Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

It's not worth booking a smear is it?

26 replies

SartBimpson · 28/03/2020 18:07

Had my letter through for my smear test. I'm 36, never missed one, never had an abnormal result. Obviously these things can change, hence the tests but I'm low risk. It can wait a while given what's going on can't it?

OP posts:
Haveitheright · 28/03/2020 18:11

Absolutely.
We are not doing smears on women in my practice. It can wait a few months until all this settles. Obviously if you have any worries do call and have a chat to a dr.

cptartapp · 28/03/2020 18:17

I'm a practice nurse. Still doing them.

Haveitheright · 28/03/2020 18:28

Fair enough, our practice is closed and only doing things coded green in the workload prioritisation list and nothing in the Amber.

OP check with your practice then.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

General health Women's health
pearpickingporky84 · 28/03/2020 19:27

The cervical screening programme in NI has been paused, not sure about the rest of the UK but I suspect it’s similar.

KTD27 · 28/03/2020 19:28

That’s odd - mine are still doing them and I’m due mine on Monday.

Pulppixies · 28/03/2020 19:30

My smear has been rearranged for the end of April

BrokenBrit · 28/03/2020 19:30

Mine is due this month and I’m the same as you, always go. But I am not going until this is over. The last place I want to be is the doctors waiting room for something that can wait (hopefully) a few months.

iklboo · 28/03/2020 19:32

I cancelled mine due last Friday. They've added a note to my records to call and rebook when they can start them again.

BookSkark · 28/03/2020 19:33

Mine has been cancelled - was meant to be next week. I'll just rebook it later in the year.

SophiaLarsen · 28/03/2020 19:36

I tried to book mine and was refused (South West). It must depend on where you are and what they can cope with.

BlueThursday · 28/03/2020 20:26

Mine should have been this month but I’ve had no reminder so I’m guessing it’s on hold for the moment

Chickenpie9 · 28/03/2020 20:37

Will the testing labs not be really busy too ? I’m due mine and not missed any before but I usually get mine done at sexual health clinic . I don’t want to trouble anyone if it can wait a couple of months or spread germs around .

Original poster
SartBimpson · 28/03/2020 20:42

I'll give them a call on Monday and see, I'd rather not be out if I can help it (I have an autoimmune disease) and don't want to use ridiculously stretched resources. Thanks.

OP posts:
Takemebackto · 28/03/2020 21:15

They are still doing them at my gp. I had mine last week she did mention the results will probably take longer than normal though.

SudokuQueen · 28/03/2020 21:28

Surprised some places are still doing smears. I can't even get my implant changed and it runs out next month. I got a phone call telling me that they have decided they last 4 years now, not 3, but to use condoms just incase. Hmm

NotSuchASmugMarriedNow1 · 28/03/2020 21:29

That's odd I got a letter too this week telling me to book a smear which I thought I didn't have to do any more as I am 55 now. Does anyone know what the cut off age is?

NotSuchASmugMarriedNow1 · 28/03/2020 21:31

oh I see it's every 3 years till your 50 then every 5 years.

Oh well. I'm not gonna risk getting cervical cancer for the sake of a few minutes discomfort.

MummaGiles · 28/03/2020 21:32

My practice isn’t doing them at the moment. Mine was cancelled.

BiarritzCrackers · 28/03/2020 21:34

Oh, I am glad to see this - I need one, and had been a bit concerned that I wouldn't be able to now.

I suppose all kinds of screening would be subject to considerable back logs if they suspended them entirely for who knows how long, which would have its own impact on public health.

BelaLug0si · 28/03/2020 21:37

Pathology labs are different departments according to speciality. Cytology is different to virology, different staff. Although the initial primary HPV test is PCR based it's done in the cytology department.
The English programme hasn't been paused but I think many GP practices aren't doing appointments at present due to concerns with social distancing?
Welsh screening programmes were paused from the start of this week I think.

Passportpacked · 28/03/2020 21:43

I have mine on Thursday, have called the practice to check it is still on. No idea how long the current situation will last and I don't want to risk not having it.

Original poster
SartBimpson · 29/03/2020 09:58

Oh well. I'm not gonna risk getting cervical cancer for the sake of a few minutes discomfort.

That's nothing to do with it Confused

OP posts:
wheresmyhairytoe · 29/03/2020 10:32

I'm due mine but waiting for things to calm down.
I really don't want to be sat in a germ ridden waiting room right now not do I want to take up precious time.

blackberrysoup · 29/03/2020 10:38

All the surgeries in our town have cancelled them

cptartapp · 02/04/2020 19:38

wheres I've never been so quiet at work.
Trying to get an appointment to catch up all these delayed appointments in a few months will be the problem.