How is cervical screening different if you prefer a female clinician?

Cervical screening involves using a speculum to see the cervix and collecting a small sample of cells. A preference for a female clinician does not alter the purpose, equipment or sample. The clinic may be able to schedule a female doctor or nurse, although availability can vary. You can ask what will happen before the examination, request an explanation at each stage and say stop if you feel uncomfortable.

You may also ask whether a chaperone can be present and whether a support person is allowed under the clinic's policy. Your consent should be checked before the examination begins.

Mention your preference when booking rather than waiting until you arrive. Ask how the clinic records the request, whether a female clinician is available on the day you need, and what to do if the appointment changes. Wear clothing that is easy to remove from the waist down, and tell the clinician about pregnancy, pain, previous difficulty with examinations or past abnormal results. You can ask for extra time or a pause.

Book an assessment for bleeding after sex, bleeding between periods, bleeding after menopause, unusual discharge or pelvic pain rather than waiting for routine screening. Contact the clinic if you cannot attend because the requested clinician is unavailable, so another appointment can be arranged. Seek urgent care for severe pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, fainting or feeling acutely unwell.

Ask whether a female clinician is available, whether a chaperone can attend, how consent is handled, whether you can pause the examination, and how results and follow-up will be communicated.