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GP is trying pressure me into smear test. Is this acceptable?

420 replies

Enfys1982 · 04/01/2023 14:51

A fortnight ago I had a UTI which was treated with a short course of antibiotics. It cleared up but then came back again so I was prescribed more AB’s and did a sample, they couldn’t grow a culture from the sample but I did have raised white blood cells. When the GP rang me to discuss it she initially asked if I could repeat the test and we’d take it from there she noticed on my notes that I was a due a smear and said she wanted to check my cervix as well. For reasons I don’t want to go into I don’t want a smear test, but she went on and on me and basically pushed me into making an appointment with a nurse rather than rechecking my wee sample. I didn’t feel I could say no or explain my reasons why, she didn’t ask me why I felt the way I did either.

Honestly I feel much better now. The unpleasant symptoms have gone so I cancelled the appointment and she’s now phoned me up and asked why I cancelled. I said I felt better and I was busy when my appointment was booked for (both true) but she continued to push and implied that she wouldn’t run any further tests until I’d had my cervix examined. Just thinking about it is making me have a tight chest and panicky I really don’t think I could face it unless I was knocked out. I don’t have any gynae symptoms, my periods are normal etc. I had a fucking UTI! Why is she pushing me to have an invasive test I don’t want or need abs which isn’t relevant to what was wrong with me? She’d already asked if I was currently sexually active and I said no.

The more I think about it the more feel angry. I’ve had similar before from other staff at the practice when I’ve gone in for other things not relevant. Do they get commission for every smear they do or something?

OP posts:
Skinnermarink · 04/01/2023 14:53

I don’t know if they get commission but there are certainly targets. I found the push for a coil really full on at my old surgery.

PAFMO · 04/01/2023 14:54

Smear tests aren't obligatory and they aren't nice.
They do save lives though.
I know that's not helpful and I know a lot of women, often the victims of sexual assault cannot bear the idea of one.

Mindymomo · 04/01/2023 14:55

If you have raised white blood cells, then I would have thought a smear test be in order to rule anything sinister out.

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wildthingsinthenight · 04/01/2023 14:55

You're not being unreasonable OP.
Sorry this is causing you so much stress

PortiasBiscuit · 04/01/2023 14:56

They save lives. If you really can’t have one then you need to tell her that. I assume it’s a mental issue bit maybe she can help you with that.

mynameiscalypso · 04/01/2023 14:56

Mindymomo · 04/01/2023 14:55

If you have raised white blood cells, then I would have thought a smear test be in order to rule anything sinister out.

A smear test is not a diagnostic test and shouldn't be used as one.

Sorry OP, some GPs seem to have a shaky grasp of the idea of consent.

HappyTalkingTalkingHappyTalk · 04/01/2023 14:56

You can request that you are withdrawn from screening reminders but you have to fill in a form and sign it. They shouldn’t be pressuring you, you can decline for any reason, but until you sign the form they will keep reminding you I’m afraid.

www.gov.uk/government/publications/cervical-screening-removing-women-from-routine-invitations/ceasing-and-deferring-women-from-the-nhs-cervical-screening-programme

Motelschmotel · 04/01/2023 14:57

Cervical cancer is a silent killer. You don't have to be sexually active to have it.

I can imagine scenarios where the procedure gives rise to the feelings you describe. Talk to your GP about it; you should receive an understanding and accommodating response. You shouldn't go your whole life without a smear test. You should try to deal with the underlying issue.

Good luck OP.

Sleepychicken · 04/01/2023 14:58

I agree with pp that the dr is trying to rule out anything sinister.
Have you tried talking to the nurse who will do the test? I have terrible anxiety about them and always delay - but do eventually go. I always tell the nurse how terrified I am and they are great and have always helped me through it.

ChangedmynameagainforChristmas · 04/01/2023 14:59

OP I would say better safe than sorry. You could always ask the GP why ? ... instead of asking here?

gogohmm · 04/01/2023 15:00

Smear tests save lives. I know two people who have had to have radical treatment because they didn't want a smear, by the time they had symptoms the treatment was far worse.

If you have reasons to be reluctant speak to a gp or practice nurse who can support you to have the procedure that could save your life. Raised white cells is a potential indicator of many things including cancer.

