Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to ask for a smear test?

19 replies

dimplebum · 30/12/2011 22:22

I had my last smear test about 18 mo ago, however, over the last two months, I have been experiencing lots of irregular bleeding, abdominal pain and discharge. So I went to the doctors, explained my situation and asked if they would give me another smear test, as my mum suffered with cervical cancer at a similar age to me.

I was refused, something to do with the labs not accepting it? Hmm

AIBU to ask for a smear test to rule this out?

OP posts:
faeriefruitcake · 30/12/2011 22:25

Insist, something is clearly not right. fingers crossed for you

MixedBerries · 30/12/2011 22:28

YANBU. It's probably not cancer but I'd say you really do want to rule that out. Did they give you an alternative explanation for the symptoms? And the GP is talking rubbish. They don't routinely screen women who are under a certain age but labs DO accept smears from anyone of any age as long as it's accompanied by a note from the surgery explaining why. I know because that's my mum's job. I'd see a different GP for a second opinion. But still interested to hear what they told you it IS.

Liluri · 30/12/2011 22:29

Definitely insist!
Phone your surgery and demand to speak to the practice manager if necessary.
I would also consider writing to them to highlight your dismay at the lack of support your GP gave you, as other patients may be turned away in the same manner.
I am sure all is well, but you are sensible to be concerned. Smile

Lumiya · 30/12/2011 22:37

Did the doctor or a receptionist refuse?

I am supposed to have a test every year, but have to battle with the receptionist each time. I often have to make an appointment with the doctor to get the test booked with the nurse.

Do you have family planning clinics nearby? They often have drop in smear test sessions.

YonderRevoltingPeasantWhoIsHe · 30/12/2011 22:40

That's outrageous and you should insist.

WorraLiberty · 30/12/2011 22:42

I would insist too

Do you have a coil by any chance?

SparkySparrow · 30/12/2011 22:49

I was refused one to. Because I'm under 25!
I was told by my midwife when I was pg to have one done when baby was born. That was 4yrs ago. I think its outrageous!
Young women get cervical cancer to! Surely it would be better to catch it early!

SparkySparrow · 30/12/2011 22:51

Sorry, something I feel strongly about!

I would go back and insist they give you one...or your going to camp out in reception until they do! Grin

jasper · 30/12/2011 22:53

Did the doctor suggest what might be causing your symptoms?

administrator · 30/12/2011 22:55

The exact same thing has happened to me & I was given the same reason, that the labs wouldn't take it!!
I ended up having a scan at hospital then a smear anyway!
Luckily all was ok-ish but please go back.
Make a fuss!!

Snakeonaplane · 30/12/2011 22:59

There is a specific reason which. Won't go into that women don't have smears under 25 that is more beneficial but that doesn't mean if you are symptomatic ie break through or post coital bleeding that you won't be seen and sorted.

Op the info you have been given is wrong if you are symptomatic you need to go back and discuss it with your gp this is what you should have been advised the nurse may not do the smear because she wants you to see the gp. Lots of things can cause your symptoms so it's best you get a medical examination.

Imnotaslimjim · 30/12/2011 23:00

Yes definitely insist. I had similar, but only 6 months short of my next smear being due. Dr sat and argued that I didn't need one for 6 months til I pointed out that she could argue with me or do the smear, but the 2nd was probably quicker. Turned out she spotted I had cervicitis as soon as she got down there. Hopefully yours is something similar

Theas18 · 30/12/2011 23:03

I'll try and explain this:

A smear is a screening test so used on people without symptoms to pick up a disease ( ie pre cancerous changes) that has no symptoms.

If you have symptoms this is not screening. The lab will not proscess it from a GP even if they send it.

That is not to say you don't need things looking into seriously- but what you need is swabs for infection and a jolly good look at your cervix- maybe a scan and if all negative a gynae opinion and perhaps colposcopy.

There are lots of possible reasons for your symptoms, most not serious but yes cervical does need to be excluded. This isn't done by a smear test.

Does that help?

jasper · 30/12/2011 23:09

Theas18 that does make sense.

rhondajean · 30/12/2011 23:16

In Scotland women under 25 have smears routinely.

Snakeonaplane · 30/12/2011 23:19

The as put it much better than I did.

marriedinwhite · 30/12/2011 23:28

What Theas18 left out I believe is that you need to go back to your GP and ask for a referral to a gyneacologist so that your symptoms can be assessed. I would suggest that you remain in the chair until the GP has agreed to do this, ask what the likely timescale is and telephone the surgery weekly to ensure that the letter has been typed and posted. Once they have confirmed it has been posted find out to whom and the clinic contact number and telephone to make sure it has been received.

Oh the joys of dealing with the NHS

loopylou6 · 30/12/2011 23:43

Or, more simply a 30 second smear thea Hmm

catsareevil · 30/12/2011 23:46

A smear is a screening test not a diagnostic one.

It is not a test for cancer.
The OP needs proper examination and investigation.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page