It is important that you feel comfortable with the person who takes your smear. You have a choice of where to go to have smears:

• your local doctor or medical centre
• Family Planning centres
• women’s health centres
• marae-based clinics or other Māori health services
• Pacific health clinics
• community health services
• mobile clinics
• student health services
• union health services
• sexual health services.

Some of these services may not be available where you live. If you want to find out about the options in your area, you can ring the National Cervical Screening Programme on freephone 0800 729 729.

Smear takers should have information available for women about the various places they can go to have a cervical smear test.

Finding a female smear taker

It is important you feel comfortable with the person who takes your smear. Many women prefer to have a cervical smear test done by a woman.  Some male doctors will arrange for you to have a cervical smear test with a female doctor or nurse who is trained to take smears.  If you want to know more about where to go for a female smear taker, ring the National Cervical Screening Programme on freephone 0800 729 729.

Having a cervical smear if you are disabled

Disabled women may face other challenges when having a cervical smear test.  If you have a disability that affects you having a cervical smear test, talk to your smear taker about your needs when you make an appointment.  Your smear taker may then be able to prepare for your needs, for example, getting extra equipment or rearranging a room.

It may be possible to find a smear taker who is experienced in doing smears for disabled women.  Some local disability services may know of someone in your area who is specially trained or experienced.  You can also ring the National Cervical Screening Programme on freephone 0800 729 729.