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?

Not to mention how stupid it is to tell someone a smear is painful when they are already scared. Especially as they aren’t painful

I just want to share my experience in case it helps you at all, OP.

I had my first cervical screening at 29, having only recently lost my virginity / become sexually active and I was very scared. To make it worse, I was told my cervix was high so they couldn't use the smallest speculum.

In total, it took 4 attempts (in my appointment) for the screening to be done. First attempt - terrified, froze up, nurse couldn't see a thing. But every attempt after, we got a bit further and a bit further. The nurse calmed me down, she made me laugh, she told me exactly what she could see and how we were making progress each time. On Attempt 4, we were laughing and I said, "right, we haven't come this far not to succeed!", put my knees right up by the side of my head and she got the full sample.

Because of her, I will always go back for my follow-up screenings, will always ask for the same nurse (if I can) and will always go into that same position. She got a successful cervical screen from a near-virgin who was terrified and she was great. The nurse makes all the difference in the world.

I was going to suggest this too. Diazepam will sedate you. Just explain to your GP or a nurse and ask.

They are fucking painful for many women. FFS.

Especially as they aren’t painful

Except they are, sometimes. My last but one was painless with a lovely nurse, my last one she was so cack-handed and rough that I screamed.

So you're angry with the doctor because she wants to give you a test that could potentially save your life?

They may not be painful for you but they undoubtedly are for some people. I find them uncomfortable but I have a very high pain threshold. I can completely see that some people would find them painful.

Especially if you don't relax

Smear test isn't invasive, it's just a swab (on a tiny "stick"), takes few minutes. If it's to rule out something, isn't it worth doing.

I haven't had a smear test ever and 37 now. The best time they could have targeted me was when I was sexually active in my early twenties. I hope they create free hpv tests you can do at home soon, as I would do that. Speculums and the size of them worry me to be honest! I haven't been able to comfortably use a tampon for about 10 years and it has been the same amount of time since I have been sexually active. No children so no births. 2 sexual assaults which have a mental impact. It would have to be the most understanding women giving the test and you won't find that in the nhs. I know I could die, I certainly don't want pain which cancer causes but not scared of dying young in particular. I have no connections to stick around for.

@Enfys1982 you have never heard that there is a strong link between UTIs and general gynaecological health in women?

PS You should also be grateful you are in a country where you get these things provided free.

Even if they are painful for a few moments (not for most people), it is a lot less painful than cancer treatment/surgery. So scaremongering is not helpful

@CM1897 if you are post menopausal and suffer from vaginal dryness and/or atrophy, they are painful. Thank God for my understanding practice nurse who got the GP to prescribe me vagifem.

Cancer treatment/surgery is much more painful

Did I miss that OP is a virgin?

If so OP tell the doctor. That will cross a lot of things off her list straight away. Don't be embarrassed by it.

The doctor won't care either.

PS You should also be grateful you are in a country where you get these things provided free

They're not provided free, they're courtesy of the tax payer.

If OP is a virgin, she doesn't need a smear test as she can't have HPV. And that's literally all they check for.

How on earth is the GP coercing or blackmailing OP?

You know what I mean ...

That is terrible advice .

No. She said she had never had a smear and multiple pp have misinterpreted. She might be but she hasn’t said as much and it’s none of our business either way (although it might be relevant to her decision regarding the smear test).

Don’t be ridiculous!

No, she’s angry with the Dr for rationing other care based on whether she will have a purely optional screening test. Anyone can ask to opt out if they wish. I’d always strongly recommend women to have a smear, I’d never deny them other care if they declined.

OP I think you should make an appointment to see the GP and ask the following questions.

1. Why do you think I need a smear test?
2. Does it have anything to do with the UTI and does that increase my chances of having cervical cancer?
3. As a virgin what is my risk of having cervical cancer?

Only with that information, tailored to you, can you make an informed decision. I am concerned about the way in which your gp has tried to force the issue in the absence of clear information. You are entitled to that as a bare minimum just as you are entitled to say no.