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

[chickentikkawhatswrong]

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?

For me it was pain. I have vaginal spasms and pelvic floor dysfunction (continued even after childbirth). But this got fixed by my nurse basically telling me to have a couple of shots on top of 2 paracetamol and 2 ibuprofen an hour beforehand & get my DH to bring me in. This has worked everytime to reduce the pain enough that I’m not screaming the place down.

[quote Porcupineintherough]@Letsallscreamatthesistene maybe your surgery should try running more for the convenience of the patients than the convenience of the staff.[/quote]
With what staff?

I was told that my most recent smear would probably be my last as they’ve very nearly developed an at-home testing kit with a much nicer swab.

@nosquirrels ok, sorry for giving a bit of info.

I havent commented on GP surgeries policies not to do it.

I dont understand why im getting agro for this. Giving info on smears and periods is not the same as commenting on GP policy.

Apologies for giving hypothetical info of no practical use (apparanetly).

Actually, the responces here have just made me realise why MN is shit.

Ive tried to give correct and helpful info. What I get in return is questions why I dont work better to serve people, despite having worked my socks off through the pandemic (im in bed with flu and mouth ulcers having done 10-11hr days for a long time). I get aggression for only giving (correct) hypothetical info - not practical info for everyones GP surgery policy.

Im done.

I did have mine, although late due to pregnancy and then covid.

But the screening only tests for HPV, which I have been vaccinated against and I haven't had a new sexual partner since my last year so the likelihood of me picking up the virus is slim to none

I am around 6 months overdue. I don't want to have them anymore, so I am not going to.

I have had them regularly up until now. I do not find them painful, or even embarrassing. I no longer want an invasive procedure to check for cell changes that may, or may not lead to cancer. Although of course they only check now if you test positive for HPV.

I certainly won't be guilt-tripped into it, and I don't know why so many women can't accept other women's choices without either patronising them, guilt-tripping them or trying to convince them they are making the wrong choice.

I have done my research, I understand the risks and benefits and I am happy with my choice.

Now if the NHS could get on with actually removing the suspected cancer on the top of my head, without cancelling my procedure, that would be great!

[quote Letsallscreamatthesistene]@nosquirrels ok, sorry for giving a bit of info.

I havent commented on GP surgeries policies not to do it.

I dont understand why im getting agro for this. Giving info on smears and periods is not the same as commenting on GP policy.

Apologies for giving hypothetical info of no practical use (apparanetly). [/quote]
Well perhaps if you hadn’t come on shouting at people giving whilst giving information that directly contradicts the NHS you wouldn’t have come across so badly…

@Letsallscreamatthesistene

Actually, the responces here have just made me realise why MN is shit.

Ive tried to give correct and helpful info. What I get in return is questions why I dont work better to serve people, despite having worked my socks off through the pandemic (im in bed with flu and mouth ulcers having done 10-11hr days for a long time). I get aggression for only giving (correct) hypothetical info - not practical info for everyones GP surgery policy.

Im done.

I haven’t said you need to work harder to serve people.

I’m really sorry you’re ill and I hope you feel better soon

Because doctors, nurse and admin staff have a life to and want to be with family at the weekends.

And so do patients! Plus patients can't all afford to take time off work for such things especially with the cost of living rises. The nhs is stuck in the 50's!

Hire staff to do the eve/weekends...oh wait...that would eat into gp partners profits wouldn't it? 

Shift work isnt an option

Of course it is, just nobody in primary care WANTS to work shifts

Plenty of people with young families work shifts.

maybe your surgery should try running more for the convenience of the patients than the convenience of the staff.

They all should but they won't

@Letsallscreamatthesistene

We are quoting our own surgeries AND nhs official guidance

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/how-to-book/

It's best to book an appointment for a time when:
• you're not having a period – also try to avoid the 2 days before or after you bleed (if you do not have periods, you can book any time)

I dont understand why im getting agro for this

Because you gave a fair bit!

@Saltisford your post was arrogant because

I mean they are really not painful 

Is a comment with the clear premise that YOUR experience of smears is the same as everyone else's it isn't! Great if yours aren't really painful, mine and many others ARE.

