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

[Enfys1982]

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?

GP surgeries get paid for smears. There's a lot of money in it for them.
It is your body and your decision. You do not have to have this invasive procedure.
She is coercing and blackmailing you into something that you do not want and you are not ready for emotionally. You do not need to give anyone a reason why not.
It's completely okay to say no.
Personally I would contact the practice manager and put in a complaint with the GP and put it on your notes that you do not want this GP seeing you indefinitely. She's taking advantage of her position by refusing to accept no.
You are well though having a urology referral maybe where you are keen to get results from.
Water infections can also be a result of stress which she's making worse.
If the antibiotics do not work again it might be an idea to review your diet and look into a core muscle physiotherapy, they do not need to touch you either but can give you lots of options.
Stay strong, if you choose to become a mother this cervical examination coercion comes every time someone walks into the room your in when in active labour.

Hpv can lay dormant in your body for 10-20 years. X

@PoseyFlump

I don’t wish to read my posts back as that is unnecessary as I stand by my original point. I do think the OP needs to grow up and stop blaming the doctor for no doubt actively advising her to have a smear. If banging my drum means continuing to have that same opinion, then so be it 🥁.

It’s your body, @Enfys1982 and I agree she was out of line to push you to have a test you so obviously do not want. You do not have to do it - it is your choice. If she explained what exactly she would be looking for / worried about by not checking your cervix and you still did not wish to be examined, that decision should be respected.

So do the NHS endorse home kits? Can I just do this and advise my Gp of results?

What did this one say then?

It wouldn’t necessarily diagnose or rule anything out. And even if it 100% would that’s really not the point here.

The point is that for her own reasons a smear is not something OP can casually consent to whether it ‘saves lives’ or not, and her doctor is being a dick about it.

Smears have always been uncomfortable for me as apparently I have a kink in my cervix. I’d rather have a couple of minutes of discomfort than undiagnosed cervical cancer.

www.england.nhs.uk/2021/02/nhs-gives-women-hpv-home-testing-kits-to-cut-cancer-deaths/
Here we go. I’m doing this from now on.

I don't understand why you are complaining she didn't ask your reasons. If you wanted her to know your reasons, then tell her.

Ask her if there are any options for someone who is very nervous of the smear.

Why are you expecting her to be a mind reader.

She is trying to get you to have a life-saving screening test. She is doing her job.

I declined what would have been my last ever smear as I have been married to the same person for over 40 years and never had a previous problem.
If you've never had sex OP then the risk of developing cervical cancer is low.
If you've been sexually active then smear tests are recommended.
However a smear test is a personal choice and you do not have to have one but it's worth chatting to your hcp about your fears.

Grow up. Smear test saved my life.

GOs are very busy and under pressure, you may have heard. I'm sure the GP has a reason for wanting you to have a cervical check. She's not doing it because she's bored!

Unfortunately doctors/nurses do not have the time to pussy foot around people. They’re extremely busy trying to save lives. It may feel like she is trying to pressure you, but she is trying to help you, and keep you healthy. Smear
tests save lives and she knows that. They aren’t enjoyable for anyone, but after 5 minutes it’s over and done with, it’s so much better than the alternative. She can’t force you and no one on here can tell you what to do. Try speaking to a second health professional, for another opinion and help to get over your fear

They just want you not to die of cancer @Enfys1982 . Most people with early cell changes don't have symptoms, but it's obviously the best time to spot what's happening so they can be most likely to save people from death.

If they didn't try to get people to have a smear, they wouldn't be doing their job properly.

You could ask if you could have it in hospital under general (IDK if they do that, but worth a try.)

I don't think she can push you any more than she has already, though.

I'm an SA survivor so was very frightened about going for a smear. I have since had two smears and they weren't anywhere near as bad as I was expecting. It's over in less than three minutes. It's not fun, but it doesn't hurt.

I think you've built it up in your head so you're over sensitive to the doctor's recommendations but she's just doing her job - prevention is absolutely, one million times better than potentially dealing with cancer treatment. My mum has had has had all sorts of issues and even had to have a preventative hysterectomy - her smear tests clocked these issues and saved her.

For my first one (before my mum's health issues, so I was putting it off) I had an unrelated issue and went to the doctors, they spotted my smear was overdue and told me to come back in a few hours to have it done which was the best thing for me. I didn't have time to overthink it, went in, and despite feeling anxious and stressed, it was done and dusted in no time.

It's really not anywhere near as bad as it will be in your mind. Obviously, your body, your choice, but smear tests do save lives. Good luck, OP.

There are services that GPS get paid to offer. Smear tests may be one of them. So they don't get commission but they do get a fee per test.

If the OP does not want an unpleasant procedure, the GP could suggest the home tests that some pp's have mentioned. If the test is positive for HPV, then they could look at how to do a smear test in a way that can accommodate the OP's concerns.

Although I can't really see how a UTI which cleared up (easily) with antibiotics is a sign of cervical cancer...

OP do the home test and see what the result is. Then you can make an informed decision about what to do next.

I wish I had the patience for people like the op…I really do!

gets to see a doctor (to be honest they are like bloody unicorns at the moment)

has tests doctor suggest something but op can’t/won’t talk about why they don’t want a smear..(haven’t read all the op’s reply’s) rejects smear and complains that the Gp is trying to do their job…

Smears are a very good tool for the nhs to help with the silent killer…mine was caught just in time or I’d probably be dead

Opt out but stop making a drama about someone trying to do their job ffs & if it is anything more sinister than a bloody uti do not complain about your lack of treatment.

GP’s and nurses can be very supportive about smears I’ve always found them to be very helpful and would prescribe diazepam etc

Also, this might be useful to you - it's very in depth and shows a genuine experience. We're all different and all feel uniquely about certain things but Zoe Sugg does deal with anxiety, so perhaps this will be useful to you:

Your UTI has nothing to do with cervical cancer.

Why would you NOT want this checked?

That was you, and this is the OP. Telling her to "grow up" isn't remotely helpful (and this is not AIBU so apologise to her for the nasty remark).

I don't know why some women on here are so militant about smear tests. How does it affect you if someone doesn't want one?

(and yes, I am up to date with mine, although I do think they are really unpleasant, especially as I get older)

My very good friend has just been diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer.
She is in the midst of lots of unpleasant and painful treatment which won't save her life but might prolong it.
The GP knows what a killer it is and is not suggesting it for financial gain which some are hinting at.
There must be a way to get round this. Something like they use for dental phobia?
My surgery actually has a big poster in the waiting room offering advice if you are worried about a smear.

@PoseyFlump

Stop being daft. Like a PP stated, they haven’t really got the time to pussy foot around someone who wants a smear or not. Take it or leave it.

Agree it is not a pleasant procedure. But it's a lot easier than having cervical cancer.

People who think smear tests are important and necessary are idiots? Riiight.