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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask why you’ve missed/delayed/declined cervical screening?

936 replies

chickentikkawhatswrong · 19/02/2022 13:56

I see a lot of the campaigns on Facebook about women not going to smears or putting them off for too long.

However it’s generally stats and doesn’t seem to delve too far into the actual reasons?

If you are reluctant what holds you back from attending?

OP posts:
Laney79 · 19/02/2022 15:40

Never had one. Have a horrendous fear of all things medical and until about 5 years ago couldn't step foot in a GP surgery without a panic attack. Stems from poor treatment (both personally and of family members).

I've learnt to manage the phobia (It will never disappear) a lot better now, even had a baby, but I still choose not to have the screening. I've done my research and personally feel my risk is low.

Here's a good article from a while back:

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/why-i-m-saying-no-to-a-smear-7577967.html?amp

If there was a more accurate test or even a DIY home test or one where you could pee in a jar and be tested, I might be persuaded but accuracy is more important. I'd want to know that any problems detected would deffo cause cancer in the long run before having treatment.

It's a choice, and one you make as an individual based on your own risk.

Spidey66 · 19/02/2022 15:40

I keep getting letters from NHS England asking me to go for a smear. I can’t seem to get them to stop.

The reason I don’t have them is simple. Since my hysterectomy I don’t have a cervix to get cancer in.

Thatsplentyjack · 19/02/2022 15:41

I had one about 8 months ago but that one had been die for over 3 years. I absolutely can not stand the feeling. I don't even find it that painful but the thought of that feeling right now is making my vagina tense up and sending shivers up my back.

TheSpottedZebra · 19/02/2022 15:42

[quote SpaghettiArmsMurderer]@TheSpottedZebra I’m not doubting that it’s an upsetting experience for you and others on this thread. I’m just surprised because there are people who get it who are low risk and a smear is much less pain and upset over a greater period of time than a course of treatment for an advanced cancer. Optimism bias I guess.[/quote]
What exactly are you surprised about?

Also, above I'm sure you WERE doubting other people's pain, weren't you?

Quamora · 19/02/2022 15:42

Mine is overdue mostly because of covid.
Also because one of my children has been having twice weekly medical appointments and on top of vaccinations and opticians and dentist for everyone it just seems another thing to have to fit in.

But also because nobody ever answers the phone at my gp surgery. Then when I actually did get through I phoned in the afternoon because I thought you were only supposed to phone in the morning for a same day appointment and was told ‘you need to phone in the morning for appointments’ so tried to phone in the morning for over a week and eventually got through to be asked to phone back in the afternoon because it was a routine appointment not a case of me needing to be seen quickly. I just haven’t bothered since. I will…

playmelikeasymphony · 19/02/2022 15:44

I have a disability that means the new nurse at my GP practice claim they can’t do a smear on me and want to refer me to the hospital for it (I think they could do it there, she’s not met me but been told I use a wheelchair and made assumptions). However I’ve never been sexually active and all they’d test the sample for is HPV so I don’t see the point in trekking 20 miles via public transport

Last time the GP pushed me to have one I told her if she can convince the nurse to do at the practice I’ll have it done.

JulesJules · 19/02/2022 15:45

[quote 123usernamesilly]@DimplesToadfoot Jesus…
To all of you that said you had trauma (either birth or sexual abuse) - that’s understandable and I feel for you but you should get some counselling and get the test done.
To everyone else that says it’s painful - no it’s not. It is uncomfortable and embarrassing definitely and I hate it too but god it is so important for your health!
Same with mammogram- I get one every 2 years (I’m 37). It is not painful at all- it’s pretty much having a picture taken of your breasts. They are a little squeezed alright but how is it painful…[/quote]
How patronising.

You can only say it's not painful for you you can't speak for everyone else. I do find smear tests painful. And mammograms are excruciatingly painful for me since breast cancer treatment has left me with chronic pain and nerve damage.

CaMePlaitPas · 19/02/2022 15:45

Hold on to your hats ladies because in France we are encouraged to have them every bloody year. I hate it, I find it traumatic and painful, nurses don't give a shit, there's no attempt to calm me down or reassure me. "You only have to do it every three years" - I guarantee I start dreading it again as soon as I walk out of the surgery. This faux positive "it's amazing" nonsense is patronising too.

Despite this, I do it every 3 years although I'm running late due to an unexpected pregnancy. I agree with other posters, I'd keep up with it if it was a self administered test at home, then if there were any cells I'd go in for a smear. It is such a brutal procedure though, even the speculum was invented on and tested by female slaves. It's a procedure steeped in misogyny. I'm in my early 30s and if I could have it all removed I would do it in a heartbeat.

Whelmed · 19/02/2022 15:46

I had my 3 year reminder before Christmas but still haven't booked it in. Need to do that now.

Cottonfrenzie · 19/02/2022 15:47

I delayed previously as I do find it a little uncomfortable (but not painful).