And like @BoredZelda when I do have periods they are heavy from start to finish and in my case they can last from 10 days to 3 weeks

@U2HasTheEdge

I am around 6 months overdue. I don't want to have them anymore, so I am not going to.

I have had them regularly up until now. I do not find them painful, or even embarrassing. I no longer want an invasive procedure to check for cell changes that may, or may not lead to cancer. Although of course they only check now if you test positive for HPV.

I certainly won't be guilt-tripped into it, and I don't know why so many women can't accept other women's choices without either patronising them, guilt-tripping them or trying to convince them they are making the wrong choice.

I have done my research, I understand the risks and benefits and I am happy with my choice.

Now if the NHS could get on with actually removing the suspected cancer on the top of my head, without cancelling my procedure, that would be great!

Who has been guilt tripping you?

I dont think GPS surgeries need to work harder, or even longer hours (unless funding for extra staff is made available). I do think they should work differently though, with a lot of the routine screening and reviews offered outside the core 9-5.30pm. Something like the smear program, you need to take away barriers such as women needing to take time off from work, or bring their children along with them because their partner's not home.

@catzrulz

Rummikub

Isn’t it true that incidence of cervical cancer in nuns is low/nil?

Cervical cancer is transmitted by a virus. Virgins don’t get cervical cancer.

Seriously, why are people so stupid....

Who is being stupid?

@BOOTS52

Aw redtoothbrush you know I actually thought you were the same poster as xenobitch as you sound the same, on the attack. I was not telling other women or forcing them but just writing about how none of us enjoy it and trying to encourage other women to get it. I am not abusive or harsh but you come across just like xenobitch. Very passive aggressive and nit picking on anyone that you do not agree with. You need help with your anger issues as sound very unpleasant. If you cannot comprehend what I said then no point trying to explain again to you. Call me nasty all you want as I know I am not like that and try to offer support but you do you and I will do me..You sound like a bully.

If you think its nickpicking to state that your comparison with dying your hair to a smear is a complete farce and a straw man crack on. Its not. It was a truly dreadful comparison

If you think I sound like a bully for picking up on such a dreadful patronising and actually down right offensive statement, then fair play.

I do not. I think what you said was truly appalling.

I am sick of the way women are treated and the comparisons with all kinds of bullshit for a very invasive and often very traumatic procedure and who are then told in the most minimising of ways to 'stop being embarassed and go for a smear' because people in authority can not be arsed to actually listen to all the women here telling them the real reasons they haven't gone which are more like - its impossible to get an appointment, I'm treated appallingly, its dreadfully painful or I've had a past trauma so no I'm not going to put myself through that because the NHS can't work out another way to screen that suits them.

The personal attack is dire and unnecessary. I am stating that your argument is utterly dreadful and its patronising and offensive. If you don't like it. Tough.

Play the ball, not the man.

I last had one 10 years ago 2 months after having a child (emcs not vaginal birth) it was really painful, never was before so it put me off. Now post menopausal and I have both atrophy and vagisimus, it's so bad I can't even have sex with DH. I get letters and the gp surgery rang me last time, explained my issues and she said OK so will see if I get any more letters. I do however go for a mammogram which is very uncomfortable and leaves me with sore breasts but I'm OK with it.

The only reason I've had to delay is because of a long period and that was only by a few months. I've been raped and sexually assaulted but I've regularly had them and will continue to do so for as long as it is necessary. Might be uncomfortable for a few minutes and it leaves me with pretty bad cramps due to having a retroverted uterus but it would nothing compared to having cervical cancer.

I delay booking it for a variety of reasons. I struggle with organisation at the best of times and then it’s difficult to get one around work, plus my periods are irregular so it’s hard to estimate even I will be in the middle of my cycle. I also find them very painful, I have a tilted cervix and so they are never quick or straightforward and the speculum is too large but the nurse never agrees to use the smaller size until she’s tried with the original one and caused pain. I’ve been raped and they also trigger flashbacks, I usually end up in tears or having a panic attack during the smear which is embarrassing. The whole experience is extremely unpleasant both physically and emotionally and I think this means I do put off booking one once the reminder comes through, I do always do it eventually but it’s usually after I’ve had at least a couple of reminders.

