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Original poster

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:
Wife2b · 04/01/2023 18:23

Sorry OP you are being unreasonable. Smear tests are so important, it’s good that doctors push when there is resistance, it’s for a good cause! At the age of 24 I had pre-cancerous cells, there wasn’t anything wrong with me either, normal periods etc. Ultimately it’s your decision but is risking your life really worth it? Could you access counselling?

RestingMurderousFace · 04/01/2023 18:23

I abhor the bullying tactics used by GP surgeries to undergo smears. Just two months ago I had a phonecall from them inviting me for one, despite me asking to be removed from the list. Can't bloody get an appointment with them for anything else though. 🙄

However, I just had one today - first smear in over 15 years and it was absolutely fine. It was a private doctor, I was there for menopause stuff but she offered to do it there and then. She knew I was nervous as hell but was incredibly kind and gentle. I'd built it up in my head over the years to be something it really wasn't.

I totally get where you're coming from though, OP. If you're anything like me, the more pressure they put on you, the more you'll dig your heels in.

Beexo · 04/01/2023 18:23

Please have it my smear three years ago was clear my smear in September 2022 showed severe abnormal cells and I had the cells burned off. I was hesitant about going but I'm glad I did.

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Sweetpeasaremadeforbees · 04/01/2023 18:25

Why on earth would you bring a toddler to a medical appointment.

As the poster said, for their childhood vaccinations!?

This is wrong. You can definitely get cervical cancer if you are a virgin and you should still go for a smear as it detects abnormal cells which can lead to cancer. Where are you getting your information from it's wrong

Our local NHS trust only look at the cell samples if HPV is found to be present, I think that's quite normal now. We get a leaflet telling us this when our smears are due. And (wrongly IMO bearing in mind all the postal strikes) we will only be informed by post if we test + ve for HPV. No letter, you just assume you're -ve.

GinIronic · 04/01/2023 18:29

Don’t GPs get paid a bonus for smear tests through QOF payments?

CM1897 · 04/01/2023 18:29

OldFan · 04/01/2023 17:47

Put asleep ? The NHS is on the floor and you’re suggesting being anaesthetised . If you don’t want a test which could potentially save your life opt out but this is ridiculous!

@Irisheyesareshining I have to have a minor procedure (uterine polyp removed) but I chickened out when they came towards me with the probe, so I'm going to have to have it under general. Apparently I'm not the only one.

I'd assume it's due to ab*se or something that OP doesn't like the idea of smears.

I have no idea why people are mentioning ab*se. The OP hasn’t mentioned anything about that

Goosefatroasts · 04/01/2023 18:30

@RestingMurderousFace

digging your heels in when they offer you a smear test? Erm good luck with that mature and ever so sensible strategy. That’s a 2 year olds mentality.

RestingMurderousFace · 04/01/2023 18:30

Goosefatroasts · 04/01/2023 18:30

@RestingMurderousFace

digging your heels in when they offer you a smear test? Erm good luck with that mature and ever so sensible strategy. That’s a 2 year olds mentality.

Read the post properly before, I had one today.

Goosefatroasts · 04/01/2023 18:31

@RestingMurderousFace

Oh well done you! Here’s a medal 🏅 and a gold ⭐️ for not digging your heels in this time.

Gwenhwyfar · 04/01/2023 18:32

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.

Strange because my GP took me off the smear list because I have problems and had been celibate for a while. A gynaecologist put me back on the list, which I'm actually glad about now. It was better for me to work through my problems to be able to take the test.

Now I live abroad where there is no pressure to do smears and I regret that a bit.

Twentyfirstcenturymumma · 04/01/2023 18:33

mynameiscalypso · 04/01/2023 14:56

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.

Show quote history

On the contrary a smear test absolutely is a diagnostic test. That is why they are done.
Cervical cancer is a silent killer of sexually active and non sexually active women. The OP would be advised to seek help regarding her fear of this test. An understanding nurse or doctor could be her 1st port of call.

PAFMO · 04/01/2023 18:33

CM1897 · 04/01/2023 18:29

I have no idea why people are mentioning ab*se. The OP hasn’t mentioned anything about that

Show quote history

Because she started by saying for her own particular reasons, threads about not wanting smears are usually by women who have been raped. Then she drip fed it was because she wasn't sexually active. So can't possibly have cancer. Which is not true. Despite what other posters are telling her. Unlikely but not impossible.

