Real Talk Blog

Can I Screen for Cervical Cancer At Home?

May 15, 2025

Key Takeaways:

  • Cervical cancer screening and self-collection is appropriate if you are between the ages of 25-65 and have an intact cervix (not had a full hysterectomy with removal of the cervix). 
  • If you are experiencing abnormal vaginal bleeding, you will need to first have this evaluated by a provider before you can screen at home.
  • There are certain groups of people who may have a higher risk for cervical cancer based on their screening history and other medical factors. In these cases, it is recommended that you remain under closer surveillance with your existing healthcare team.
Image credit:

The Teal Wand has been FDA-approved, allowing you to self-collect a vaginal sample for your cervical cancer screening from the comfort and privacy of your home. At the lab, your sample will be tested on an FDA-approved primary HPV test. Primary HPV testing is the most sensitive screening test for cervical cancer and is recommended by the American Cancer Society and the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). 

We are on a mission to make sure every person with a cervix is screened for cervical cancer, and we will update our at-home screening eligibility as medical guidelines change over time. 

In this guide, we discuss who can use the Teal Wand (right now). 

Who Can Use the Teal Wand? 

Cervical cancer screening and self-collection is appropriate if you are between the ages of 25-65 and have an intact cervix (not had a full hysterectomy with removal of the cervix). 

If you are pregnant or within 6 weeks of giving birth, we recommend waiting to use the Teal Wand. This is because the safety of the Teal Wand has not been studied in women who are pregnant or have recently given birth. If you have a pregnancy due date, you can let us know when you register for Teal, and we will reach out to you when you can screen. 

Abnormal Bleeding Needs to Be Evaluated by a Provider

If you are experiencing abnormal vaginal bleeding, you will need to first have this evaluated by a provider before you can screen at home. The provider can help you determine the cause of the abnormal bleeding and, based on this, whether at-home self-collection is right for you. 

This is because abnormal bleeding can be a symptom of cervical cancer. Symptoms of cervical cancer can include pain or bleeding during sex, unusual spotting, or a mass you can feel in the cervix. If you have any of these symptoms, contact a healthcare provider right away. 

What counts as abnormal bleeding? 

  • Bleeding repeatedly after sex (when not on your period)
  • Bleeding in between periods and/or more than 10 days per month 
  • Bleeding after menopause (meaning bleeding after you have not had a period for 12 consecutive months)

What does not count as abnormal bleeding?

  • Spotting at the beginning or end of your normal period
  • Bleeding from progesterone-only contraceptives
  • Bleeding from continuous birth control pills

Those Who Are High-Risk for Cervical Cancer Should Continue Established Care 

There are certain groups of people who may have a higher risk for cervical cancer based on their screening history and other medical factors. This includes people who:

  • Had a LEEP or cold knife procedure for moderate to severe precancerous changes in the past 25 years (HSIL, CIN2, CIN3, atypical glandular cells) 
  • Have a medical history of any of the following:
    • Cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva, endometrium, or uterus
    • HIV
    • In utero DES (diethylstilbestrol) exposure 
  • Are currently taking immunosuppressant medications

These factors could mean that you have a history of high-grade precancer, cancer, or are at a higher risk for developing cervical precancer and cancer. In these cases, it is recommended that you remain under closer surveillance with your existing healthcare team. During this surveillance period, you may be undergoing more frequent screenings that involve cytology tests or regular colposcopies. 

It is important that you stay engaged in this close care with your established providers, so that there is no disruption to the plan in place to keep you healthy.  

Teal follows current medical guidelines from leading organizations, and we will continue to update this eligibility guide as the recommendations for self-collection evolve.

Liz Swenson MD, FACOG, MSCP
Medical Director & OBGYN

Liz Swenson is a board-certified OB/GYN who has been providing care to women for more than 20 years. She has learned that women are genuinely interested in their own health and want to understand the science behind their medical conditions. Originally from Iowa, she completed her medical training in Northern California where she still lives with her husband and two daughters. She has worked in a busy multispecialty practice in Palo Alto and has taught OBGYN residents as an Adjunct Clinical Faculty Member of Stanford University. Now, with a focus on helping all women have choices and access to the gynecological care they need, she is excited to use her clinical experience to help improve the lives and longevity of all Teal patients.

Your experience matters

Signup to be the first to know when we’re available in your state.

Thank you!
Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.