Participating or not
You decide yourself whether you wish to participate
Participation in the health screening is free of charge. As with any other medical examination, there are advantages and disadvantages to the health screening. The government offers this health screening because the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. This could be different for you personally.
Participating later or not participating
You cannot participate if you are pregnant or have recently had a baby. You can participate from six months after the birth. There are also other medical reasons for postponing or not participating. This includes when you have had your cervix removed. If you are uncertain, please consult your GP.
Participate later or deregister? You can indicate this via My Health Screening. You will need your DigiD to log in. You can also contact us by phone or e-mail. We will process your deregistration anonymously: your name will not be used.
If you have deregistered for a non-medical reason and you would like to participate again at a later date, that’s no problem. You can indicate this via My Health Screening. You will need your DigiD to log in. You can also contact our information line.
Visit your GP if you have symptoms
If you have any signs or symptoms of cervical cancer, such as an unusual discharge or unexpected blood spotting, do not wait for the cervical screening, but make an appointment with your GP to discuss this.
Frequently asked questions
I no longer wish to receive an invitation. Is that an option?
Yes, that’s an option. You can deregister so that you no longer receive any invitations for future cervical screenings. You can do this via My Health Screening, using your DigiD. You can also contact us by phone or e-mail. We need your signature to finalise your deregistration.
I received an invitation three years ago but I didn’t participate. Can I still participate in the screening?
Yes, that’s an option. Contact the information line, they can send you a new invitation.
Can I have a smear taken or participate in a self-sampling kit when I have my period?
No that is not possible. If there is blood in the smear or self-sampling kit, it cannot be properly assessed.
As a transgender person, can I participate in the population screening for cervical cancer?
Trans men and trans women who qualify for the population screening for cervical cancer (and/or breast cancer) on the basis of their physical characteristics and age can (continue to) participate in this. On the RIVM website you can read how participation in the population screening for breast cancer and cervical cancer is arranged for transgender people.
Pregnant or just gave birth?
If you are pregnant or have just given birth, it is better not to participate in the population screening. A Pap smear during pregnancy can sometimes lead to inconveniences such as blood loss and if you have no complaints, it is better to postpone it until after the pregnancy.
If you have complaints, such as unusual discharge or bleeding shortly after sex, please contact your doctor. The doctor can then make a smear. This can also be done during pregnancy and is not harmful.
From 6 weeks after giving birth, you can have another smear taken for the population screening.
If in doubt, consult your doctor. Do you want to join later or unsubscribe? Then go to My Population Screening and log in with your DigiD.
Can I participate after a miscarriage?
From 6 weeks after a miscarriage, you can have another smear taken for the population screening. Do you have questions about this? Then consult your doctor.
Can I participate after an abortion?
From 6 weeks after an abortion you can have another smear taken for the population screening. Do you have questions about this? Then consult your doctor.
Is it still necessary to participate in the population screening if I have had the HPV vaccination?
Yes, it is still important to participate in the population screening. The HPV vaccine protects against the 2 types of HPV that most commonly cause cervical cancer. However, there are other HPV types that can cause cervical cancer. With the HPV vaccination you are largely protected against cervical cancer. Even if you have been vaccinated against HPV, you still have a small chance of getting cervical cancer. That is why it is important to participate in the population screening. You will receive an invitation for this from the age of 30.
What are the chances of having HPV if I've already had the HPV vaccination?
The risk of HPV is related to factors such as age, sexual behavior and vaccination. We cannot indicate the exact probability, this will be further investigated in the coming years.
The HPV vaccine protects against HPV types 16 and 18. These are the two types of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer. There are also other types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. Read more here.
Without the HPV vaccination, about 8 in 10 men and women will become infected with HPV at some point in their lives. Younger women are more likely to be infected with HPV than older women.
I am pregnant. Can I use the self-sampling kit?
No. You can use the self-sampling kit from 6 weeks after pregnancy.