-to-book/)

This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US).