I’ve never had a smear test and I don’t want one either

[Seventeenstars]

Controversial I guess, I’m 36.
I don’t think it’s necessary, as I’ve read about my risk factors and I don’t meet the criteria. All the men I’ve slept with (without protection) were virgins and yes I know they were for sure.
I also have no family history of any cancer.
My partner has prostate cancer in both sides of his family, his dad has it currently and he’s not even been offered a screening test for this.
I find this so frustrating and contradictory when women and men are treated so differently and if you refuse smear or breast screening you’re seen as an awful person, and those who do are morally superior.
Men aren’t coerced into invasive internal examinations.
I have an aversion to having things inserted in me internally and feel I have a right to that decision regarding my body.
There are home tests for HPV available, which I have done myself in the past - all clear.
My question is why do they persist with this archaic procedure when there are other options available?

I keep getting phone calls from my GP surgery trying to persuade me to book a test. I don’t understand why they’re always pushing it, but just totally dismiss other medical issues, which has been my experience several times.
Do they get extra commission for this or something?
There are even pop up ‘clinics’ and drop in sessions going ahead near me.

Of course I know I’ll be bombarded with replies saying I’m selfish, stupid and uneducated. I’ve even read other women saying that those who refuse should be denied any medical care!
But I have done my research and I am more than aware of the implications.

Please note: Australia is also on track to wipe out cervical cancer: we are not there yet.

You are clearly non-clinical. Can I suggest you leave health care advice to those who are qualified to do so. I am starting to agree with a PP this sounds like a fake post.

Just opt out, and go on your merry way.

But it cant replace a medical professional observing your cervix, vagina and vulva for any abnormalities that you may have not seen or had symptoms from? Surely this is worth a bit of discomfort or embarrassment? There are women all over the world who are literally dying for lack of health care. Why would you not want to take advantage of that?

Hi op why did you post this? If someone doesn’t want a smear so what who cares. Are you bored? If you ever get cervical cancer or pre cancer cells you might regret your decision but hey ho it’s your decision people on here aren’t going to care are they. NHS are pushing you as they know your sexual active and they don’t want you to get cancer but as you know for sure that it won’t happen good for you but the rest of us who have suffered are grateful for this free service to save lives.

Slight digression but congratulations!!!

And they arent currently classed as reliable in the UK which is why they are not promoted.

I sometimes wonder about this too! Who would risk their life for the sake of a quick test. Men don’t get tested for prostrate cancer until they are much older as false positives abound at younger ages and men tend to get it when they are much older. This is the same as mammograms for women. We don’t have them until we are older either.

Yes sounds like you were lucky and got the test done before the rules changed. I am very annoyed they have done this as I’ve read lots of stories like yours which wouldn’t be picked up now.

The last time I had a smear test, probably six years ago, the nurse told me that it would be the last time. In future they would be sending HPV home swab kits and if they showed anything then they would escalate it to a full smear test. I wonder what ever happened to that plan.

As someone who has had early endo cancer diagnosis followed total hysterectomy and surgical menopause with no HRT, unless you are 100 % confident (?) why would you not have a quick test. A different cancer I’m aware but anything to catch these cancers early has to be worth doing ?

I’m not an AI bot or anything of the sort.
Believe it or not I am a real person.

Wow. I wish you well for the future and thanks for posting this.

I had mine yesterday. I was pleased to note that they have changed from metal speculums to plastic which was much more comfortable and not freezing cold!

It took a couple of minutes if that.

Fair enough. But I’m not sure many more than a vanishingly small minority of people actually want a smear OP.

Good for you.
You remain a non clinically qualified one.
I suggest you stop spouting information that you have no business squawking about.

Oh shit! >> Booking my next smear asap

They’re less accurate, but - as you’ll know since you’ve done your research - they’ll be offered very soon to women who decline the more accurate test. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czxe8g98vq8o

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj615p583nwo.amp

Utterly utterly stupid!
You got me when you said you know for certain the men you have had sex with have all been virgins. There is absolutely no way you can be certain of that, unless you had those men locked up in the cellar from the age of about 10 until the point they had sex with you.

Men often don't get tested at all until they've got symptoms and it's sometimes too late by then. I'm not having a smear anyway, but thinking about it it'd make a good protest-if the NHS won't give men regular PSA tests to save lives then I'm not going to help them get their smear test numbers up to target.

I find this so frustrating and contradictory when women and men are treated so differently... Men aren’t coerced into invasive internal examinations.

Men's prostate tests aren't offered frequently because the main tool, the PSA blood test, is unreliable, leading to potential overdiagnosis and overtreatment.
(However, I've had both the PSA test and the internal examination, as I was showing symptoms - thankfully got all-clear, but at least I know, which is the point, I guess, of smear tests too).

So many nasty, personal insults because I’m making my own decisions about my body.
Hiding behind a phone keyboard , pretty sure you wouldn’t say it to my face. Or anyone else’s for that matter.

I have said nothing wrong, I am talking about MY body, no one else’s. Didn’t realise it would offend so many.

At least you will never be in a position to put your DS off having a smear and potentially saving their life because of your views.

I can assure you, everything I’ve said here to you - I would say it to your face.

I had cervical cancer at 30. I had 3 young children at the time. That smear test and subsequent treatment saved my life and allowed me to see those children grow into adults who have now got their own children.

I truly hope that your stupidity doesn't cost you your life at any point, OP.

Evasive internal examinations!I’ve had my smear done so many times and never once could I describe it as this.

It’s second best yes but it’s something
my mum never had a mammogram or smear in her life and she would have done the HPV test I think if it was about then

It’s different if you’ve been sexually assaulted, had bad experiences previously etc
its like saying oh my coil fitting didn’t hurt but for someone else it could be incredibly painful