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.

I do remember that, in the later stages of the cancer, the disease ate away at her vagina and she ended up shitting from both orifices. I say not to shock but if it helps only one woman get a test that might not, it's worth it.

From someone that had abnormal cells, and CIN 3 at their first smear....you are being ridiculous!
Your choice, your health!

Nobody thinks that you’re awful, it’s only your own health and your own life that you’re playing with. It doesn’t affect the wider population.
My only opinion is that you sound a little thick but I totally agree you have the right to refuse.
Im just glad that the option is there for those who do want to be tested. And yes it’s not pleasant but I’ve experienced far worse.

Your body, your choice!

The HPV vaccine has all-but-wiped out Cervical cancer in a couple of countries now. HPV tests are what's needed for most people clearly, and would have much greater uptake.

I honestly don't understand the insistence on the expense of smear tests, the vast majority of which won't even be looked at. What's going on with that?

Although, like many pps, I think OP should grit her teeth and get her smear for her own sake and that of her loved ones, it does irk me a little when the feeling of getting a smear is described as 'discomfort' as it has been by some. I mean, hopefully it is just discomfort for most women (mine tend to be painful for various reasons, and this has had to be worked around in various ways over the years), but it's not the case for everyone. I'm just mentioning this, not to put anyone off having a smear but because pain during smears can be remedied, and doesn't need to be a reason people avoid going. Just saying.

(OP, I do realise you have other reasons for your decision - apologies for the slight derail but I felt it needed saying to the room in general, so to speak.)

I’m sure you’d certainly have to have much more invasive procedures up there, if you had cervical cancer and it wasn’t diagnosed in good time.

The HPV vaccine now being given to teenagers is a massive advance in medicine which based on the stunning results to date will in due course make smear tests redundant. Except for those who choose not to have it of course.

They can’t get up there without splitting me open, so…… 🤷🏻‍♀️

Yep. Typical of some Mumsnet posters they just love to jump on the band wagon and stick the boot in, totally ignoring relevant info. And someone actually said up thread that people who go for smear tests don't think they are superior!

Wow! Good for you. Here is a medal for being so brave

Well @Seventeenstars I don't think you are selfish, stupid or uneducated.

If you think your personal risk is low, and you find the whole process unpleasant and invasive then you are perfectly within your rights to refuse the test.

Why does the gp keep inviting you? Because they get paid for every test they do.

Why does the NHS set the system up like this? Well, what you need to understand is that while you are considering your personal risk (and believing it to be vanishingly small), the NHS is thinking about statistics (as in, if we do 1 million tests then we will save approx 1400 lives).

However, as an adult with capacity you are entitled to make your own choices about what medical interventions you want, or don't want.

I have to admit I didn't know there were less invasive home tests available. And yes, I agree with you, it's odd (disappointing even) that they are not widely available.

They are rolling them out but it takes time and a positive result would trigger an appointment for a smear. They are only now rolling out non-invasive prostate cancer screening (which your partner can request by the way), it is mostly still invasive.

😂"I've had more hands up me than the fucking Muppets", as a friend of mine said in similar circumstances.

"I won't have a smear test as it's invasive but I had a C Section".

Do you not think that having a child you should have a check which may potentially save your life and not leave your DS without a mother or is he now an adult child?

Oh no I didnt mean you! I understand you cant have them.

An ex colleague of mine who had genuinely never had sex (IMO she was frightened of the mere idea) had suffered a couple of very painful and traumatic smear tests (she would tense up very badly) before finally being told that in her particular circs., she didn’t need to have them any more.

I do have a diagnosis of autism if that will shut some posters up. It’s not completely relevant but it is partly as it’s some of the reason why internal exams are a real concern for me, there’s a sensory aspect to them.
But I completely stand by my original points and maybe it’s partly down to my autism as if I see something as ‘unfair’ I feel the need to call it out.

I still believe in value of physical examination which can pick up any abnormalities (not limited to cervical cancer). But I was brought up in Europe where the standard was to see a gynecologist every six months for a regular check up. Much like you would see a dentist.

@cha04
Very well considered reply 🥸

If she doesn't have HPV, THEY WON'T BE CHECKING ANYTHING..

What do you think is unfair? The judgement you receive?

I dont think youre a bad person I just feel worried and sad for you. But it’s 100% your life. And you do what you need to do.

No one is passing moral judgment, in terms of whether you’re a good or bad person, but it’s quite a stupid approach to take.

If men aren’t being offered and reminded about the equivalent examinations (no idea if that’s true or not), then I’d say that was unfair on men, not on women!