The lowdown on keeping your cervix happy
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Let’s talk about cervical screening—because your cervix deserves the VIP treatment. This test is for people who feel perfectly fine but want to stay that way. Cervical screening helps prevent cervical cancer before it even thinks about moving in. Pretty cool, right?
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New Ontario Guidelines (as of March 3, 2025)
Ontario recently updated its cervical screening guidelines! Most people now only need screening every 5 years instead of 3. Instead of doing a PAP test, we are now screening for HPV. Research shows that most people need cervical screening every 5 years from ages 25 to 69. Getting screened for human papillomavirus (HPV) with a cervical screening test every 5 years is as effective as getting screened with a Pap test every 3 years.
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Who Needs a Cervical Screening Test?
This service is open to anyone in the North Simcoe community at no cost.
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Unsure if you need a Cervical Screening Test? Use our handy checklist!
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✔ You are 25 or older (Seriously—don’t book if you’re under 25! Even if you’ve had sexual contact, screening before 25 is not recommended)
✔ You have a cervix (we see you, women, Two-Spirit folks, transmasculine and nonbinary pals!)
✔ You have ever had any kind of sexual contact
✔ It has been 5 years since your last test
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...then it’s time to book that appointment!
Even if you:
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Had the HPV vaccine
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Feel perfectly fine
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Have been through menopause
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Have had the same partner forever (or none in a long time!)
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Have only had protected sex
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Are in a same-sex relationship
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Are pregnant
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You still need screening. The only folks who get a pass? Those who’ve never had any sexual contact or had a full hysterectomy (bye, cervix!). If you’re under 25, no need to book—wait until your 25th birthday!
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What Happens During the Test?
It’s basically a glow-up for your cervix. A healthcare provider (like your favorite midwife!) uses a small, soft brush to collect cells from your cervix. It’s quick and shouldn’t be painful—just a little awkward. But hey, your cervix will thank you later!
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What About the Results?
You’ll get your results by mail, and we’ll get a copy too, so we can chat about next steps if needed. If HPV is detected, don’t panic! It doesn’t mean you have cancer—just that we need to keep an eye on things.
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When to Screen More Often?
Some people need testing every 3 years instead of 5, including those with weakened immune systems (HIV/AIDS, organ transplants, or certain medications). If that’s you, talk to your healthcare provider.
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Time to Wrap It Up?
Most people can stop screening between 65-69, but we’ll help you decide when it’s time to say goodbye to speculums forever. Haven’t been screened in over 5 years? No judgment—just book an appointment! Your cervix will love you for it.
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