KILM · 04/01/2023 15:00

She shouldn't be pressuring you! I do wonder if it's coming from fear - if she has legitimate concerns that something more serious is afoot, she's trying to make sure she's done everything possible to get you in to check. Both from a duty of care perspective and covering her own back - liability I guess if you found out you had something serious later that could have been picked up at this stage. However, sounds like she needs to explain this better then take no for a final answer.

JustMerkinYourChain · 04/01/2023 15:01

It may be that they only check for HPV from the smear anyway, if that’s positive then they look at the actual smear itself. So you could perhaps do a home test

onlinedoctor.lloydspharmacy.com/uk/sexual-health-advice/what-is-a-home-hpv-test

I’m sorry you’re getting pressured, it’s unfair to push you for consent, particularly without an understanding of why.

Dryandirriatble · 04/01/2023 15:01

Is she really connecting this to your recent illness? It seems more likely that she's spotted that it's due whilst looking at your notes.

GPs do have targets together these tests done, but that's because they save lives. She's your doctor. If there's a reason you can't have it, tell her.

JustMerkinYourChain · 04/01/2023 15:02

Could you also have a follow up blood test to see if white cells are returned to normal?

Enfys1982 · 04/01/2023 15:02

The white blood cells are in my urine! It’s classic UTI which I had symptoms for and which have now gone. Why would cervical problems appear in my urine? Our surgery is now run by locums and so it’s unlikely I’d even see a nurse who known to me.

Is there a way I could have it done and be asleep? This is really putting me off getting medical help in future.

OP posts:
OlleOskiFelle · 04/01/2023 15:03

No, you should not be pressured, your body, your choice.

KinkyMom · 04/01/2023 15:07

Enfys1982 · 04/01/2023 15:02

The white blood cells are in my urine! It’s classic UTI which I had symptoms for and which have now gone. Why would cervical problems appear in my urine? Our surgery is now run by locums and so it’s unlikely I’d even see a nurse who known to me.

Is there a way I could have it done and be asleep? This is really putting me off getting medical help in future.

Your cervix is very close to your urethra so sometimes cervical cancer can spread there and regardless white blood cells can appear in your urine for many reasons that are unrelated to a UTI. However I do feel that your doctor is handling it poorly.

My sister had pre-cancer in her cervix and she had several UTIs and yeast infections that were unexplainable before it was diagnosed. If she didn’t have that smear test then it would have gotten far worse.

I think you need to be honest with your doctor about your reasons though.

VahineNuiWentHome · 04/01/2023 15:14

Nothing came back from the culture fir UTI and you have raise white blood cells.
She thinks there is something else going on and she is thinking cancer. But she doesn’t want to tell you as to not worry you.

At least that’s my analysis.

Having said that, the way she is approaching it isn’t good.

crazycrypty · 04/01/2023 15:18

I had severe CIN 3 age 27. I'd probably be dead by now if I hadn't had smear tests.

barneshome · 04/01/2023 15:18

OlleOskiFelle · 04/01/2023 15:03

No, you should not be pressured, your body, your choice.

Your choice to risk your life

Enfys1982 · 04/01/2023 15:19

I’ve googled and it said that it can also be a sign of kidney stones. Why not refer me for a scan instead? Nowhere I can I find raised cells as a symptom for cancer? Why couldn’t she have just explained her reasons instead of pressuring me? I found her condescending and felt like she was telling me off for cancelling my appointment rather than trying to find out my reasons why.

OP posts:
Catspyjamas17 · 04/01/2023 15:19

There are private at home tests now, so you don't have to go to the GP/nurse for a smear.

www.check4cancer.com/private-cancer-tests/cervical-cancer

2bazookas · 04/01/2023 15:20

She's offering you the best professional advice to eliminate other potential causes of your recent medical history.

You own all of you. Mind, heart, body. So be the boss; don't let the past or some emotional hangup blight your future physical health.

BrownEyedGhoul · 04/01/2023 15:22

No they don't get bloody commission, don't be so daft. They're just doing their job and trying to get you to not die of a treatable cancer.

You don't want one, don't have one. But stop with the shite.