Smear tests

[mamabear2409]

AIBU to think that even though I'm under 25, I should be offered a smear test as I have 2 children? When I gave birth to my DD out of the UK, they offered me one there after her birth though I didn't get the chance to do it. The gynaecologist was shocked when I told her they're only offered if 24 and above. Did try and take this up with my GP after DS was born but was told it wasn't possible. Not sure if I'm overthinking this one 🤷🏽‍♀️

*25 and above 🤦🏽‍♀️

There is good reasons for stating screening at 25 - the test below this age is sensitive but not specific I.e. it throws up too many false positives meaning the risk outweighs the benefit at a population level.

Out if interest why do you think having two children means you should be screened earlier?

Not offered to under 25s because cervical cancer is extremely rare in under 25s. Having children doesn’t increase this.

Also as straŵberry says abnormal cells which otherwise correct themselves in younger people can still be detected even though they pose no risk. This can lead to unnecessary treatments before the cells have chance to self correct.

@StrawberryPi something the gynaecologist said made me think that the fact that I wouldn't be offered one until the age of 25 was horrific! Also, even though cervical cancer rates are low with under 25s, you do hear the occasional story where someone has asked for a smear test as something self wrong and denied of course. Then it turns out they have cancer. I don't think there's anything wrong in me but it wouldn't harm me to get checked I guess 🤷🏽‍♀️

If money was no object then yes in an ideal world under 25’s should be offered.... however there is a deficit so they have to use the resources where they feel it’s most beneficial.

I assume because statistically women over 25 make up the vast majority of cases of women with cervical cancer.

I’ve got a friend who had suspicious cells and had to have them removed several times over several years. Years later she got the all clear.

Recently she’s started bleeding randomly between periods and after sex etc and she went to the doctors to be told they can’t do a smear as it’s only been 2 years since her last.... it needs to be 3 years!!! 🙄

She’s got two children and aged 38 so if they won’t even see her, given the circumstances and the years she had abnormal cells, then no routinely I don’t think they should see every under 25 year old. The limited funding should go where people are presenting with symptoms first and foremost.

Lots of people on this thread are conflating two separate issues.

Not screening under 25s is fairly well accepted amongst the medical community - it's not to do with funding or lack of, it's avoiding causing more harm through false positives than you would reduce through finding the true positives

https://www.jostrust.org.uk/information/cervical-screening/cervical-screening-under25

Obviously, if anyone has adverse symptoms these should be investigated regardless of their age. However a smear test may not be the most appropriate test in this case. If it is, a doctor is able to request a smear outside of the regular screening programme so she/time since last smear doesn't matter. Either way, they should not be sent away without further investigation if the doctor is concerned, but they don't necessarily need a smear at that time.

I still don't understand what relevance number of children has to smear eligibility?

If you're under 25 you should've had the HPV vaccines at school. Did you get those?

If so there's no reason to screen below 25 without symptoms.

I had my first smear at 20. The midwife recommended it as I'd just given birth.

If somebody is having symptoms, they shouldn't be offered a smear because of them at any age. They're for asymptomatic women.

I've also had bleeding between periods and a bit after sex on one occasion. They don't offer a smear test for that. I got examined down below by a doctor then referred for a colposcopy. Colposcopy is what you need if you have an abnormal smear anyway, so it kind of fast tracks you through an unnecessary smear.

I had my first one at 19 after being on the pill and active. My doctor suggested it.