Should I avoid sex before having a cervical screening test?

This depends on what type of contraception you are using, if any. Some methods of contraception can affect a cervical screening test result. These are-

·         Spermicides

·         Barrier methods (e.g. condoms or a diaphragm)

·         Lubricant jelly

If you use any of these methods, you should not have sex for at least 24 hours before having a cervical screening test. Otherwise, having sex should not affect your cervical screening result.