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Original poster

Today I have my smear test

19 replies

KenAdams · 05/10/2022 09:28

I have stage 4 endometriosis. A smear test leaves me in severe pain for days.

I just can't understand, now they only test for HPV, why I can't just buy a HPV test and not have an invasive test done that causes me so much pain?

OP posts:
RagzRebooted · 05/10/2022 09:30

onlinedoctor.superdrug.com/hpv-test.html

RagzRebooted · 05/10/2022 09:30

Oh the magic of Google.

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Original poster
KenAdams · 05/10/2022 11:13

Thanks, I know I can purchase a test, but the NHS won't accept that as me being tested will they? They'll have me down as not being up to date with my smears.

OP posts:
LindaEllen · 05/10/2022 11:19

KenAdams · 05/10/2022 11:13

Thanks, I know I can purchase a test, but the NHS won't accept that as me being tested will they? They'll have me down as not being up to date with my smears.

So? I've done this the past few times and yes, it shows you as being not up to date, but so what? It's not a criminal offence, and you have been tested.

You can also contact your GP and get them to stop sending you reminder letters.

TheFreaksShallInheritTheEarth · 05/10/2022 12:41

It’s not obligatory to have smear tests. NHS don’t have to “accept” anything.

I haven’t had one for a while, and no longer see the point of something so invasive and embarrassing if they’re not even going to look at the bloody cells. I certainly wouldn’t bother if it will cause you pain.

iekanda · 05/10/2022 12:44

If you pay for a private smear, you can get the cells looked at as well as the HPV test. And they will visually inspect your cervix and can see things like a polyp.

I agree the NHS smear is now the victim of cost cutting and many of us don’t want to go to get humiliated only for them not to bother looking at the cells.

SummerHouse · 05/10/2022 12:45

I would go and talk it through. If you do go ahead, they will be fully aware and can be particularly gentle and use the smaller speculum if that helps at all?

But yes, I can't see why especially in your circumstances why you couldn't just test yourself.

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 05/10/2022 12:53

NHS doesn't have to accept anything, just do a super drug one.

inheritanceshiteagain · 05/10/2022 12:55

KenAdams · 05/10/2022 11:13

Thanks, I know I can purchase a test, but the NHS won't accept that as me being tested will they? They'll have me down as not being up to date with my smears.

And?

Its not an offence

Original poster
KenAdams · 05/10/2022 12:56

SummerHouse · 05/10/2022 12:45

I would go and talk it through. If you do go ahead, they will be fully aware and can be particularly gentle and use the smaller speculum if that helps at all?

But yes, I can't see why especially in your circumstances why you couldn't just test yourself.

Thank you, I think I will still attend and have the conversation with them. I just have to see them a lot for gynae stuff and I don't want me not having a smear on record to delay any treatment.

OP posts:
MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 05/10/2022 13:00

KenAdams · 05/10/2022 12:56

Thank you, I think I will still attend and have the conversation with them. I just have to see them a lot for gynae stuff and I don't want me not having a smear on record to delay any treatment.

Show quote history

That's a good plan. Also ask for a small speculum, it makes a huge difference to me between agony and nit bad at all. It was the lovely nurse at my last smear who discovered that. I'm over 50 , God knows why it hadn't been suggested before!

ThirtyThreeTrees · 05/10/2022 13:12

I have endo to so understand where you are coming from. I think there is a massive difference in the discomfort depending on who is doing the test.

I will only go to those who do them constantly as they are more skilled, like a good gyn or the well woman clinic as they just seem far more gentle and tend to use a smaller speculum. Stereotype but I've also found women tend to be more delicate doing them.

bingbummy · 05/10/2022 13:30

What if they have you as not up to date though? What's the issue?

I've chosen not have smears for the past 20 years, not that I'm advising anyone else to follow my lead, that was my decision.

It's not law to have one.

Original poster
KenAdams · 05/10/2022 16:07

I've been and she confirmed they only test for HPV unless needed so I decided not to have the smear and do my own test which I'll call in the results for.

For gynae stuff they always seem to ask me if I'm up to date on my smears before they will recommend any other course of treatment so I'm worried that they will tell me the first investigation will have to be a smear, pushing back any treatment I might need.

OP posts:
Chloefairydust · 05/10/2022 16:12

Just tell the gynaecologist that you did a HPV test privately…

Im with everyone else on this thread though, no point in smear tests anymore. The NHS is really crap at the moment.

SomethingVexesThee · 05/10/2022 17:49

I'm due a smear and had no idea they didn't inspect cells anymore. WTAF?

Original poster
KenAdams · 05/10/2022 22:26

Chloefairydust · 05/10/2022 16:12

Just tell the gynaecologist that you did a HPV test privately…

Im with everyone else on this thread though, no point in smear tests anymore. The NHS is really crap at the moment.

I will do. I've asked for it to be recorded on my notes when I call up as well, whether they feel its legitimate or not.

I've ordered a test it was £48 and I'd pay it 10 times over to not have to deal with the pain of a smear.

I dont really see the point in smears for HPV neg either.

OP posts:
Original poster
KenAdams · 05/10/2022 22:28

SomethingVexesThee · 05/10/2022 17:49

I'm due a smear and had no idea they didn't inspect cells anymore. WTAF?

@SomethingVexesThee

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/metro.co.uk/2022/10/01/could-a-change-in-smear-tests-be-putting-more-lives-at-risk-17364102/amp/

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