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AIBU?

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Original poster

To remind you all to make sure your smear test is up to date?

102 replies

hellohellohihi · 21/05/2013 22:08

A relative has just had some dodgy results. Looks like all will be ok but it's prompted me to book mine as it was overdue.... And another friend has posted on fb asking everyone to remind women they know to get it done if its due/overdue.

No one likes being nagged but I feel this is a worthy one.

OP posts:
LarvalFormOfOddSock · 21/05/2013 22:20

Thank you OP. I second your message. I had a "severe abnormalities/severe dyskaryosis/CIN 3/carcinoma in situ" result last year which seemingly came out of no-where as the test 3 years previously was normal.

I had it cut off two weeks later by LLETZ . All went well and my 6 month check-up was clear thank goodness. I now have smears every year for ten years to look forward to but that's no biggie. I'd prefer that to cancer.

It really makes me wonder...what if I'd delayed that smear for some reason and then never got round to it? My son would be motherless in the very worst case scenario. Thank you NHS for the screening programme.

MrsPatrickDempsey · 21/05/2013 22:24

Yanbu

HumphreyCobbler · 21/05/2013 22:25

I had mine last year and I have a severe phobia of internal exams. It took two attempts and some valium, but I am proof that EVERYONE can do this.

Remember that there is lots of help out there for those who struggle - book a double appointment and explain your situation to the nurse. My nurse has left very specific instructions on the computer for the next time I have it done, with information of which kind of speculum to use and optimum position.

SkinnybitchWannabe · 21/05/2013 22:27

Yanbu. I left mine for 10 years, as soon as Jade got cancer I was straight to the docs..thank God I did, needed 3 operations and now have to go yearly.
Please ladies, for a minute of slight discomfort it is so worth it

TheChaoGoesMu · 21/05/2013 22:28

Ok, I'll book myself in as its overdue. Thanks for the reminder.

tunnocksteacake · 21/05/2013 22:30

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

AprilFoolishness · 21/05/2013 22:33

Top tip is to go to your local clinic rather then gp nurse. They deal with fanjos all day, you can tell!

chocolatebee · 21/05/2013 22:34

I'm due my first one and very scared.I dont want one incase it hurts. Does it hurt?

I was supposed to have it last May bit fell pregnant

HumphreyCobbler · 21/05/2013 22:38

It doesn't hurt the vast majority of people.

gobbledegook1 · 21/05/2013 22:41

I've just had mine and I am a bit miffed with it all to be honest and kind of wondering what the point was.

I've always had a 'normal' result on my smears. Had one a few weeks ago and the results came back 'borderline abnormalities' so clearly something has changed yet despite this they are not going to check up on it any sooner than the normal 3 years time which if it is a sign of something developing could very well be too late, so what was the point other than to now leave me worrying for the next 3 years. Its also worried my partner as his wife died of cervical cancer when she was just a year younger than I am now (I'm 28) having always having had normal results so he is well aware of just how quickly things can progress.

FattyMcChubster · 21/05/2013 22:41

Chocolate please please please get it done. It's two minutes being uncomfortable and putting your dignity to one side which could literally save your life.

beals692 · 21/05/2013 22:43

chocolatebee - It seems to vary from person to person - I find them extremely painful but some women don't find them at all painful. If you have had pain with them in the past or think you might do (e.g. pain with any other internal exams) tell the nurse first as there are things they can do like use smaller speculums and plastic ones instead of metal. Oh, and treat yourself to a nice piece of cake or a glass of wine afterwards. :-)

RiotsNotDiets · 21/05/2013 22:44

When do you have to start having them? Is it earlier if you've had kids?

McNewPants2013 · 21/05/2013 22:45

Mine is up to date thanks to MN support.

honeytea · 21/05/2013 22:46

chocolate for me it really really didn't hurt. The first time I had it done I was slightly shy about the fanjo/stranger situation but the last time (post childbirth) it wasn't unpleasant at all.

gobbledegook1 · 21/05/2013 22:47

Yes Riots its earlier if you've had kids, I was given my first at 19 as I had my 1st at 18. Otherwise its normally its 25 I think.

ThreeBeeOneGee · 21/05/2013 22:47

Had it done today! Smile

beals692 · 21/05/2013 22:47

RiotsNotDiets - In England, it's at 25 but I think it might be different in Wales or Scotland!

McNewPants2013 · 21/05/2013 22:48

Choclate mine didn't hurt.

RiotsNotDiets · 21/05/2013 22:48

I had DD at 20, I'm 23 now and haven't heard anything about it. I assumed they contacted you about it?

RiotsNotDiets · 21/05/2013 22:48

No not 20, 21 I know it doesn't make any difference!

LarvalFormOfOddSock · 21/05/2013 22:49

gobbledegook, did they test for HPV too? If you have borderline changes but test negative for HPV, they just wait another 3 years. There's more about it here www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-help/type/cervical-cancer/about/cervical-cancer-screening near the bottom of the page. I hope that helps. If you're not sure, call the GP just to check and put your mind at ease.

HesterShaw · 21/05/2013 22:51

I was completely bricking it the first time. Actually the only time, as it was only a year ago. I know I was stupid, but honestly, because of past issues I was terrified and had ignored all reminders, at the same time as feeling cowardly and pathetic and even more terrified for ignoring them. But I went last year. And you know what, it was FINE :). Chocolate, honestly, you will be fine, okay?

getyourheadout · 21/05/2013 22:51

chocolate ive never known anyone to have a painful experience having a smear , its over in less than 2 minutes , i dont think they have the metal speculums now do they beals ? and like beals says always plan a treat for after . good luck .

thebody · 21/05/2013 22:52

It's disgusting its 25. In the early 80s it was free at the clinics from the time you were sexually active. Be that 16 or older.

Great thread op.

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