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?

I agree, go back and see a different GP, preferably a woman, and clearly explain all your symptoms.

Smear tests are annual in a lot of countries and done by a gynecologist who also does a proper exam and an immediate onsite ultrasound if there is a reason for one. On the NHS it's someone with far less specialised expertise just taking a sample to be sent off for one specific test.

As you can't go direct to a specialist under the NHS you need to persuade the gatekeeper - the GP - to refer you to a gynaecologist unless your practice has a GP with a special interest in women's health care/ obstetrics and gynecology who might be able to do a more useful examination and relevant tests/ scans (though you'd be refered elsewhere for those too on the NHS).

In Wales the smear age is 21 and I've already had 3 and in 28- this is very strange!

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.

in the UK, a woman can access a gyn consultant only with a referral from the GP (or going private which is too expensive for many). If you do not experience gynaecological issues, you will in all likelihood never be seen by a gynaecologist in the UK.

I had a miscarriage and 2 children here. both were more than 2 weeks late, one baby was induced. I never saw a gynecologist at any stage (I lived abroad for a few years and understand why it seems odd to someone outside the UK - but it is how the system is working)

Just a short story Op. it does not mean it is the case, but it is a reason you should get further tests.

5 years ago I went to the doctors, as I was experiencing flooding. I was starting the peri menopause and wasn’t aware of it. After telling we it was normal and while I was getting dressed, I commented that I thought menopause was about stopping bleeding and not only did I spot during the month, but now flooded. My doctor picked up on this and questioned the spotting. To cut a long story short, I has a scan which revealed a thickened endometrial lining, which turned out to be cancer of the womb.

If my doctor had not picked up on the “throw away” comment, I would not have picked the cancer up at stage 1. Spotting and blood after sex should be checked. It has a small, but real chance of being a sign of cancer. Insist that it is checked, but do not panic, it is rare!

Good luck

@PookieDo from your link...

If high-risk HPV is not found, your sample does not need to be looked at for cell changes, as it is very unlikely you have or will develop them.

If high-risk HPV is found, the same sample will be looked at for cell changes

The sample is not “only looked at for HPV”. HPV is the first test. If that is positive, the sample is looked at by cytology.

I have not clearly explained myself which is why I posted the link

If you don’t have HPV there is no further testing or investigations. So it is the first line. They don’t look at all the cells at 1st stage screening only HPV
If you have HPV then this goes to the next stage of screening

patient.info/doctor/intermenstrual-and-postcoital-bleeding

Please see the attached link. If your GP has not carried out the checks as listed here then you either need to insist they do or seek a second option and ensure they do.

I just had a smear test. I got a letter back saying the cells on my cervix look normal. Nothing about HPV?

OP, I experienced random bleeding like this too. You certainly don’t need a smear, I’m under 25 so haven’t even had a smear test in my life. I just had a normal speculum exam then referral to gynae - my bleeding was caused by a tiny cervical ectropion which was immediately treated.

Practice nurse here.
Several health professionals have confirmed the receptionist was quite right, a smear that's wasn't due would be discarded by the lab, no matter how much you 'insist'. You need swabs, bloods to check full blood count and thyroid and a follow up with the GP for vaginal examination/possible referral. Easy to criticise when you don't know the rules, as patients often like to do, but the receptionist was spot on.

I just had a smear test. I got a letter back saying the cells on my cervix look normal. Nothing about HPV?

Primary HPV testing is still being rolled out now. It’s most likely you’re in an area that doesn’t have it yet.