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.

Of course you did. 🙄

But that’s kind of the wrong way round isn’t it? Shouldn’t blokes actually be up in arms about the fact that they’re not routinely proactively offered screening for prostate cancer? And similarly, why aren’t we being offered mammograms earlier, given despite breast cancer having the reputation of being a middle aged woman’s disease, I know many more under 40’s who have battled through it than over 50’s…

(And yes the answer to both of those is probably cost and resources….)

Cervical cancer kills 2 people every day, on average. Proper screening has a huge impact on that.

In much the same way I would an anti-vaxxer, I’d absolutely tell you to your face.

Trust the experts, you’re not one.

I did an assignment on this for part of my practice nurse course
The research argued that it helped to pick up marginalised groups
However it found a trend that women would do the self swab once but wouldn't do it again when the next smear was due.
The research also stated that the policy in Australia (at the time of the research) was if an individual had an abnormal cells result they were invited to have a smear done by a health care professional.

I think they will start sending home testing kits from early this year, initially to people like you who don't attend smear test appointments and people who are overdue by 6 months, I think. I've always showed up for smear tests, but I think I'll pass it this year and wait for the home testing kit.

I don't feel superior to you for having a smear at all. I do find it laughable though that you can say you've done your research and then in the next sentence say that your risk is low because you've only had sex with virgins. You do know they're not testing for sexually transmitted infections right? And also, when you had sexual intercourse, did you have an aversion to having something inserted in you internally? You do you but not sure why you needed to post on here or try to make a point that you're not uneducated. I don't think anybody enjoys a cervical smear but I wouldn't enjoy cancer treatment either 🤷🏻‍♀️

You do have a choice!

It's fine for you to make your own decisions. I've been a bit slack with gaps between tests sometimes because I also have no risk factors, such as me and DH both being virgins when we married. I've known others who have also thought this way, due to lack of risk factors.

I've known someone who thought the same way who did develop abnormalities, so it's not a guarantee.

I think it's important to get looked at. In spite of no risk factors, I have had a small polyp removed from my cervix. Nothing to do with cancer but they can rarely be cancerous. Mine was fine. Still no risk factors, but it happens. I got it removed and nothing since.

It's entirely up to you but I'd consider it for yourself. I always felt the same way as you but, over time, I've come to appreciate more that they do matter. Even with lack of risk factors.

Why do you have so much shame around your body?

I understand why people may find a smear test uncomfortable either physically or emotionally but you seem to connect your vagina with some sort of shame.
Which I think is so sad.

I don’t care that a medical professional sees and touches my genitals.
Why would I when have the world has the exact same anatomy as me.

I think less energy should be put into home methods and more should be teaching young people not to be ashamed of their bodies.

What will happen if you get cervical cancer?
Or a vaginal prolapse or something?
Are you going to live your life in pain and die just because you’re embarrassed over your vagina?

Me too. It’s crazy isn’t it. I wish they’d change the rules back. Assume it’s a cost implication as it always is 😔

Personal insults are wrong. However, you still haven't answered anyone that has pointed out that along with the smear test the nuse will also be able to observe any abnormalities in your cervix, vagina or vulva that you can't see or may not have symptoms of? Many women die from lack of female health care but in the uk we are very lucky to have this provided for free. Aside from a bit of embarrassment or discomfort I can't understand why you would want to deny yourself this health care.

I don’t think anyone gives a shit.
Doctors offer it, you decline.
Whats the issue here?

I thought they did only test for HPV now - then ignore the sample if the test is negative. Is that not right? I don't see what a HPV test in a less invasive way isn't ok.

Your body, your choice, but I don’t share your opinions.
I’m just very grateful I live in a country where we have all these screenings provided free. The NHS has its problems, but I’d still rather have it than a system where the first question the doctor asks is how you’re going to pay your bill, and people dying in pain because they can’t afford medical care.
We all think cancer won’t happen to us, but it doesn’t discriminate I’m afraid 😟

I mean there are pages of people getting angry at the OP so people very much do give a shit, clearly.

You do you, but for the sake of a few minutes discomfort/embarrassment, I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t just do it.

It’s a service offered to us that might save our lives.

Op have you considered the people you are offending may have had pre cancer cells or cancer have had family or friends die of this and your on here spouting verbal diarrhoea seriously no one cares if you have a smear - not 1 person does so you do you and if your autism makes you insensitive so be it but unless you have been through it you can never know why it’s important to others jog on do some knitting.

Your body, your life - and potentially your early death. Get in with it and don't bother the rest of us with your nonsense.

You are free to make whatever decisions you want. And a lot of people told you so. However, you chose to post about your body on a public forum and it is not exactly clear why.
You also made some very questionable comments about moral superiority, guaranteed virginity of people you slept with and "research" which for some reason didn't include reading up on what options are currently available on the NHS. Despite not having this information, you implied that medical professionals hide these wonderful alternative testing methods from public. Not only that, but you also attempted to make it into a political/feminist issue. I hope it clarifies why some posters are finding this thread objectionable. And no, it has nothing to do with the decisions you make about your body.
Happy to say it to your face if you happen to be in the area.

Certified 'Mint in Box' 😆

Cheapest I can see is £55. Totally free on NHS for the sake of 5 mins of being uncomfortable.

I think it’s a life saving service for a lot of women. If you don’t want it just say no and move on with your life. I don’t get how you can get annoyed about being offered something for free that could benefit you. My sister didn’t have one for almost 20 years, she because she was terrified of the procedure - she didn’t make some big feminist issue out of it.

I would say what I said to your face and I stand by my thoughts that this was a very triggering and irrelevant post.
You carry on doing you and leave everyone else to make their own decisions.
You posted your personal opinion on a very sensitive topic- please own that op.

I don't get them done for several reasons.

I had the first one I was called for in early 20s and haven't had one since. I'm 50 now.

They will take you off their list if you ask them to. I didn't know this until my surgery asked if I wanted to be taken off the list so I didn't keep receiving reminders.

(Actually, I think it was a threat rather than an offer but I took them up on it anyway.)

Your OP is giving anti-vaxxer/conspiracy theorist and I consider anyone with those sort to views unintelligent.