I've had them since I was 21, I'm now 43. I hate the way I am told to relax, I hate the way I am never covered up even though the recent smear test pamphlet I received said women are given something to cover themselves, a man once walked in while I was having one done, I hate the way other staff casually walk in and talk to the nurse carrying out the smear while I'm there with my legs akimbo. I have a tilted cervix so for me having a smear IS painful. I was shocked to discover recently it only tests for HPV. I also can't get through to my GP to book a smear as no one answers the phone so I have to email the reception and frankly I just don't want to have to keep telling reception staff everything.

I do go but I fucking hate it and I'm thankfully almost at the age where I won't need them anymore. I've only had one that wasn't painful. I wish I could be anaesthetised for them. And I don't say that lightly.

I think people know for themselves what is painful and what isn't.

I am absolutely shocked by the majority of these posts. I simply cannot believe that so many people would risk not knowing whether they have a cancer because of a couple of minutes of embarrassment and discomfort. You know cancer is quite painful, too and cause a lot more discomfort than a smear:

I can’t remember when my last smear was; I had a reminder when I was pregnant with my 3 year old, and I can’t remember if I ever went after she was born. Covid hit when she was 16 months, and while I don’t positively know that screening was suspended at my surgery, the messaging we were given then as a nation was so strong on not contacting the NHS unless you were basically dying, I assumed such things were off. Then I moved house (and surgery), got another reminder but was pregnant again with DD2 who’s now 5 months.

Just had another reminder this week and was going to book in, but it’s put me off rather that they now only test cells if you have HPV - can’t believe they still put you through all that pain/ discomfort when it’s potentially unnecessary.

I’m 38 so been having smears since I was 21 (at least, possibly 18 actually). I’m fine (ish) with the speculum, but I cannot bear the feeling of scraping/ brushing the cervix - I have to really restrain myself from crawling backwards up the bed away from it. I’m hoping it might be better post childbirth, but worried it could be worse…. I don’t remember it being too awful my first one or two smears (was unpleasant but quick at least), but it seemed very firm and to go on for ages on my last one- there mst have been some memo gone out about brushing harder/longer 🤢

I feel a bit daft asking this but does anyone know how they gauge what size equipment they use?

Whenever I've had a smear they put it in and try for ages to take a swab, only to take it out and say it's no good they need the bigger/smaller size before starting again.

It hurts and I've never really understood how they work out the size. Thanks

I am absolutely shocked by the majority of these posts. I simply cannot believe that so many people would risk not knowing whether they have a cancer because of a couple of minutes of embarrassment and discomfort. You know cancer is quite painful, too and cause a lot more discomfort than a smear

Please try and understand that for some people it is agony, beyond agony to have a smear. I am so glad it is just a little uncomfortable for you, really, that's how it should be. But for me and others it is impossible (and as I have previously said not particularly embarrassing, just agonising). I have a high pain threshold normally and have coped with other medical matters without any pain relief that maybe others could not. We are all different. Thankfully the doctors and nurses I have seen have been so lovely and understanding and I have it done under GA, initially their suggestion not mine. But every medical professional I have seen since have been kind and compassionate and never once said any of the words I have read on here tonight. Words that have made me feel belittled and ashamed. I feel a bit of a freak now actually - and until this thread I never did. But for the sake of others in a similar situation to my own, please try and realise, and this is not just to you thingymaboob but to others that have had similar views to your own, that we are all physically different, we all have different histories, and after decades of gynaecological treatments I am unable to have a smear test in the way others do. If the medics can understand that, why can't you?

I last had one 10 years ago 2 months after having a child (emcs not vaginal birth) it was really painful, never was before so it put me off. Now post menopausal and I have both atrophy and vagisimus, it's so bad I can't even have sex with DH.

I am sorry you have been through this. My medical history is different to your own but decades of gynae treatment has meant I have the same result as yourself. It isn't a case of embarassment or having the smear done in different ways by different people, or with pain killers or even sedation, it is physically more than is bearable. It was once suggested I have it under a GA, and that's what I have done. Unlike some people on this thread I have had nothing but compassion and understanding by the gynacology medics in the hospital (not so GPs but that's another story). So if it is the pain of the procedure and you would otherwise wish to have a smear test perhaps you could ask about this, although of course I understand having a GA isn't right for everyone either. But I wish you well.