Can I have a smear test if I have thrush?

It’s best to wait until you’ve finished your thrush treatment. UK advice is to book cervical screening for a time after you’ve finished treatment for unusual vaginal discharge.

The treatment matters too. Avoid vaginal medicines, lubricants and creams for 2 days before your test, as they can affect the results. Thrush creams and pessaries count, so leave at least 2 days between your last dose and your appointment.

If your appointment is already booked, contact the clinic to move it. Thrush usually clears within 7 to 14 days of starting treatment, so you shouldn’t need to wait long.

Cervical screening takes cells from your cervix, the opening to your womb, while thrush affects the vulva and vagina. Screening doesn’t test for thrush, and any infections found in the sample aren’t included in your result.

But creams, pessaries and lubricants contain substances that can affect the test. If your result is unclear, you’ll be asked to come back in 3 months to have the test again. This doesn’t mean anything is wrong, but waiting until your treatment has finished gives you the best chance of a clear result first time.

Cervical screening, which used to be called a smear test, helps prevent cervical cancer. It isn’t a test for cancer.

A nurse or doctor gently opens your vagina with a speculum and uses a soft brush to take a small sample of cells from your cervix. The test itself takes less than 5 minutes.

In the UK, the sample is tested for high-risk types of HPV first, and it’s only checked for cell changes if HPV is found:

• No HPV: your risk of cervical cancer is very low, and you’ll be invited again at your next routine screening.
• HPV but no cell changes: you’ll be invited back in 1 year to check whether the HPV has gone.
• HPV and cell changes: you’ll be asked to have a colposcopy, a closer look at your cervix.

In England, Scotland and Wales, you’re invited every 5 years from age 25 to 64. In Northern Ireland, it’s every 3 years from 25 to 49, then every 5 years up to 64.

Thrush is a common yeast infection caused by candida, a fungus that is normally harmless. It isn’t classed as an STI, but it can be triggered by sex or, less often, passed on during sex.

Symptoms include:

• white discharge, often like cottage cheese, which doesn’t usually smell
• itching and irritation around the vulva and vagina
• soreness and stinging during sex or when you pee

Thrush is treated with antifungal tablets, pessaries or creams, and it should clear up within 7 to 14 days of starting treatment. If you get it more than 4 times a year, you may need treatment for up to 6 months. See a doctor if it’s the first time you’ve had symptoms, if treatment hasn’t worked, or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

If your discharge smells fishy, it’s more likely to be bacterial vaginosis (BV) than thrush. Some STIs, like Trichomonas, can cause similar symptoms too. Read more in “Thrush or STI: how to know the difference”

These tips can help stop thrush coming back:

• Wash with water and an emollient instead of soap, and dry properly afterwards.
• Wear cotton underwear, and avoid tight underwear or tights.
• Don’t use perfumed soaps, shower gels, bubble bath, douches or feminine washes.
• If you often get thrush and you’re prescribed antibiotics, ask whether you can have thrush treatment at the same time.
• You don’t need to avoid sex unless it’s uncomfortable, and partners only need treatment if they have symptoms.

Thrush creams and pessaries can damage latex condoms and diaphragms, so they may not protect you for at least 5 days after you finish treatment. Use a latex-free condom during that time. Read more in “Can condoms cause yeast infections? Separating myths from facts”

Cervical screening is for people without symptoms. Don’t wait for your next test if you have:

• bleeding during or after sex, between periods or after the menopause
• periods that are heavier than usual
• unusual discharge that doesn’t go away after treatment
• pain during sex, or pain in your lower back, pelvis or lower tummy

These symptoms are common and usually caused by something other than cancer, but it’s important to see a doctor and get them checked.

Better2Know offers:

• PAP Smear and HPV Testing for Women: a sample from your cervix, checked for cell changes and tested for types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer, with results in 5 days. You can book it at one of our clinics.
• HPV home test: a vaginal swab you take yourself at home, tested for 14 high-risk types of HPV, with results in 3 days.
• Comprehensive Screen (Women Only): if you’re not sure your symptoms are thrush, this tests a urine sample and a vaginal swab for common STIs and other infections, including Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Trichomonas and Herpes, from 14 days after sex, with results in 5 days, at one of our clinics.

For a PAP Smear or HPV test, it’s best to wait until you’ve finished thrush treatment. Not sure which test you need? Our Patient Care Team is available 24/7 on 020 7099 0955.

Can thrush affect my smear test results?

Thrush itself isn’t tested for, and infections found in the sample aren’t reported. But thrush creams, pessaries and lubricants can affect the results, so leave 2 days after your last dose before your test.

Can I have a smear test on my period?

It’s best to book your test for a time when you’re not on your period. If your period starts on the day, contact the clinic to rearrange.

Does a smear test check for STIs?

Only for HPV. Cervical screening looks for high-risk HPV and cell changes only. If you want to check for other STIs like Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea, you need a separate STI test. Read more in “Do you need a smear test if you are still a virgin?”

You don’t need to worry if thrush and your smear test clash. Finish your treatment, leave at least 2 days after your last cream or pessary, then have your test. Thrush usually clears within 2 weeks, so it’s only a short delay.

When you’re ready, book PAP Smear and HPV Testing for Women at a clinic near you. Our Patient Care Team is available 24/7 on 020 7099 0955.

Not in the UK? Choose your country from the selector at the top of the page for local tests and prices.

This article originally appeared on 5 April 2024 and was last updated on 30 September 2026.

This article is general information and not a substitute for personal medical advice.

Sources

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