To think that I should be offered a smear?

[Pyjamaramadrama]

I'm having unexplained bleeding after having sex.

A few years ago I had abnormal cells removed after a smear. After that I was advised to have yearly smears for 10 years. I've had two clear smears since but missed last years as was pregnant. As far as I was aware I was due one now post birth.

I visited the GP today regarding the bleeding and although she's ordered some swabs with the nurse to check for infection (and I can't get an appointment for 3 weeks), she's told me that I can't have a smear as my records show that I'm back on 3 yearly smears so not due until next year.

I'm kind of worried sick. GP also said only to worry if it keeps on happening but I'm hardly in the mood to find out am I?

I'm feeling as though the GP should have done more such as examine me herself.

Go back and demand a smear. I have the exact same history and have just had a baby and will be phoning up to book a smear today. Don't take no for an answer - the computer is clearly wrong. If you don't feel able to argue it over the phone send a very clearly worded letter of complaint and request an immediate smear appointment in it.

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong but I thought smears were only a screening tool and you shouldn't have one if you actually have symptoms. If you have symptoms then you should have other tests instead.

At least that's how I understand it. Again though I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

However if that is the case your GP should have explained that to you.

I thought the same about smears for screening. If there's bleeding, they should be investigating it. Could you see another GP?

A smear is a screening tool. It isn't used to investigate abnormal bleeding at the GP surgery.

You can't just "demand a smear" - even if someone at the surgery were to do it, if it isn't due as per the NHS Cervical Screening Programme the lab will just destroy it before processing it.

Jonty if you phone up demanding a smear and you are not due for routine recall and especially if you have had a baby within the last 12 weeks you will not get one unless you pay to have one done privately.

The recall process has been refined so whereas a woman maybe used to have yearly smears, if there now is no evidence of High-Risk HPV and the smear is borderline or normal she will go back onto 3 yearly recall.

Swabs are a sensible first place to start, if they are normal then you should review with the GP who may then examine you, and possibly refer you on to Gynaecology who may well take a cervical sample for investigation.

Good point I hadn't really thought about it like that.

Google tells me that yearly screening has changed as they've now introduced a HPV test, noone has ever told me this though.

Just feels like GP is playing wait and see with my health.

she's told me that I can't have a smear as my records show that I'm back on 3 yearly smears

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-foyle-west-29814206

I have a similar history to you and am also back on 3 yearly smears after 1 six months post laser ablation of abnormal cells an 2 yearly ones.

I also had some 'odd' symptoms including bleeding after sex. I was sent to the GUM clinic (as the surgery nurse couldn't fit me in for weeks) for swabs and following them, as they came back negative was sent for a colposcopy- where they look down your floozy with a magnifying glass and dye it pretty colours. That was showed some of my scar tissue from the ablation was a bit tender and OH 'prodding' it was making it sensitive. They told me to abstain from penetration for a month, not use tampons and see if it abated. I went back a few months later and the scar tissue had rehealed.

So go for your swabs, but try and get an appointment sooner.

I had the same experience more or less as Juno, I had bleeding after sex and brown discharge at other times. The gp did swabs and an examination first, then referred me on for a colposcopy.

Poor you op.

The smear is a side issue. Swabs Definatly are good and keep notes of how often you bleed and for how long.

I had bleeding after sex and had an ultrasound and referral to a gynaecologist for tests.

Get the swabs and see and don't be afraid to go back and ask to be referred to a gynaecologist. Sure they will anyway if this continues.

Good luck.

quite possibly cervical erosion, google it and see if it fits your symptoms

That's it stepaway, the nurse called it something else but when I googled it's the same thing- cells from inside the cervix appearing outside.

If you have symptoms, DON'T just have a smear test.

A smear test is a screening tool in asymptomatic women.

If you have symptoms, as you do, then referral for colposcopy might be a good idea, and might be your GP's next step after the swab results.

Thanks all, and yes dr google tells me that a smear wouldn't be the next step here.

I think there was some confusion as I was under the impression I was due one anyway.

It just feels as though whenever you see a GP whether it's for myself or one of the dc's it's always 'well it might be this but it could be that, well it's probably ok wait and see'.

I've also had cervical erosion years ago but at the time the GP examined me herself there and then and seemed confident of what it was.

My history and the fact that a friend has recently had cervical cancer have added to my paranoia.

Good luck and do go back to the GP, a.s.a.p. see a different one if necessary, and see what they are going to do next.

I had abnormal bleeding and was 'pregnant' but had miscarried - what's called a missed miscarriage. I am not saying that to worry you at all and this may be nothing but it is better not to wait and find out. Just be very clear and broken record. I am worried, I need to be seen, and I need to know what is going on.