How long before a smear cant I have sex?

[Fallagain]

I feel like by my age I should know this but I can’t remember!

I’ve never been told not to?
They are taking a swab of your cervix
Not emptying the contents of your uterus out.

I didn't know this was a thing!!!
Who told you that?

Never heard of that, is it something new?

I didn’t realise there was a time limit? I’ve never heard that !

I remember being told about this for one smear, though not for every. They don’t want to be swabbing semen, they want your cells! You could always use a condom?

No idea this was a thing

You can use a condom - it’s just semen that they don’t want to deal with, although I think they will do the swab anyway, there’s just a higher chance of needing to repeat the test, and it’s presumably not as nice for the nurse.

Never heard of this before. Just don’t do it the day before if that makes you feel better, otherwise don’t worry!!

I was always told 48 hours....to be fair if you aren't using a condom then they aren't going to get a great result for your smear. Actually would be worse if you used spermicide/caps etc.

Yup I was told 48 hours or use a condom 🤷🏻‍♀️

I’ve never been told anything and have previously had sex the night before (when younger obvs and not now).

I've never been told as such but I wouldn't because I assume it's better not to for both the nurse and the test.

From the Bupa website

For two days before your test, you shouldn’t use any spermicide (including condoms coated with spermicide), lubricating jelly or vaginal creams. This is because chemicals in these products can affect the test.

I'm a practice nurse and do loads of smears: there's no official rule with sex prior to a smear but jd day avoid the day/night before xx