to remind you all to go and get your smear tests done if they are due or overdue!

[RedCrimson]

8 years ago I had severe dyskaryosis (pre cancerous cells) and was bloody lucky I got it all taken away when I did.

I went for my yearly smear today and the nurse was new to cytology and I was the first smear she's ever done (supervised by my usual nurse).

So I just want to remind you to get yours done if it's due. I very much doubt I'd be here now if I hadn't have gotten the treatment when I did.

I've had dodgy smears for over a decade resulting in a punch biopsy and 2 loop biopsies. God knows where I'd be if I hadn't gone for my first smear.

I'm now under the care of the hospital for yearly smears as my cervix is hard to find. It's a hassle, I always seem to have students in, I'm raised right up on the bed to the ceiling so they can get a good look but I would never miss one.

Go, go now, a simple test that I can't believe so many women don't have!

I hate them myself but I'm always relieved when i have one and don't have to worry about it for a while. For those with issues I wonder would a gp prescribe a diazapam to get you through it. I got two when i had to take a long journey due to my GAD and I think if they do them for that and i know they will prescribe them if you have to have an mri and are nervous they might do them for a smear.

On the upside of my last one the nurse said well after four children you will have changed a bit down there she said as she started poking around, "oh maybe not that much" and reached for that little winch/jack thing which gave me a little smug feeling of no wizards sleeve chuff for me

Yes, go get one everyone. I had pre cancerous cells after my first test 7 years ago. I'm now fine. Cervical cancer is almost always symptomless until it's very advanced

I was way overdue for mine, I can always find a reason not to go. I went in April and to be honest it took less than two minutes. Got my results back, all ok . Three years until the next one.

I had my first last year when i was 30. I was terrified even though i had given birth to 2 dc. Honestly it was over in 2 mins and did not feel a thing.

I was old having my first one as very nervous. Told the nurse i was very nervous and didnt really want it done. She arranged for me to come in at a certain time. She then spent one hour showing me the equipment and answering any silly questions i had. There was no rush and at the end i had it done. Been back every 3-5 years since in normal time but ill always be grateful to that first nurse as she built my confidence up. Its not painful!

I'm surprised by how many people don't have one and wonder if the fact that they don't start until 25 effects this. They used to start at 18 and I think most people (including me) just went along and had it done without question.

Well, mines definitely well overdue, but as my practice cannot offer a nurse appointment at a time I can get there, it remains undone. The GPs are available until 7, but no, the nurses only work until 3:30.
Ridiculous.

I need to book one, had my reminder and keep forgetting to do it.
I always appreciate these threads. Thank you for the prompt.

MaryNary- 25? Yes, I definitely had them at university, wonder when it changed.

Yanbu to remind those who want to go, but most doctor surgeries are on top of that anyway.

You're totally unreasonable to try and convince those who chose not to go, for whatever reason. It's not 'fine, quick or easy' for some women.

The GPs are available until 7, but no, the nurses only work until 3:30.

Do you have to go to the GP surgery? Where I live you can also go to a sexual health clinic. In the past I remember going to a clinic in my local hospital ( I think it was a family planning clinic although not sure).

I'll have to Google,no idea where a clinic is.

I'm putting mine off - it's been over a year since my smear was due. I had a weird experience the last time I had a smear - the nurse touched me inappropriately, just for a split second, but it freaked me out. I really need to get a grip and make another appointment.

Mine were always fine but I had ovarian cancer which doesn't show on a smear. I had a full hysterectomy and they still send me smear reminders

I had mine yesterday, I always go as soon as I get my letter through. It was fine, honestly lasted less than a minute from start to finish, and no pain either, slightly uncomfortable yes, but not painful.

I have lost amazing people to cervical cancer and I cannot bear the thought of putting my children though that.

I put mine off for 18mrhs, because I was "busy". Finally went lost Nov, to end up with a loop treatment for CIN 2 & 3 changes. Absolutely terrified me, but the alternative terrifies me more. Next one in 4 weeks, and I have everything crossed (well, maybe not my legs) that it'll come back clear

I had a loop biopsy at 25 (pre cancerous cells). I fell pregnant at 30 and missed smears for four years. (Put it off, if im honest) When I eventually had a smear the abnormal cells were back and I had to have more cervix removed. I have the HPV virus. Yes its uncomfortable, and slightly embarrassing but if I hadn't had a smear the first time...would I still be here? Please go for your smears

You're totally unreasonable to try and convince those who chose not to go, for whatever reason. It's not 'fine, quick or easy' for some women.

I think it is fine, quick or easy for most women. Have you had many smears? Have there been problems?

Marynary, yes I have been. That was my choice and I didn't have an issue. Other women are not the same, and should not feel guilt-tripped into a smear. Even if it would be 'fine' for them, it's a choice.

It's hard on these threads, I don't want to put people off but for ME a smear test is a horrific experience which is certainly not 2 minutes of discomfort! I think I have elements of vaginismus too

Mine was just over a year late due to being newly pregnant when I was first invited for one. I'm having treatment on Monday for CIN3 changes. Not looking forward to it but so far the smear and biopsy have been pretty painless and the alternative doesn't bear thinking about.

Marynary, yes I have been. That was my choice and I didn't have an issue. Other women are not the same, and should not feel guilt-tripped into a smear. Even if it would be 'fine' for them, it's a choice.

It is usually due to not getting around to it rather than a conscious choice. If someone has made a fully informed conscious choice not to have a smear why would they feel "guilt tripped" by an anonymous poster on the internet?

Never had one and don't plan to. For me it'd be a horrific experience psychologically, whether or not it was physically painful. My doctor was fine with my decision until the NHS started pushing for a target and sending lots of letters, which I think I was deregistered for ignoring.

YANBU to have them yourself and think it's a very good idea, but YABU if you think everyone should. Women are individuals and can weigh up the benefits and risks for themselves. As Bran said, it's a choice.