However, I have stopped delaying after two women I know both in their 20s developed cc.

MinglingFlamingo · 19/02/2022 15:48

Covid
Embarrassment
It really hurt last time
The whole experience f the last time really put me off it

MinglingFlamingo · 19/02/2022 15:49

Oh and I have really irregular periods so when I've booked always been on for my appointment

TheSpottedZebra · 19/02/2022 15:49

It's amazing, no other health 'choice' draws as many judements or Confused Sad Shock patronising faces.

Oh, you eat red meat? But but but, higher chance of certain cancers.
Oh, you eat processed meat Shock
Cigarettes, alcohol, stressful job, obesity, sunbathing, SUNBEDS, Woodburning stoves, living near busy roads...

But lady parts deserve everyone's judgement.

JustLyra · 19/02/2022 15:50

Apologies - this was something told to me by a genealogical nurse. It’s ultimately the same difference though. Burying your head in the sand for minor discomfort can have serious consequences.

We'll have to agree to disagree on that one.

Someone with a strong history of abnormal cells ignoring letters and symptoms is very different from someone low risk delaying a smear.

Wife2b · 19/02/2022 15:51

I never have and never would. Imagine something happened, I’d never forgive myself. I hate getting it done, it hurts and it’s undignified but it’s so worth it. I had CIN2 abnormal cells aged 24 that needed LLETZ treatment so i’m so glad that I did it as soon as the invite letter came through.

clopper · 19/02/2022 15:51

I find it so painful and then my cervix is sensitive for days after.

Bajezzeuz · 19/02/2022 15:51

I've had to cancel 2 smears. I've got PCOS and everytime ive been due a smear I've started my period 🤦‍♀️

thepeopleversuswork · 19/02/2022 15:51

@OldTinHat

I've not had one in over 20 years. I'm 50. I've also declined a breast mammogram recently.

If its my time, its my time.

Jesus

What do you hope to gain by being so passive and fatalistic?

Would you want your children not to bother with smears?

EarlGreywithLemon · 19/02/2022 15:52

I’ve always done mine on time. I was due one during the March 2020 covid lockdown. Then I postponed going because I have a heart condition and was worried about catching covid at the GP’s. I really worried about delaying it though and when I finally went in September 2021 I was so anxious and annoyed with myself- I felt I’d been such an idiot. Luckily all was well but I promised myself never to delay one again.
I actually do find them painful and I did also have an extremely painful and complicated birth with considerable damage. Even before that I was very sensitive in that area. I had a coil inserted a few years ago I nearly fainted with the pain.
But I’d never avoid them for that reason - ever. I think they’re incredibly worthwhile and I’ll absolutely have them, no matter how painful.

StupidBlanket · 19/02/2022 15:52

I've literally had a smear test done yesterday. I'd put it off for two years. The last time I had a smear test, they found abnormal cells. I had to then go for a colposcopy, where they did a biopsy, which came back fine. HOWEVER, I had CIN2 cell changes which meant a further LLETZ procedure. I was supposed to go for a follow up smear, but never did. Ultimately, I put it off because of the idea that a simple smear could potentially mean going through all that again.

On the other hand, I do understand how important they are. My partner's ex died at 22 of cervical cancer.

Hbh17 · 19/02/2022 15:54

I'm over 50, so too old to worry about it really. Had them when younger- always straightforward, didn't hurt. But I'm at the stage of refusing all screening (never had a mammogram) as I take the view that whatever is going to get me, I will just accept it. Also don't want to be a VOMIT (Victim of Medical Imaging Technology) as there is so much over-diagnisis and unnecessary treatment as a result of screening. Happy for others to do it if they want, but it's a free country and I don't need to be nagged or bullied - I can make my own choice.

De88 · 19/02/2022 15:55

I've always been really good about attending, but I hate it. Currently a few years behind due to being pregnant then pandemic then period, then back to full time demanding job and just not being able to get the one particular day off that they're only available for me.

Bryonny84 · 19/02/2022 15:55

I stopped going. I found those metal clamps incredibly painful and the nurses weren't that kind shoving them up there. I just found the whole thing uncomfortable, embarrassing and a bit invasive (not just in the medical way). When the students (male and female) were invited to watch that was it for me. Yes I declined and yes they have to learn but not on me. However, I do think young women should go for their screening and I believe the process is not the same as it was to encourage more to go.

MarchCrocus · 19/02/2022 15:58

[quote SpaghettiArmsMurderer]@TheSpottedZebra I’m not doubting that it’s an upsetting experience for you and others on this thread. I’m just surprised because there are people who get it who are low risk and a smear is much less pain and upset over a greater period of time than a course of treatment for an advanced cancer. Optimism bias I guess.[/quote]
Read the room.

northbacchus · 19/02/2022 15:58

The few times I've got an appointment, I've had to cancel because my period started. I keep getting reminders but there are no appointments to book in advance, nor do the prerelease at any set time.