Should I wait for smear test or start ttc now?

[brockleyD]

I'd really appreciate anybody's advice about this. To summarise in the past I have had one or two irregular smear test results but nothing in anyway serious but I do now have to have a smear test every year. I am pretty sure my last one was normal. I was due one this January but got pregnant then and was told I'd have to wait till after I had the baby. I then sadly had a mc late March, which had recurrent bleeding so I ended up bleeding off and on for a month! Now I finally have my period, 8 weeks after my mc and I really want to start ttc again but also am aware I should have a smear test. I would have to wait another 8 weeks to have the test, which seems like forever! The question is should I wait or should I just go for it! I guess I know I should wait but it would be good to hear some other people's views.

Many thanks,

brockleyD, so sorry to hear about your MC.

Why would you have to wait 8 weeks for a smear test? Is it just that no earlier apts are available?

IMHO I would TTC ASAP. I had my smear in November and asked the nurse at the time about the fact we were TTC. She said that we should not be put off and if any treatment was needed it could easily be done after the baby was born.

As it happens it came back abnormal and I had to go for a colposcopy in December and had a loop biopsy in January to remove pre-cancerous cells. During this time I think TTC subconciously put to one side.

I now have to go for six monthly smears for a year, and then annually for 9 years.

I may be corrected here but I'm sure precancerous cells take YEARS to develop in to anything life threatening!

I'm sorry if I've just confused you further

Good luck x

Hi IfAtFirstuDontSucceed,

Thank you for your message, it was very helpful to know despite what you have been through with your tests you would still ttc. The reason I have to wait is that tests are likely to come back abnormal up to 12 weeks post a mc (I have no idea why) but that is what it states on the NHS website and my GP clinic said I'd have to wait that long too.

In so many ways it makes sense to wait 8 weeks, I am a teacher so it would suit to fall pregnant later and therefore be able to teach till the end of the exam period next year but I heart really wants to start ttc now, especially as I am going on holiday with my dh next week - (during my most fertile week!).

Thanks again for advice and good luck with ttc and with future smear tests.

x

Hi - I just wanted to add that I too have been having annual smears following an abnormal result (and a colposcopy) 2 years ago.

I had my last smear in Jan and asked the nurse if I should delay TTC even if result still abnormal and she said no, as many abnormal results can stay abnormal for years without any further treatment being needed. As it happens the result is abnormal still - I have been called back in one year but am hoping to get pregnant in the meantime!!