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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU not going for a smear test?

47 replies

DareIAdmit · 27/01/2019 13:28

AIBU not going for a smear test until I've had sex if I'm a virgin, had the HPV vaccine and they won't check the sample further if it's negative for HPV?

"In some areas, a test for HPV is the first test on the screening sample. This is called primary HPV screening. In these cases, the sample is only checked for abnormal cells if HPV is found.

If HPV isn't found, you'll be offered a screening test again in 3 to 5 years (depending on your age).

In 2019, primary HPV screening will become the routine way of testing cervical screening samples across the whole of the Cervical Screening Programme." From www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/

OP posts:
treenuts · 27/01/2019 17:31

NHS:

If you've never had any sexual contact with a man or a woman your risk of developing cervical cancer is very low.

Not nil. Just low. Up to you if you want to take your chances, but YABU as far as I'm concerned.

PurpleDaisies · 27/01/2019 17:34

Not nil. Just low. Up to you if you want to take your chances, but YABU as far as I'm concerned.

The risk of over treatment becomes significant when the risk of cancer is so low. It’s a totally valid and sensible choice not to engage with the smear programme.

PurpleDaisies · 27/01/2019 17:35

And now primary HPV testing is being rolled out, it’s even less worthwhile a virgin having a smearz

Atalune · 27/01/2019 17:36

If you’re a virgin then I wouldn’t. There is no need and while there are no painful as such, they are uncomfortable!

Interesting question though. Can I ask how old you are?

ThePinkOcelot · 27/01/2019 17:42

I’ve just been for my smear test this morning. Been putting off and putting off.

I can see why your hesitant. I would be too. Have you spoken to your gp about it?

I’ve read somewhere that nuns don’t get cervical cancer, or have I made that up?!

PurpleDaisies · 27/01/2019 17:44

I’ve read somewhere that nuns don’t get cervical cancer, or have I made that up?!

The vast majority of cervical cancer is related to HPV which nuns are unlikely to get. They might be unlucky and develop the very rare non-hpv related cancer of the cervix

Mummy2one2016 · 27/01/2019 17:51

Just because you haven't had sex doesn't mean you can't get cervical cancer my friend died at the age of 17.

To many attitudes like the above and doctors who said she couldn't have cervical cancer as she was to young and hadn't had sex.

Maybe if they had thought to run some test she would still be here. It's literally 5 minutes out of your day why would you not get tested.

PurpleDaisies · 27/01/2019 18:05

So sorry for your loss mummy. Flowers
Cervical cancer at 17 is phenomenally rare. I’d she had symptoms that weren’t investigated properly, that’s awful. She didn’t need a screening test-she needed diagnosis.

The evidence shows screening people with no symptoms is best started at 25. Almost all cervical cancer is related to hpv, which is related to sexual contact. The way that screening has changed (or is changing now) means that samples are first tested for hpv before being looked at. That means more cell changes are picked up. It also means you’re highly, highly unlikely to have your sample even looked at if you’ve never had any sexual contact so won’t have hpv.

CrazyJ · 27/01/2019 18:14

you should go

PurpleDaisies · 27/01/2019 18:16

Based on what crazy?

Doghorsechicken · 27/01/2019 18:17

YABU, I would just go and get it done. It’s not a big deal, they do it all the time.

TheGoogleMum · 27/01/2019 18:32

I'm pro health screening but actually think yanbu in this case. Make sure you go once the situation changes though, even if you only have 1 partner!

CrazyJ · 27/01/2019 18:32

Based on the fact that it’s a free service which could potentially save your life....

PurpleDaisies · 27/01/2019 18:35

Based on the fact that it’s a free service which could potentially save your life....

In the op’s personal circumstances, the likelihood of that is minuscule.

showmeshoyu · 27/01/2019 18:40

Aside from the low risk factor, I'm fairly sure the OP doesn't want her first experience of somebody being in her region south of the equator to be a doctor with a speculum? Unless she's into that kind of thing?

AnneLovesGilbert · 27/01/2019 18:44

YANBU. If/when you choose to be sexually active then it’s a good idea to have them.

Butteredghost · 27/01/2019 18:48

But crazy she doesn't have HPV, since she hasn't been sexually active. The new smear test is for HPV and nothing else. So what's the point?

PlantsArePeopleToo · 27/01/2019 18:51

I think you're better off getting in touch with your surgery and explaining your situation. I'm sure they will be in a better position to advise whether you need one or not then we are.

Justajot · 27/01/2019 18:51

If the smear will only be investigated further if it is positive for HPV then the test won't pick up HPV negative cancers (though they are rare).

If you can't have contracted HPV then the screening won't be of any use to you.

PlantsArePeopleToo · 27/01/2019 18:51

*than.

Butteredghost · 27/01/2019 18:51

Mummy2one2016
Maybe if they had thought to run some test she would still be here.

Mummy I'm sorry for your loss but the current smear test wouldn't have helped your friend. It's a test for HPV only.

Also if you are having symptoms of cervical cancer, a smear test isn't appropriate as it is a screening test, not a diagnostic one.

todayiwin · 27/01/2019 18:55

YABU

I've had a third of my cervix removed

PurpleDaisies · 27/01/2019 18:55

Sorry that happened today, but what does that have to do with the op’s personal situation?

Oysterbabe · 27/01/2019 18:57

Yanbu.
They only test for HPV now in the first instance. Just obviously be alive to any worrying symptoms and have them investigated.