Home HPV test - possible trigger for assault

[athenagoddessofwar]

I have noticed that many areas are now changing smear tests to purely check for high-risk strains of HPV. If your sample doesn't show this, they don't check if further.
Due to PTSD following sexual assault, I'm now 5 years behind on my smear. I know how important they are, I really do, but having tried and failed to have it done, I just can't.
I've now found out that certain online pharmacies (including well known high street names) offer an HPV kit you can do at home, then post off the swab to a laboratory. It can tell you if you have high risk HPV, and then you'd be more informed about going to the doctor. I know not all cervical cancer is caused by HPV, but it said the vast majority are.
My AIBU is do you think I can do this, then not go to the smear? Basically the lab is doing what the NHS one is doing, and only looking at HPV. Apparently some NHS areas are trialling at home tests to increase uptake rates.

Please don't just say 'buck up and go to the doctor'. I just can't. I'm almost agrophobic .

This is what I am thinking about as well as my area is the one that only tests for HPV. The only thing that is swaying me is thinking nurses may recognise any changes to the cervix a home test may not pick up.

Yes, I thought of that. I guess I'm just thinking at least the home test is better than nothing ☹️

Logic says that your proposed approach is absolutely sensible. As you say, some health trusts are trialling the kits themselves, so it's no difference than living in that part of the country.

Anything is better than nothing, please do it.