Do you go for smears?

[Fieldoftrees]

O only ever had one smear test when I was in my 20s. I meant to go back a few years later but I never did. Then it was an appointment that I was meaning to make for a long time but then sometimes my schedule and then where I am in my monthly cycle just quite simply doesn't allow it. I know its excuses but it's genuine. Then it slips my mind and I forget about.

Lately I am getting emails from my gp practice with reminders about the smear. I know its something that I probably should be doing but I am nervous too.

Sorry - O should be I

Well I have always been for mine, ob it's your choice but if I was you I would. I hate it but force myself!

I always go for mine, as soon as the letter comes through I book it.

My most recent test shows some cell changes and I need to have a colposcopy.

I am so glad I went, as whatever is going on can now be addressed sooner rather than later.

I always go for mine.

I am apprehensive going for a test just in case anything is found. I don't want to place myself into the medical field. Only if I have to.

I got a very poor experience from a medical procedure esrlier this year where I was diagnosed with a condition where I am prone to infections but there was no aftercare whatsoever. The medical professionals were very vague. It was literally, go home and google it. I had to learn about my condition and learn to manage it from an online support group.

I just don't want to be dealing with any medical professionals any more unless if I really have to.

Just go - no one likes them but if you do have an issue it’s better to find out early rather than too late. Also I think only done every 5 years now if everything is ok

Yes. I had one a few years ago that showed abnormal cells. So it was a hospital referral for extra tests then every year for a few years then an all clear.

I do think it's worth doing. Those abnormal cells could have gone the other way into cancer so it was reassuring being monitored. Some huge percentage of women have the HPV virus and don't even know it.

I feel there is no need to be nervous... the nurse gets me to take my lower clothes off and lie on the bed and drop my knees and she puts the metal tube inside me swabs and that's it. For me it feels no different to maybe having someone put a finger or two up there, it doesn't cause me any pain. Sometimes the metal thing feels a little cold. I was out in a few minutes and went during my lunch breaks at work.

If they find anything in the smear, it'd be a lot better than if you've got something undetected and untreated till it causes you symptoms. I'm sure you know that rationally.

Always.

Yes. This time it's only way I'm going to get through the sodden GPs doors. Going to be bagging her head about menopause me.

Absolutely
Total madness not to
You know you're making excuses and the medical professionals are used to people who are nervous over them better talk to them about how you can be supported through the experience than continue to neglect your health like this

I always go for mine. I hate it, but the fear of it is worse than the actual procedure.
Two paracetamol half an hour beforehand...nice pastry and coffee afterwards. All done for another 5 years.

Always. Doesn’t bother me having them at all. It’s like going the dentist- just a necessary check up.

Yes absolutely. For a while I had Valium to talk beforehand as I was so nervous but now I’ve got used to it and it’s fine. I know a few people who have had treatment through stuff the smear picked up and I’d rather do that if needed!

So you would rather let cervical cancer develop undiagnosed, to the point where treatment is much more damaging or maybe too late?

Yes I have just arranged my next one.

its important!

Yes, started at Uni and only ever delayed when I was pregnant. I just received the results letter this week actually giving the all clear.

Always…..I wouldn’t be here now if I didn’t

Yes always and im irregular. Ive had to cancel because AF has arrived.
But always re booked there and then.

TW… don’t read if if you don’t want the reality of why we have this screening…….

my sister died in July of cervical cancer, she was 42, diagnosed 7 years ago, went through hell in her treatments and has had to leave her 4 children, the youngest of whom is 7. She really wished she had been to a smear.

I can tell you more if you need me too. In fact remembering her last days I’m in floods. I miss her so much.

book it now, just do it.

Yes, always.
It’s always way worse in my mind than actually having it done. I always consider how I’d feel if I didn’t go and was then told I’ve got terminal cancer - it’s definitely worth a few minutes of embarrassment. The last nurse I saw had 15 booked in in a row and I was lucky number 11! She said she truly couldn’t care less about doing them. The second you’re out of the building you can forget it even happened, but the relief for me is enormous.

It's a swab that takes one minute..

You could just get a HPV test first. They only look at the cells if you test positive for high risk strains of HPV - otherwise the cell sample goes in the bin without being looked at.

onlinedoctor.superdrug.com/hpv-test.html?gclid=CjwKCAiAyfybBhBKEiwAgtB7fsdxQ2wX1yd6iiDqGB1vbloMv7zi1HSRNk4kTPoMR7fCz81Fj31czxoCtI8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Always. Not nice of course but never had a bad experience so to speak. Not something I could ever justify making excuses to avoid