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.

As a 56 year old woman I have never felt under pressure.

I you do then put it in writing that they're not to contact you anymore regarding this.

But don't turn it into a foot stomping feminist rant, unless you want to embarrass yourself.

Oh and tell your DP to request a prostate check if he wants one 👍

You crack on love.

My 29 year old self is very glad she did go for regular smear tests through. As precancerous cells were discovered then and zapped. I had years of annual smear tests after that. 25 years on I’m still so grateful.

Damn those nasty hcps, trying to save you life !!

No I think it’s unfair that the alternate less invasive option isn’t made public knowledge

Exactly why don’t you want one? Is it because you are embarrassed, or just because you are low risk? If the former then having a baby will be a shock, even straight forward pregnancies have some prodding and poking. Having just had a full hysterectomy for an ovarian cancer scare (and I was low risk !!) the fanny wands were uncomfortable but welcome. Maybe both you and husband get your checks out of solidarity. But if not then just say no. It’s not mandatory.

I had to sign a form saying I didn’t want them, never been bothered since. Ask your doctor what you need to do to stop being asked. I discussed it fully with my doctor who understood my reasons

If you’ve done your research you’ll know you can get cervical cancer without HPV. Are you also going to refuse ‘yucky invasive procedures’ if you get cancer?

I cannot understand you bleating on that women are routinely offered screening. All this ‘because we’re not men’? What even is that? Given women have experienced health gender inequality for centuries, it can only be a good thing that the gap is [slowly] decreasing.

Also count yourself very privileged that a smear test is the only invasive procedure you have had to consider.

You don't get to claim moral superiority or some kind of victory because you haven't had to have a basic invasive medical procedure. Many of us undergo much worse and have to get on with it.

All the men I’ve slept with (without protection) were virgins and yes I know they were for sure.

I have to say this ^^ gave me a great giggle though 🤭

Did they come with certificates or a note from their mums?

Aren't smear tests just HPV tests these days? And they only actually look at the cells if you're HPV positive. I think optional home testing for HPV instead would make more sense than pressuring women to come in and have a potentially pointless, often unpleasant exam.

I've lost family members to cancer, if I'm offered a test to check I'll always take it. Yes it isn't pleasant but for me it's worth it.

It's upto you if you want one or not, I don't think anyone feels morally superior for having one.

The home test kits are very new - I believe they were only approved in 2024. The NHS have committed to begin offering these, initially to reluctant women, from 2025, but this will take time.

Im not quite sure what the point of your thread is to be honest but, I guess if you have such an aversion to having things inserted in you you shall be refusing all treatment for any gynaecological issues that may crop up in the future then? I mean you do you but that seems a bit silly to me.

Cant say I’ve met a woman who enjoys having a speculum inserted into them 🤷‍♀️ so not sure that’s a valid excuse. Although of course it’s completely up to you. Your body, your health.

Two words - Jade Goody.

Yes you do

My mother died young from bowel cancer. Nobody on either side of her family ever had bowel cancer. Should I refuse tests?

My Mum decided to opt out at a certain age. The GP said it was fine as long as she confirmed it in writing which she did and they never asked/contacted her about it again. They wanted it in writing just so she couldn’t turn round and say she wasn’t offered screening if she ended up with it. Would that be an option if you spoke to them?

You hit the nail on the head - they get money for smear tests

I was thinking the same. I doubt OP has had a pregnancy, as cervical sweeps and being checked for dilation progress would send her over the edge.

Anyway, you do you boo, OP.

Don't get pregnant OP. Being prodded and poked becomes the norm. And I hope you never need forceps or ventouse to save your baby. You're in for a shock 😁

I actually burst out laughing when I read this 😂

Christ

you are pathetic. And judgemental.

it’s 1-2 minutes of discomfort. Once every three years

how on earth will you know if you have it or not?

You can ask to be removed from the recall list. You need to sign a form to do it but it works, and if you change your mind at any point you can just request one.

You’re irritated that your partner can’t have prostate cancer screening so you won’t engage with screening. Makes sense.

He will be able to request screening from age 40 if he is in a high risk group.

While there is lots of healthcare that should be better for women, your last comment shows ignorance. While prostate screening is less invasive, beyond that it is brutal. Biopsies, surgery and or brachytherapy, rectal spacers, chemo. Cancer and the medical intervention needed is hard whether you are a woman or a man.

If you don’t want screening them write a letter to your GP opting out.