Page 29 | I’ve never had a smear test and I don’t want one either

Sophiablue95 · 13/01/2026 20:07

MindYourUsage · 13/01/2026 19:48

I am due a smear but I am not sure either. I hate the vulnerability of it. Laying there in a freezing doctors surgery, in a room that I am not familiar with with my legs open. Ugh.

I have since had the HPV vaccine anyway, and had it before I was sexually active (yes I am a very late bloomer...)

Smears have changed and they only test for HPV now anyway, and don't even look at the cells they scrape, so I am wondering if I can do one of those home test kits instead.

I was vaccinated and still got it.

Vergingontheridiculous · 13/01/2026 20:07

Helpmefindmysoul · 13/01/2026 18:30

Are you planning on having children? That’s much more uncomfortable and you have no choice in the invasive internal examination.

Sorry if this has already been responded to but you absolutely can refuse internal examinations during pregnancy and labour. I wish I had during my first labour when they made me get out of the birthing pool so they could "see what they were doing".

I knew if I got out of that pool I probably wouldn't feel able to get in again, and I ended up with an epidural and eventually forceps. I'm not saying that outcome definitely wouldn't have happened otherwise but I do now know that internal examinations are a poor indicator for how labour is progressing and pushy midwives do not help.

thatsgotit · 13/01/2026 20:06

glitterpaperchain · 13/01/2026 19:52

The phrase 'grit your teeth' making me cringe here 😂

I had vaginismus and my first smear I was so physically tense it was really painful. Next time I used hypnobirthing breathing techniques, wasn't painful at all. Of course everyone is different so I'm not saying if you just breathe through it it won't hurt. But if you're gritting your teeth it probably will!

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Fair point, that wasn't the best phrasing. 😄 I have the same problem, unfortunately, together with a tilted uterus, so the nurses probably dread doing mine.

PonkyPonky · 13/01/2026 20:06

EligibleTern · 13/01/2026 19:52

The fact that they only test for HPV, don't routinely look at the cells anymore, and could therefore do the screening much less intrusively for huge numbers of women is, for some reason, almost totally ignored on here. Mostly just a lot of people telling you you're thick, when they don't understand, or want to know, that the test has changed.

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There’s also a visual inspection of the cervix though. This could provide valuable indications of a potential problem. It’s not all about the HPV.
Everyone can do whatever they want but personally I think you’d have to be a bit simple to refuse a quick and free screening for a disease that can and does kill.

Minnie798 · 13/01/2026 20:06

There isn't a national screening programme for prostate cancer because the evidence base isn't there at the moment. I believe the TRANSFORM trial has started now, so that may change once the trial has taken place and results are available.

Cervical screening is already evidence based. Nothing wrong with choosing the HPV self testing
option, but concerns do exist about adequate sampling, compared to a hcp.
In any case, it's up to individuals whether or not they take up the screening that is offered to them.

PeachySmile2 · 13/01/2026 20:05

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TheSillyPinkFatball · 13/01/2026 20:05

My smear test identified a cervical polyp which in turn led to further screening and a cyst being identified on my ovary. no signs of either prior to smear and resulted in keyhole surgery.

So its not just about screening for cervical cancer/hpv virus.

That said your body your decision .

Soupsavior · 13/01/2026 20:05

Catza · 13/01/2026 19:57

But it isn't available! It's only now being rolled out this year. Yes, it may have been available privately for a while but it takes time to evaluate evidence and do risk assessments and cost/benefit analysis at a population level before NHS adopts new screening procedures and treatments.

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This! And to have been able to do enough research that the NHS brushes or whatever mechanism will be properly quality assured which can't be guaranteed from every private online kit available currently.

fashionqueen0123 · 13/01/2026 20:05

MiddleChildX · 13/01/2026 18:43

If you’ve done your research you’ll know you can get cervical cancer without HPV. Are you also going to refuse ‘yucky invasive procedures’ if you get cancer?

I cannot understand you bleating on that women are routinely offered screening. All this ‘because we’re not men’? What even is that? Given women have experienced health gender inequality for centuries, it can only be a good thing that the gap is [slowly] decreasing.

That’s one of the main issues with a smear test. They aren’t testing for abnormal cells if you don’t have HPV. It worries me. For those of us without hpv a smear test is pointless as it’s actually just an hpv test.

which in this case the OP has already had done.