RestingMurderousFace · 04/01/2023 18:34

Goosefatroasts · 04/01/2023 18:31

@RestingMurderousFace

Oh well done you! Here’s a medal 🏅 and a gold ⭐️ for not digging your heels in this time.

Ah, I see. You're one of those posters, bless you.

viques · 04/01/2023 18:35

OP, I understand that you find smear tests difficult, many do, especially if they are triggering. But to be brutal, if you find a smear test “invasive” you will struggle with treatment for cervical cancer. Better to have a smear, and if needed colposcopy treatment, than deal with cervical cancer later on.

Ask for some mild sedation, ask them to use a small speculum.

Gwenhwyfar · 04/01/2023 18:35

"This is wrong. You can definitely get cervical cancer if you are a virgin and you should still go for a smear as it detects abnormal cells which can lead to cancer. Where are you getting your information from it's wrong"

You are a bit wrong as well. Although it's possible to get cervical cancer as a virgin, it's rare and smear tests can be difficult for virgins. Last time I looked NHS advice for virgins was that you can have one if you want, but it's not particularly recommended.

LadyOfTheFliessssss · 04/01/2023 18:36

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DCDLuna · 04/01/2023 18:37

@Twentyfirstcenturymumma

Technically it's a screening test not a diagnostic test, especially as they don't even routinely check for pre cancerous/cancerous cells now.

Goosefatroasts · 04/01/2023 18:37

@RestingMurderousFace

And you’re one of those people who digs their heels in at medical advice. Fine one to talk. Anyway enjoy your gold ⭐️. Super!

CM1897 · 04/01/2023 18:38

How do you know that your private doctor wasn’t wrong and that you did need the tests? It could be something that takes a while to show up, that could have been detected with a simple blood test

Goosefatroasts · 04/01/2023 18:39

@LadyOfTheFliessssss

So severe trauma is a free pass for blaming people who are trying to advise you about a test that could save your life?

Bit rude, but okay. OP hasn’t disclosed sexual abuse by the way but as you were….

CM1897 · 04/01/2023 18:39

CM1897 · 04/01/2023 18:38

How do you know that your private doctor wasn’t wrong and that you did need the tests? It could be something that takes a while to show up, that could have been detected with a simple blood test

This was for someone who commented 🤦🏻‍♀️

CM1897 · 04/01/2023 18:40

Astrabees · 04/01/2023 18:13

My GP recently was trying to insist I had blood tests when there was no good reason she could provide, she also pushed a particular brand of medication without answering my questions about why she had chosen this. I went to see a private GP to discuss the issues and make an informed choice about the medication. I was told NHS have very little choice about how to help you as they were obliged to follow prescribing and treatment protocols. The private GP went through all possible medications with me and suggested a different one might suit me better, she also said there was no need for blood tests. She also said that 3 months of increased exercise and sensible eating would possibly resolve the matter. If you can afford it perhaps a private GP might be a good idea, mine cost £120 for a half hour appointment.

How do you know that your private doctor wasn’t wrong and that you did need the tests? It could be something that takes a while to show up, that could have been detected with a simple blood test

DCDLuna · 04/01/2023 18:40

Op if the thought of a smear test scares you can you ask your surgery if they offer at home HPV tests?

Movinghouseatlast · 04/01/2023 18:41

To get valium I made an appointment with the GP about something else and asked her for it then. I have never had a problem being prescribed it, 2 different surgeries.

It really pisses me off that women are expected to go through with painful and invasive procedures with no help. Most women are OK with smears but those who aren't should be given one sodding valium tablet every 4 years. Even for hystereoscopy they don't offer a valium, just tell you to take a nurofen.

jannier · 04/01/2023 18:42

Bluekerfuffle · 04/01/2023 18:01

The answer is not to accept this is normal and think people should only be sent for scans when it’s too late. No one should be waiting months, this needs addressing, and not by not investigating things properly. Every week there is an article in the news about someone with something terminal that was dismissed at the early stages.

Show quote history

Why would you send someone for a scan before eliminating more likely illness or doing diagnostic tests like a smear early ..that's like cutting your leg off because you cut your foot and it's infected ....scanners are costly to run, there are not enough of them and they are used when it other tests are not available people needing these tests are having to wait because of Covid backlogs for things like am I fit enough for a heart bypass, is the numbness nerve impingement or has my cancer spread a primary or secondary.....to say rather than smear send me for a scan is nuts