GP won’t give me a smear

[Kanfuzed123]

So posting for traffic really but I’m starting to get angry and a bit worried. I can’t get a smear at the GP, they won’t give me an appointment. I’m calling every morning at 8 but by the time I get through all appointments are gone.

I will complain but I’ve not had one since 2018 due to pregnancy and I’ve been trying to book one for 4 months and I just can’t. No other GP in the area will take us on as ‘we’re out of the catchment area’. What else can I do to make sure I get the screening?

Just had my GP smear test and as there was no HPV, they don't even look at the cells. So I'd be happy to give it a go and if it was positive for HPV, then go in for a full test.

What are the details on the letter. It usually tells you how to make an appointment on the letter.

HPV can lie dormant for years. I tested positive for it 18 months ago despite being with my husband for 15 years. I have not cheated and I trust he hasn't either.
The fact you've said it is a test to see if your husband has cheated is laughable. Educate yourself.

@dearhummingbirds the link says that the NHS now tests for HPV first rather than looking at the cells.

I find it bizarre and invasive that they are still collecting the samples when they'll just chuck most of them in the bin. I'm not sure what to make of the fact that this concern is not addressed in that link. It's as if no one is interested in women's experience of the screening programme.

How do you get the scraper right up past your vagina into your cervix?

it’s a simple vaginal swab (like you’d do at a sexual health clinic) checking for HPV. NHS labs (where I am anyway, and seemingly plenty of others going by PP) only check for changed cells if your smear is positive for HPV

Has the appointment system for smear tests generally changed due to covid?

I'm used to receiving the GPS letter every few years asking me to make an appointment for a smear.

This time I was told there was a smear clinic being held for a few days in my surgery instead. I said I had my period and assumed I couldn't get a smear during this time.

I was told no bother we'll put you on the waiting list for next clinic to be held which hasn't been scheduled yet.

I asked what if it happens again ie I'm on my period next time you hold the clinic and she said "oh we'll just move you to the next clinic"

I say "but what happens if I'm on my period again then - I'll never get a smear"

She says "oh I don't know"

Great. She wouldn't allow me to make an appointment with the GP for a smear she said I could make an appointment and see if the Gp decides to offer a smear.

I thought early detection was best way of dealing with cancer

Can you book an appointment online? I know it's not possible at all GP surgeries. Once you get through, could you ask for an appointment at a later date?
Could you visit the surgery with the letters (to show them) and ask that they make an appointment (even if it is a couple of weeks ahead)?

If you want to be de-registered. Bad advice.

Otoh I have been getting so many messages to come through for my smear. I declined as I did it privately as part of some other health checks.