Booksandcheese · 13/01/2026 20:04

Seventeenstars · 13/01/2026 19:47

@CallMeDaphne
I find it unfair, as I’ve repeated many times on this thread, that there are other less invasive ways of screening for HPV (which is essentially all they do nowadays anyway) but yet this archaic procedure continues.

But do you accept that while this procedure is being carried out the nurse is also able to observe your cervix, vagina and vulva and note any changes/swelling/cysts/abnormalities that you may have no idea of or, feel no symptoms from?

For me this is an invaluable free service that may lead to early intervention if there is a problem. You are free to opt out but why are you so angry about women's health care? It's an amazing thing that is available to us that many in other countries are denied.

Justgorgeous · 13/01/2026 20:03

pikkumyy77 · 13/01/2026 18:28

Against stupidity the gods themselves contend in vain.

Brilliant quote.

Soupsavior · 13/01/2026 20:03

If you had done so much research that you even looked at the NHS page on cervical screening you'll have seen you can remove yourself from screening invites by simply filling out a form, if you are so against being offered life saving cancer screening.

lessglittermoremud · 13/01/2026 20:01

Your body, your choice. Ask your GP to stop contacting you about it and opt out of reminders.

MsDitsy · 13/01/2026 20:00

OK?

YouChair · 13/01/2026 20:00

EligibleTern · 13/01/2026 19:52

The fact that they only test for HPV, don't routinely look at the cells anymore, and could therefore do the screening much less intrusively for huge numbers of women is, for some reason, almost totally ignored on here. Mostly just a lot of people telling you you're thick, when they don't understand, or want to know, that the test has changed.

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Indeed. If it weren't for the fact that these midwits really upset some women, it'd be funny.

CautiousLurker2 · 13/01/2026 19:59

You get cancer by exposure to HPV virus. Men develop this under their foreskin. They don’t get it by sexual activity so being a virgin is irrelevant. It is spread by touching/contracting warts, shared surfaces, towels etc so it is often transmitted between men in sports activities and changing rooms, or even by leaning on the same bar in the pub. For them, personally, it isn’t particularly harmful. It is only non existent in circumcised and celibate communities - so Jewish women and nuns don’t get it.

My mother and her aunt got it - it killed my aunt because she thought it was just peri menopause symptoms (as did my mother who she shared symptoms with). She died a slow and painful death because it spread to her spine. My mother had to have a total hysterectomy as a result of hers. They didn’t have a smear either as they weren’t free in South Africa. My sisters who were 19 and 22 also had early CIN1 changes (pre-cancerous cells identified on smears)… both only having had one sexual partner, one of whom was also a virgin.

But you do you. Your body, your choice.

Generally advisable to actually understand the facts first, though, rather than rely on google.

LucyLoo1972 · 13/01/2026 19:59

Seventeenstars · 13/01/2026 18:18

Controversial I guess, I’m 36.
I don’t think it’s necessary, as I’ve read about my risk factors and I don’t meet the criteria. All the men I’ve slept with (without protection) were virgins and yes I know they were for sure.
I also have no family history of any cancer.
My partner has prostate cancer in both sides of his family, his dad has it currently and he’s not even been offered a screening test for this.
I find this so frustrating and contradictory when women and men are treated so differently and if you refuse smear or breast screening you’re seen as an awful person, and those who do are morally superior.
Men aren’t coerced into invasive internal examinations.
I have an aversion to having things inserted in me internally and feel I have a right to that decision regarding my body.
There are home tests for HPV available, which I have done myself in the past - all clear.
My question is why do they persist with this archaic procedure when there are other options available?

I keep getting phone calls from my GP surgery trying to persuade me to book a test. I don’t understand why they’re always pushing it, but just totally dismiss other medical issues, which has been my experience several times.
Do they get extra commission for this or something?
There are even pop up ‘clinics’ and drop in sessions going ahead near me.

Of course I know I’ll be bombarded with replies saying I’m selfish, stupid and uneducated. I’ve even read other women saying that those who refuse should be denied any medical care!
But I have done my research and I am more than aware of the implications.

im the same as you. I have only slept with ym partner and we were both virgins when we got married. I have vaisimus and am terrified of having anything inserted and sex is nearly impossible .

