Some women who have had a hysterectomy may need to keep having Cervical Screening Tests. It depends on the type of hysterectomy, the reason for the hysterectomy, and the woman's cervical screening history prior to the hysterectomy.
Women still need regular Cervical Screening Tests if they have a cervix (if they had a sub-total hysterectomy or partial hysterectomy).
Women without a cervix (who had a total hysterectomy) may still need follow-up tests (using a cell sample taken from the top of the vagina) if they:
- have not been screened before
- had a hysterectomy as part of treatment for high-grade cervical abnormalities
- are under surveillance for a previous high-grade cervical abnormality
- have cervical abnormalities detected during their hysterectomy.
If you have had a hysterectomy, ask your doctor whether you still need to have cervical screening.