To wonder if it's worth having a smear test in this situation?

[QueenOfTheTofuTree]

So I'm overdue for a smear. I have been trying to make an appointment but due to various things which I won't bore you with I have been unable to make one.

Anyway I received another reminder letter in the post today. Along with the letter and the standard leaflet they send out, there was also another leaflet which basically explained that in some parts of the country they are testing smear samples for HPV. If the sample is negative for HPV then they won't test any further for abnormal cells. It's only if the test for HPV comes back positive that they will proceed to test for abnormal cells. This new testing method is now being used in my area.

So hypothetically speaking, if someone knew they didn't have HPV then having a smear test would be pointless surely?

I have had the HPV vaccine so am wondering if me having a smear is even worth it now if they're only going to check for abnormal cells if HPV is present.

Vaccines dont always work, so I would still get checked out to be on the safe side.
I wasn't immune to Rubella when I was tested at 19 even though I'd had all the vaccines as a child.
Also, I'm a huge advocate for smears, having a routine one at 25 saved my life!

I was worried someone was going to say I should still go.

I think you should still go. Treat yourself to something afterwards, something you'd reallllllllly enjoy.

It's 5 minutes of your life & as other posters have said, even if you have had a HPV vaccine, there is still a small risk. This one action could save your life. Please go.

It's longer than five minutes for me . But yes I see where you're coming from.

I find it a bit anxiety inducing that non-HPV related cervical cancers won't be picked up with this new method of testing though.

I do have a tendency to overthink things.

I have HPV and I had the vaccine (and couldn’t have caught it before I had the vaccine). It’s unlikely you’ll have it I know, but better to just err on the side of caution

HPV causes 99% of cervical cancers so if you’ve had your vaccine you will be at a reduced risk which is brilliant.
You’ve probably had the vaccine which covers for 4 strains of HPV, unfortunately there are more than 4 strains which can cause cancer so due to this is it still highly recommended that you attend for a smear test.

Also if you need a longer appointment to chat things over with the nurse just ask when you book, this should be accommodated by the practice.

You could pay privately to have an HPV test and if that is negative you wouldn't need a smear.

I would still have it done. Did you have the HPV vaccine before you became sexually active (even oral sex)? That makes it more likely to have been effective. But the vaccine isn't 100% and it doesn't protect against all strains (and perhaps not all strains equally). I would absolutely still have it done. I have had an abnormal smear and two biopsies (both ultimately fine), but it's really important to know so you can deal with things as early as possible. And to be fair, even the biopsies were no big deal and I would have no qualms about doing them again.

That’s an interesting question OP.

If you can be sure you don’t have HPV and you’re never going to contract it,then in theory you’d never need a smear again. I’d be all for that. My last smear was absolute agony and I’m dreading the next one.

I really think you should go. The nurse can see cervical erosions and other (usually nothing to worry about)cervical 'things' and note things to keep an eye on during next smear to check changes and compare.
Please go.

I've had the HPV vaccine and still had to have LLETZ to remove pre-cancerous cells. I'm 27 and couldn't have got HPV before I had the vaccine, I also didn't go for my smear when called and this was my first one. I had no symptoms of anything wrong, no spotting/pain. Having the HPV vaccine doesn't mean you don't need smears.

You need to go. It took me over two years to psych myself up for it so I get it's hard to think about going through with it but it's one day, it's worth it.