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

I'm not having any more smear tests. When I'm called, I do a hpv test. Done and dusted. And yes GPS get bonuses for meeting smear targets.

I think it’s your GP you should be angry with. Personally I’m ok with it, don’t love it but it’s bearable for me.

To be fair, the OP didn't really start the thread off in the right tone by accusing those who get smear tests of feeling morally superior...

My Mum died of cervical cancer. It's not pleasant. Please get a smear. It takes minutes and for a few seconds of discomfort, it's surely worth it.

As someone who has had cervical cancer (diagnosed at age 31) resulting in a radical hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy whilst pregnant with my second child, having had to sign for a termination I didn't want as a part of the surgery because I would die if I didn't have it - you're so very very very unreasonable in your stance of mocking those who do have the tests.

My cancer was found on a routine smear.

And FYI, minimal sexual partners and barrier protection used prior to my current relationship of 22 years. No history of cancer in the family

HTH

I’ve just googled the home tests - the results show a vaginal swab you use at home as far as I can tell. Is there a different kind of test?

Of course you did. 🙄

You deal with your hangups however you like, if you don’t want to have it, don’t have it. There’s no need for the all dramatics though.

How are these replies mocking?

Health is an incredible emotive topic for so many women.

OP has come to a public forum to ask people's opinions on thier personal health decision and naturally, people are giving their opinions.

repost as forgot to quote

Oh just put up with it OP, for God's sake. It's not that intrusive to occasionally turn stuff down, just say you don't want to.

These tests save many women's lives that probably wouldn't bother if not pushed. The world can't be set up to please everyone.

I fully admit I put off my first smear for a good 5 years after first being invited, more due to fear...ironically the fear of being told I had cancer. Since then I've had them regular as clockwork.

The only thing I will say is that the new testing rules annoy me, in that UNLESS you test positive for HPV they do not carry out ANY further testing. I feel this has the chance to miss vital cancers.

Granted I know HPV can stay hidden for years, but having had the same partner for 12 years I feel my chance of being HPV positive after decades of being negative seems unlikely (granted not impossible though).

I feel for the sake of them just testing for HPV id rather just do a test at home. That said I will no doubt keep going to the appointments.

How are these replies mocking?

Health is an incredible emotive topic for so many women.

OP has come to a public forum to ask people's opinions on thier personal health decision and naturally, people are giving their opinions.

It's not controversial. GP surgeries are private businesses who are contracted to deliver primary care and public health programmes. There is core funding and performance based additional finding available (which is what the previous poster is referring to as 'commission'). It's hardly secret knowledge.

You do you but I don't know why you're telling us about it.

So what's the point of the thread then? Why the tone from the OP? If they were genuinely thinking that you can avoid a smear test by using an at home test, their wording would simply be informative rather than almost provocative.

I think you'll find she's being mocked for the announcement really.

I mean there's a bubble tea place down the road to me and I've never bothered going in there and buying bubble tea.

Never thought to start a thread about it though, or complain that they keep putting leaflets through my door.

And of course the part about knowing they were definitely virgins 😁

OP, screening is optional. It's also not foolproof. Many people choose not to access it, including some medical professionals.
You are free to make your own choices, so don't let anyone bully you into something you don't want.

If you don’t want it, do not have one. Refuse because of your own personal reasons, not to score points against men who don’t have to have prostate examinations.

Yep second that; it’s your body and you have bodily autonomy. It’s probably already been said but they test for HPV and if positive then cells for changes that could indicate/lead to cancer.
If you don’t have HPV there’s no point IMO
Don’t allow anyone to dictate to you over your body - it is your choice and yours alone x

Peculiar isn’t it. This doesn’t happen on threads about elective c-sections funnily enough.

Just buy a swab one online from superdrug and do one yourself. They only test for Hpv now so might as well do the home one.

Calm down everyone. The OP has had HPV tests. Thats all a "smear" test is too.
OP if you notify the surgery you're opting out they should stop asking.

Ok, OP.

It's your decision to make, many women make a similar choice (for many reasons). I would urge you to reconsider your position but ultimately it's your choice.

Your statement around women who participate in regular screening programmes and moral superiority says more about you, than it does about them.

People really falling over themselves here to mock and insult a woman who isn't comfortable with an intrusive exam. Lovely.

You do realise that no women find smear tests pleasant? Many of us find them scary, uncomfortable to painful and stressful. I made them give me valium for a colposcopy and a general anaesthetic for a hysteroscopy. I am a bit of a pest.

I tend to think that 5 mins pain is better than invasive treatment for actual cancer.