British Sign Language (BSL) signed content: HPV self testing
Published 24 August 2026
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2026
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Introduction
You can watch a British Sign Language version of our HPV self-testing information below.
Transcript
HPV self-testing: a test to help protect against cervical cancer
The NHS offers some women and people with a cervix HPV self-testing as an alternative check for a virus called human papillomavirus, or HPV.
HPV is a common virus. It is usually harmless, but some high-risk types can increase your chance of getting cervical cancer.
Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer. But if you were invited for cervical screening and did not attend, self-testing is the next best option. You can do the HPV self-test yourself, at home or in a private space, at a time that suits you. You do not need an appointment.
If you have been invited to take part in HPV self-testing, follow the instructions to order a free self-test kit. You can do this in the NHS App, through your NHS online account, or by using the other options in your invitation.
The kit comes with full instructions. The test uses a swab, a bit like a cotton bud. You insert the swab a few centimetres into your vagina to collect a sample.
After you take the sample, post it back to the NHS straight away in the envelope provided. Postage is free.
To find out more, read our online guide to using the test kit. Visit www.gov.uk/how-to-self-test-hpv.
Your sample will be checked for high-risk HPV.
You should get your results within 14 days, in the NHS App or by letter.
If your result is HPV negative, this means your test did not find high-risk HPV. You will be invited for cervical screening again in 5 years, if you are still eligible.
You could still get HPV in the future, so it’s important to know the symptoms of cervical cancer. Find more information about the symptoms of cervical cancer on the NHS website. Visit www.nhs.uk/cervical-cancer-symptoms.
If your result is HPV positive, this means your test did find high-risk HPV. This does not mean you have cervical cancer.
You will be asked to book a cervical screening appointment at your GP surgery or sexual health clinic. A nurse or doctor will take a small sample from your cervix. This can be checked for cell changes that could increase the risk of cervical cancer. These changes can be treated.
If we were not able to get a clear result from your HPV self-test, you may be asked to do it again. This is nothing to worry about and does not mean you have cancer.
If you do not want to do an HPV self-test, you can still book a cervical screening appointment at any time, even if you were invited months or years ago.
Even if you’ve had the HPV vaccine, you should still go for cervical screening or do an HPV self-test if you are invited. The vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV.
If you need any extra help – for example, if you have a physical or learning disability – support is available. You’ll find contact details in your self-test invitation.
For more information on HPV self-testing, read our online guide. Visit www.gov.uk/about-hpv-self-test.