The treatment of abnormal cells on the cervix, sometimes called CIN, will depend on whether it is grade 1, 2 or 3. Often, cells showing CIN 1, where only a third of the thickness of the surface layer is affected, will return to normal without any treatment at all. In these circumstances treatment isn't usually recommend and repeat smears are done usually within six months, to ensure that further cell changes do not develop. Most CIN 1 will return to normal before your next smear. Once you have three normal smear results in a row, each six months apart, you can then return to the normal screening routine.

If you have CIN 2 or 3 it is usual to be referred to the hospital for colposcopy. This involves a gynaecologist taking a closer look at your cervix and either taking biopsies of the area or giving treatment to remove it. Various treatments can be done including laser therapy, cryotherapy (freezing the area) and cold coagulation (using heat to destroy the cells). Some doctors prefer to treat all cervical abnormalities, however minor which includes CIN 1.

Although CIN 1 can progress to CIN 2 or 3 it is unlikely to do this very quickly and most CIN 1 will revert back to normal. CIN 3 can develop in to a cancer but again this is unlikely to happen quickly and vary rarely within six months, by which time a repeat smear should of been done.

If you do not know what grade of CIN you have, your GP should be able to tell you. Your GP should also be able to explain why you do not need any treatment at the moment and hopefully reassure you that it is fine to have another smear in six months.