Should I request an additional smear test?

[Mylittlesandwich]

I had a LETZ procedure in December 2017 for abnormal cells found on a smear test. I was then put on a 6 monthly recall (June 2018). I was told by the nurse I was on an annual recall at that point but I fell pregnant in March 2019.

A few months after DS was born I called the surgery as I was sure I'd missed one. They looked at my notes and said I wasn't due one as I was back on 5 yearly recalls, next due June 2022. I explained that I'd been told they would be annual due to my previous results but they said I'd been discharged from the care of the hospital and they had me on normal recalls but that if I had any symptoms then to call.

I am very overweight at the moment and when I am this weight I don't have periods, never have. I had to loose a lot of weight to fall pregnant with DS and during pregnancy and lockdown a lot of it has crept back on. I have been having some bleeding. It never lasts more than a few hours and it doesn't follow the pattern of a period, there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to when it will happen. I can't say that it's bleeding between periods as I don't have periods but it's also out of the norm for me. I'm not sure if this would be reason enough to request an additional smear test or if I'm wasting time during a pandemic.

[Glitterb]

Due to your history then I would want one for peace of mind, however I know they are quite strict if you are not due. Definitely go to the doctors so they can examine you.

[Mylittlesandwich]

@Glitterb

Due to your history then I would want one for peace of mind, however I know they are quite strict if you are not due. Definitely go to the doctors so they can examine you.

Thanks, I'll give them a ring and see what they say, while I obviously don't love these tests I know they're important. I think it would give me peace of mind if someone could say everything is ok.

[cptartapp]

Routine recall is three yearly not five, for under 50's.
And you can't 'request' one, if it's not due the lab will bin the sample- zero tolerance policy.
If you have symptoms then speak to your GP.

[user194729573]

If you have symptoms you need a GP appointment, potentially an examination and then colposcopy.

Smear tests are only for screening not diagnostic.

[Mylittlesandwich]

@cptartapp

Routine recall is three yearly not five, for under 50's.
And you can't 'request' one, if it's not due the lab will bin the sample- zero tolerance policy.
If you have symptoms then speak to your GP.

I'm in Scotland and it's definitely 5 years as I'm sure on my dates.

I don't think request was the right word sorry.

[Mylittlesandwich]

@user194729573

If you have symptoms you need a GP appointment, potentially an examination and then colposcopy.

Smear tests are only for screening not diagnostic.

I'll give the drs a call, I wasn't sure if I do have symptoms or not which is why I posted really.

[GooodMythicalMorning]

I'd call the dr instead, this is what I've had to do. She's running additional tests.

[cptartapp]

It's three yearly in Scotland up to the age of 49. Definitely.
Practice nurse.

[Mylittlesandwich]

@cptartapp

It's three yearly in Scotland up to the age of 49. Definitely.
Practice nurse.

Dr google has conflicting advice but I'll give them a call this afternoon to sort something out

[TinyTinaTriesAgain]

There are usually quite a few places that offer well woman screening where you can have a smear, obviously paying for it.
I understand you would want your GP practice to be the first choice, but if they refuse, you can go elsewhere. The UK is one of the 'worst' countries in terms of smear tests because many other countries do them annually or bi-annually. It's a cost issue, I think.

[Mylittlesandwich]

@TinyTinaTriesAgain

There are usually quite a few places that offer well woman screening where you can have a smear, obviously paying for it.
I understand you would want your GP practice to be the first choice, but if they refuse, you can go elsewhere. The UK is one of the 'worst' countries in terms of smear tests because many other countries do them annually or bi-annually. It's a cost issue, I think.

That was my first thought but unfortunately it's not something I can afford at the moment. I have a phone appointment with the doctor on Monday so we'll take it from there.

[TheRealLadyWhistledown]

The smears have changed now to only say yes or no to HPV which I discovered after a recall for abnormal cells just to let you know OP.

[WildOrchids67]

It's changed to five years in Scotland. I had my last smear in November, got the results a couple of weeks ago saying they hadn't detected HPV so I wouldn't be tested again for five years. I've just turned 34.

[GwendolineMarysLaces]

@user194729573

If you have symptoms you need a GP appointment, potentially an examination and then colposcopy.

Smear tests are only for screening not diagnostic.

This! A smear is a screening test. Once you have symptoms, you need to see a doctor and they will examine you and decide what to do next.

[Mylittlesandwich]

I do remember reading about the change actually now you mention it. I can't actually remember if I had HPV the first time. I've had the vaccine but I know it's obviously not full proof. I'll see what the GP says on Monday.

[unmarkedbythat]

I would say the bleeding you have is outside of a 'normal' menstrual cycle and it would for me be a symptom that needed attention. Good luck Monday.

[Mylittlesandwich]

Just an update, spoke to the (lovely) GP this morning. She thinks I actually should have been diagnosed with PCOS years ago due to tests done elsewhere. She's going to have me in for an exam and some blood tests on Wednesday morning.