Newusername3kidss · 13/01/2026 19:59

Honestly. I think you’re mad. I constantly am thankful to live in a society where we have access to amazing healthcare including testing “just to check”. I appreciate every smear, breast- check , blood pressure check etc which is offered to me. With the majority of cancers the sooner you catch something the better so why on earth wouldn’t you want to have 10 seconds of slight discomfort for peace of mind. After multiple very healthy young friends being diagnosed with breast cancer recently I am paying for private breast check as I’m not old enough yet for the free one . I’ll take every test offered to me.

rainbowsandraspberrygin · 13/01/2026 19:58

Nowdontmakeamess · 13/01/2026 19:49

All that tells us is that you have very black and white thinking and will argue till you’re blue in the face you’re right & everyone else is wrong.

It is your decision at the end of the day, but doesn’t mean it’s a good one, especially as you have a child.

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This is super offensive to the autistic community. Not all autistic people are the same. Please think before posting.

theres a lot more to autism than that.

Goldwren1923 · 13/01/2026 19:58

BillieWiper · 13/01/2026 18:30

wouldn't you feel gutted of you had cancer and it could be been nipped in the bud rather than maybe losing organs or worse?

I feel a bit guilty about that but I still don't go. I have had them before though.

I feel like I don't need one as I can feel my cervix. But they keep harassing me about it so much it does get annoying.

Feeling your cervix doesn’t mean anything.
you really think you’re able to feel whether there are some abnormal cells there?

Sleepysleepycoffeecoffee · 13/01/2026 19:58

Seventeenstars · 13/01/2026 18:18

Controversial I guess, I’m 36.
I don’t think it’s necessary, as I’ve read about my risk factors and I don’t meet the criteria. All the men I’ve slept with (without protection) were virgins and yes I know they were for sure.
I also have no family history of any cancer.
My partner has prostate cancer in both sides of his family, his dad has it currently and he’s not even been offered a screening test for this.
I find this so frustrating and contradictory when women and men are treated so differently and if you refuse smear or breast screening you’re seen as an awful person, and those who do are morally superior.
Men aren’t coerced into invasive internal examinations.
I have an aversion to having things inserted in me internally and feel I have a right to that decision regarding my body.
There are home tests for HPV available, which I have done myself in the past - all clear.
My question is why do they persist with this archaic procedure when there are other options available?

I keep getting phone calls from my GP surgery trying to persuade me to book a test. I don’t understand why they’re always pushing it, but just totally dismiss other medical issues, which has been my experience several times.
Do they get extra commission for this or something?
There are even pop up ‘clinics’ and drop in sessions going ahead near me.

Of course I know I’ll be bombarded with replies saying I’m selfish, stupid and uneducated. I’ve even read other women saying that those who refuse should be denied any medical care!
But I have done my research and I am more than aware of the implications.

‘All the men I’ve slept with (without protection)’. So clearly you do not have an aversion to things being inserted in you lol

Notmymarmosets · 13/01/2026 19:58

rainbowsandraspberrygin · 13/01/2026 19:54

I think the good thing about this thread is making more people aware of this.

does anyone know if we can request this rather than the invasive option when we get the letter/call?

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You just buy it from Boots or Asda etc.

Catza · 13/01/2026 19:57

Seventeenstars · 13/01/2026 19:50

@glitterpaperchain No, I’m asking for more options in this screening. E.g. the non invasive test that is available but for some reason isn’t being offered or even spoken about as an option.

But it isn't available! It's only now being rolled out this year. Yes, it may have been available privately for a while but it takes time to evaluate evidence and do risk assessments and cost/benefit analysis at a population level before NHS adopts new screening procedures and treatments.

netflixfan · 13/01/2026 19:56

My best and oldest friend died of cervical cancer a few Years ago. She didn’t get smears done. It was a nasty horrible death. Just saying.

tumbletoast · 13/01/2026 19:56

goldenlockets · 13/01/2026 19:51

@SeventeenstarsI've not read all the posts so apologies if this has been posted before but....

You can get HPV from someone who is a virgin.

HPV is not just spread through penetration.
It's also spread through fingers and mouths. That means any former sexual contact with anyone else.

www.eveappeal.org.uk

HPV is passed on through skin-to-skin sexual contact. This includes sexual touch, oral, vaginal and anal sex, and sharing sex toys.

Also at 36, you could have had the HPV vaccine. You may have just missed it when at school but you could have paid for it privately.

If you want to test yourself , fine.

Edited

You obviously didn't read the original post where the op said she'd tested negative for HPV. Maybe you should have read at least the original post properly before racing to join the sanctimonious pile on.