I’ve never had a smear test and I don’t want one either

It's fine for you to make your own decisions. I've been a bit slack with gaps between tests sometimes because I also have no risk factors, such as me and DH both being virgins when we married. I've known others who have also thought this way, due to lack of risk factors.

I've known someone who thought the same way who did develop abnormalities, so it's not a guarantee.

I think it's important to get looked at. In spite of no risk factors, I have had a small polyp removed from my cervix. Nothing to do with cancer but they can rarely be cancerous. Mine was fine. Still no risk factors, but it happens. I got it removed and nothing since.

It's entirely up to you but I'd consider it for yourself. I always felt the same way as you but, over time, I've come to appreciate more that they do matter. Even with lack of risk factors.

You do have a choice!

I don't feel superior to you for having a smear at all. I do find it laughable though that you can say you've done your research and then in the next sentence say that your risk is low because you've only had sex with virgins. You do know they're not testing for sexually transmitted infections right? And also, when you had sexual intercourse, did you have an aversion to having something inserted in you internally? You do you but not sure why you needed to post on here or try to make a point that you're not uneducated. I don't think anybody enjoys a cervical smear but I wouldn't enjoy cancer treatment either 🤷🏻‍♀️

I think they will start sending home testing kits from early this year, initially to people like you who don't attend smear test appointments and people who are overdue by 6 months, I think. I've always showed up for smear tests, but I think I'll pass it this year and wait for the home testing kit.

I did an assignment on this for part of my practice nurse course
The research argued that it helped to pick up marginalised groups
However it found a trend that women would do the self swab once but wouldn't do it again when the next smear was due.
The research also stated that the policy in Australia (at the time of the research) was if an individual had an abnormal cells result they were invited to have a smear done by a health care professional.

Cervical cancer kills 2 people every day, on average. Proper screening has a huge impact on that.

In much the same way I would an anti-vaxxer, I’d absolutely tell you to your face.

Trust the experts, you’re not one.

But that’s kind of the wrong way round isn’t it? Shouldn’t blokes actually be up in arms about the fact that they’re not routinely proactively offered screening for prostate cancer? And similarly, why aren’t we being offered mammograms earlier, given despite breast cancer having the reputation of being a middle aged woman’s disease, I know many more under 40’s who have battled through it than over 50’s…

(And yes the answer to both of those is probably cost and resources….)

It’s different if you’ve been sexually assaulted, had bad experiences previously etc
its like saying oh my coil fitting didn’t hurt but for someone else it could be incredibly painful

Of course you did. 🙄

It’s second best yes but it’s something
my mum never had a mammogram or smear in her life and she would have done the HPV test I think if it was about then

Evasive internal examinations!I’ve had my smear done so many times and never once could I describe it as this.

I had cervical cancer at 30. I had 3 young children at the time. That smear test and subsequent treatment saved my life and allowed me to see those children grow into adults who have now got their own children.

I truly hope that your stupidity doesn't cost you your life at any point, OP.

I can assure you, everything I’ve said here to you - I would say it to your face.

At least you will never be in a position to put your DS off having a smear and potentially saving their life because of your views.

I find this so frustrating and contradictory when women and men are treated so differently... Men aren’t coerced into invasive internal examinations.

Men's prostate tests aren't offered frequently because the main tool, the PSA blood test, is unreliable, leading to potential overdiagnosis and overtreatment.
(However, I've had both the PSA test and the internal examination, as I was showing symptoms - thankfully got all-clear, but at least I know, which is the point, I guess, of smear tests too).

Men often don't get tested at all until they've got symptoms and it's sometimes too late by then. I'm not having a smear anyway, but thinking about it it'd make a good protest-if the NHS won't give men regular PSA tests to save lives then I'm not going to help them get their smear test numbers up to target.

Utterly utterly stupid!
You got me when you said you know for certain the men you have had sex with have all been virgins. There is absolutely no way you can be certain of that, unless you had those men locked up in the cellar from the age of about 10 until the point they had sex with you.

They’re less accurate, but - as you’ll know since you’ve done your research - they’ll be offered very soon to women who decline the more accurate test. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czxe8g98vq8o

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj615p583nwo.amp

Oh shit! >> Booking my next smear asap

Good for you.
You remain a non clinically qualified one.
I suggest you stop spouting information that you have no business squawking about.

Fair enough. But I’m not sure many more than a vanishingly small minority of people actually want a smear OP.

Wow. I wish you well for the future and thanks for posting this.

I had mine yesterday. I was pleased to note that they have changed from metal speculums to plastic which was much more comfortable and not freezing cold!

It took a couple of minutes if that.