how often do you have cervical screening in England if you are 35

At age 35 in England, routine cervical screening is offered every 5 years for those who test negative for high-risk HPV, following updates to the NHS Cervical Screening Programme.¹²

Key Details

• Interval: You are invited every 5 years if your test result is negative for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). (This was previously every 3 years for ages 25 to 49, updated as of July 2025).¹²
• Exceptions to the 5-year gap:
  • Positive HPV with no cell changes: You will be invited back sooner, in 1 year.
  • Positive HPV with cell changes: You will be referred directly to a hospital clinic for a colposcopy.
  • Previous treatment or abnormal history: You may be monitored more frequently depending on clinical advice.¹²

For more information on appointments and guidance, visit the NHS Cervical Screening Guide.Would you like to know more about what happens during the test or how HPV results are handled?

In England, cervical screening is offered every 5 years for everyone with a cervix aged 25 to 64.¹

• Age 35 Interval: At age 35, you will typically be invited for routine screening every 5 years (unless you are being monitored more closely following a previous abnormal result or an HPV-positive test).¹
• Transition Details: If your screening schedule was set up under the older guidelines (which previously used a 3-year interval for those aged 25 to 49), your next due date may vary until you transition fully to the 5-year framework outlined by the NHS Cervical Screening GuidelinesNHS Cervical Screening Guidelines.¹
• Invitation Method: You should receive an invite automatically via letter, text message, or through the NHS AppNHS App when your test is due.¹

Would you like help finding out how to book your appointment or checking what to expect during the screening?

In England, if you're 35 years old, you should have cervical screening every 5 years, provided your HPV test result is negative.

The schedule changed on 1 July 2025. Previously, women aged 25–49 were screened every 3 years. www.nhs.ukwww.england.nhs.uk

What happens depending on your results?

• HPV negative: Usually invited again in 5 years.
• HPV positive, no abnormal cells: Usually invited for a repeat test in 12 months.
• HPV positive with abnormal cells: You may be referred for further investigation (colposcopy).

A couple of important points

• You can still request screening if you've missed your invitation.
• If you experience bleeding after sex, between periods or unusual vaginal discharge, contact your GP rather than waiting for your next smear test.

You can read the official NHS cervical screening guidance here.

So, at 35, five-yearly screening is now the routine interval in England. ❤️