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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Smear test

113 replies

Snowwhite22 · 07/05/2014 20:23

Aibu to tell you all I had a smear test today?

The nurse was lovely, it wasn't embarrassing and it didn't hurt.
Nurse said she still can't convince some of her patients to have it done.

When it's your turn ladies, make sure you go, it might save your life!

OP posts:

PicandMinx · 08/05/2014 21:03

You are not offending me. I apologise if I have upset you but you do not need to help women get a smear test. It is their decision.

AndreasVesalius · 08/05/2014 21:04

You can't see why anyone wouldn't do it? Honestly? I was violently raped and would rather die than have a smear.

Friedbrain · 08/05/2014 21:05

Iv had reminders for the past couple of years

TequilaMockingbirdy · 08/05/2014 21:07

picandmix well unfortunately many people need 'prompting' to do a lot of things which is why the NHS spends thousands in health promotion. It's not offensive to suggest some people may need a gentle reminder. We have busy lives and one of the things we forgo in our busy lives is our own health.

TequilaMockingbirdy · 08/05/2014 21:13

And I remember a topic once, not sure if it was on here of another forum, reminding women to check their breasts. One of the posters did following the thread and found a lump which turned out to be cancerous. That thread potentially saved her life.

iwouldgoouttonight · 08/05/2014 21:21

I think it's great that we're offered free smear tests, but just like having your teeth checked or your eyes checked, it is (and should continue to be) entirely optional.

I personally chose to have regular smear tests for my own peace of mind, and i'm lucky in that it's never hurt.

I had one a couple of months ago and got a letter saying they hasn't got enough cells to test so I have to go back and have another one, which is booked in for tomorrow incidentally.

I wouldn't normally mind this at all if it wasn't for the fact that at the last test I went into autopilot and completely undressed as if I was getting ready for bed rather than just taking my Jeans/pants off. The nurse came round the screen at the exact same moment as I realised what I'd done and it was too late to put my bra and top back on. Was thinking at least I have three years until I need to see her again, but no, I have to go back tomorrow!

SaucyJack · 08/05/2014 21:28

Your OP wasn't offensive Snowwhite. But it's not necessary for you to be so overly invested in what complete strangers consent to happen to their vaginas. Threads like this just re-inforce the general sense that women should not have the right to say no. And it's only ever directed at women, and about their genitals.

I know a man who was left severely disabled after a tooth abscess was left untreated and he developed septicaemia. I do not post on Dadsnet demanding the blokes have regular dental check-ups.

TequilaMockingbirdy · 08/05/2014 22:10

And it's only ever directed at women, and about their genitals

As a forum that is predominantly women surely this is going to happen? I've been on forums with a lot of men and there were topics about the 'Love Your Balls' and Sledgehammer campaigns.

SaucyJack · 08/05/2014 22:34

there were topics about the 'Love Your Balls' and Sledgehammer campaigns.

Love Your Balls is a self-check and Sledgehammer is (afaia) an awareness campaign. Neither compare in any, way shape or form to having a stranger performing an internal examination just on the off-chance that there might be something wrong.

There is no equivalent routine screening programme for men- even tho internal examinations would help with early diagnosis of prostate cancer. Just an "informed choice" programme. Apparently they can be trusted to make the choice for themselves.

TequilaMockingbirdy · 08/05/2014 22:44

No, but it's people telling people what they should be doing with their bodies, becoming 'invested' in other people as you put it.

Apparently they can be trusted to make the choice for themselves
Oh come on we'd be complaining if smear tests weren't readily available for women, in fact we already do; for under 25's. Given the stats regarding prostate cancer I think there should be tests in the same way women have, I think men are being thoroughly let down. My friend died from it after it spread. It could have been caught much earlier had nationwide prostate checks been available similar to smears.

NobodyLivesHere · 09/05/2014 00:37

I just don't get it. Are you saying that because there is no equivalent for men then you should refuse smear testing as some kind of feminist statement? I completely agree with informed consent in all aspects of medical care, I think what I struggle with is why anyone with the information that this may save your life and doesn't have any huge drawbacks (does it? Am I missing a big negative/harmful result of smear testing? This is a genuine question) would say no to it. Outside of the previous abuse/rape issue. I'm baffled.

LucyBabs · 09/05/2014 00:57

Oh for Christ's sake! People really love to get on their high horses.

The op has urged women to go have our smear tests done. Should she have put in her title "those that have been victims of sexual abuse are exempt"

No one has said a woman who feels uncomfortable with having a doctor or nurse preform a smear should be forced to have one!

A smear test saved my cousin's life the doctor could see a Tumor just above her cervix.
She had a hysterectomy 2 weeks later.

This is not about controlling what a woman does with her body but about saving lives

Summerwood1 · 09/05/2014 09:44

I was only 27 when after a smear it was found that I had cin 3 precancerous cells,that's the worst cinn before they turn cancerous,I had to have part of the cervix removed,went on to have healthy pregnancy no problems,I have only ever had one sexual partner which is my husband. I think the thought of having a smear is much worse than actually getting it done,it only takes a couple of minutes.

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