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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Cervical Smears-Not to Go?

377 replies

B1rthdayD1lemna · 30/05/2025 21:10

So I’ve always been very compliant with anything medical but after a number of really bad experiences (most NHS but some private) I’m now more sceptical.

I’ve been invited for my latest smear test, and inspired by another current thread on women’s health, I wanted to ask IABU if I don’t go?

I know for some people smears can be painful and even traumatic. I’ve been lucky not to have been in that situation. However, I am concerned about the downsides-mainly, the risk of false positives. Basically where something “abnormal” is treated but where it wouldn’t have actually caused harm. I think these are a recognised downside for preventative screening programmes, but I don’t know what the risk is for smears and breast screening. I’m not in an at risk group so far as I know. If I noticed a problem I would definitely get it checked out but just want to take a risk-based approach.

OP posts:
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buzzheath · 06/06/2025 10:11

Sarah2891 · 30/05/2025 23:04

YANBU. It's your choice.

I've never had one and never will. I don't have HPV.

How do you know you don't have HPV, if you've never has a test?

Idontpostmuch · 14/09/2025 22:24

AnneMarieW · 30/05/2025 22:15

Do they still only check for HPV now? As an asexual person who has never been sexually active I wonder if they are completely pointless for me - the nurse wouldn’t give a clear answer. Personally I find smears incredibly painful (and this is coming from someone who has had both gallstones and a c section in the past- the smear test pain is worse) so I’m really tempted to skip them.

I accept I’m an unusual case though OP- personally I think if you have ever been sexually active and only find them a bit uncomfortable then you’d be daft to skip them. I do wish they would check the cells properly again though, the way the did in the past- rather than just testing for HPV.

@AnneMarieW Yes, they really should be testing everyone for abnormal cells, not just those who have HPV. You should still have cervical screening. Sexual contact isn't the only way the virus can spread. A study a yr ago in Ghana tested around 100 nuns for HPV, and 25 tested pos - the same frequency as in the rest of the female population. Who knows what's really going on, but better just to have your screening. It might not always hurt. I've had everything from painless, through slightly uncomfortable to very sore. It's worth it.

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