to think if I want a smear test, I should be able to have one?

[WirSindEinVolk]

Name change as a slightly intimate topic...

In the last month, I’ve started noticing that I’ve had bleeding between periods as well as after sex.

I want to have a smear test to check everything’s ok on that front, but when I went to book one at my GP surgery, the receptionist told me I couldn’t, because my last one was only 3.5 years ago. According to her, I have to wait the full five years.

She told me that even if she gives me an appointment and a nurse takes the sample, the lab will refuse to test it.

Does anyone know if this is true? Surely a lot could change within 3 and a half years, and if you’re having symptoms you should be able to get it checked?

The labs certainly used to send things back which weren't within their criteria for testing (whether bloods or cytology). I'd expect it hasn't changed.

This. I work in an NHS lab, although not in cytology. The systems are set up to reject 'inappropriate' tests.

I'm sorry JinglingHellsBells but the smear test in England has changed (NHS smear admin here). They test for the presence of HPV and will only look at the cells if the HPV test is positive. This is based on clinical evidence, and this change to testing has been introduced in the last two years.
Smears tests for IMB have routinely been rejected by the laboratory as inappropriate, as PP says a GP should examine the patient and refer to Gynae if appropriate.
The standard recall intervals are 3 years for age 25-50 and 5 years for 51-65. Tests submitted earlier than 3-4 months before the expected recall date will not be tested (and this probably is a cost-driven decision).
OP you can always see another GP at your surgery to get a second opinion.

@Miljea OP isn't post menopause- it's bleeding after sex and mid/during cycles. My gynae does smears every 2 years and HPV included. Usual question for any bleeding is 'are you up to date with smears' and for a woman having to wait 5 years for them they would usually take a look (examination) and possibly do a smear at the time if anything looked worrying. You have to look at a cervix to see if there is anything wrong!

@PlayerOneNotReady My own recent test which was paid for did a smear and an HPV test and my invoice showed fee for each! Obviously for older women going 5 years between smears, they surely need testing for both as the last test they had would not check for HPV?

You need more than a smear test if you are having bleeding and are menopausal. the GP should have referred you for a scan. I had the same symptoms and had an internal scan. All was ok but best to get checked

The lab will absolutely reject it if you're too early. No GP can override this.

You can however get a smear test done privately if you wish.

There are multiple reasons for vaginal bleeding, you need to see a GP again for other investigations.

the OP is not post menopause! She hasn't said this. Referral for a scan is if you are 12 months or more with no periods and bleed.

You need a full gynaecologist appointment as a smear test only checks the cervix not the whole of the uterus and ovaries.

I had post menopausal bleeding and was seen by the gynaecologist under the two week rule. I was up to date on smear tests and didn’t have another one. The gynaecologist used a camera to look at my womb and ovaries. I was lucky to have no signs of cancer but my womb lining was thickened so a biopsy was taken to check for cell changes. If cell changes had been found they would have offered me a hysterectomy as a preventative measure.

I couldn't imagine going to my GP for anything gynecological. I've always made appointments directly with my gynecologist. They would never refuse to test/examine.

Can you make an appointment with a suitable private doctor?

I'm not in the U.K. btw.

Five years is a surprise to me, I've always had them every three years (I'm 39). I live in Scotland though so these things are usually better different.

even if she gives me an appointment and a nurse takes the sample, the lab will refuse to test it.

Totally true. They also won’t test if you attend and are under or over the screening ages.

I've always made appointments directly with my gynaecologist

Women in the uk don’t usually have one.

Do you have private healthcare? Maybe try that. Sorry haven't read full thread with toddler going mad

OP, you shouldn't be bleeding after sex. It may or may not be from the same cause as the bleeding between periods (which itself may or may not be perimenopausal). You need to see a doctor and get it all investigated. And don't be embarrassed, make it clear that this isn't just irregular period-type bleeding.
Best of luck with this.

Five years is a surprise to me, I've always had them every three years (I'm 39). I live in Scotland though so these things are usually better different.

When "we" are 50 it goes to every 5 years

Well I would get myself down to the Medical G.U as soon as poss. They can run loads of tests which your GP cannot.It's free and walk in or you can make an appointment. These days there is no stigma attached.

Ah, I didn't realise the timing changed post 50.

Make a GP appointment and explain your symptoms. If it doesn’t work go to a private GP.

Sorry agree with the others, the receptionist is actually correct and cervical screening recalls are not actually managed by the Gp surgery, they are just performed there. Samples without recall are rejected. Any further investigations should go to a gynae

Ah, I didn't realise the timing changed post 50.

Neither did I till recently I think im due next year then ill be 5 yearly 50 is all about the boobs and bowels apparently

And yes it only now tests for HPV 👍🏻

And yes it only now tests for HPV
This isn’t right. It tests for HPV first. Then if that’s positive the cells are examined.

Smear is for screening only in women WITHOUT symptoms

If the smear form mentions symptoms it is declined
If it is sooner than the interval for your age group it will be declined

All symptoms should see a doctor and if appropriate be referred for colposcopy

Symptoms can mean cancer and a smear isn’t for diagnosing cancer
It is for PRE CANCER ie changes that happen before cancer to try and stop cancer occurring.

Please don’t ignore symptoms (not OP who i know saw the GP)

Bleeding after sex
Discharge that isn’t normal for you
Pain that isn’t normal for your periods
Bleeding between periods

The OP has said that she may be peri-menopausal, jingle. I was merely pointing out that sometimes you need to have symptoms for a given time before they'll investigate. And if a smear is done by a nurse, do they have the experience or skills to actually perform a cervix examination? Like the GP on here says, a smear is used for asymptomatic screening.

I'd say you need a proper cervix examination, if that's negative, a transvaginal ultrasound then maybe a colposcopy.

Here is some info

www.jostrust.org.uk/information/hpv/hpv-testing