DIY smear test

[ozzia]

Has anyone seen these? To my shame I saw an article about them on the Daily Fail and wondered if anyone had bought one?

I've never been able to face a smear so this sounded ideal, yes I want to avoid a smear enough to pay £100

[pinkfrocks]

The stats are here

www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/cervical-cancer#heading-One

Just under a 1000 deaths per annum.

This is small compared to women diagnosed with breast cancer- 50K annually.

But it's very preventable and compared with other cancers there is a pre-cancerous diagnosis which means treatment in time is around 100% successful.

This is a serious suggestion - if you are terrified, maybe invest in some therapy like CBT because it's not worth risking your life for something that takes 2 minutes once every 3 years.

[ToadsJustFellFromTheSky]

I've already had therapy. Lots of it and for years.

[ToadsJustFellFromTheSky]

And I'm still terrified.

[EnlightenedOwl]

I can't face them either so this would be a good option for me.

[pinkfrocks]

I'm really interested in what it is that some women are so scared of.

Is it the embarrassment of taking clothes off?

Is it a fear of pain?

Is it a fear of having something 'done' to you?

Is it loss of control?

I think if you can try to rationalise the fears (in the way that CBT does) and face each one, it might be helpful.

There are various techniques for helping women with smear phobias which follow the same patterns as for all phobias- gradual exposure. These include becoming comfortable with the equipment- holding the speculum for example, partially inserting it yourself, and being actively involved so you are not feeling 'under threat' from the HP carrying it out.

If you can insert tampons and have sex, then it's not physical- it's psychological and can be overcome.

[ToadsJustFellFromTheSky]

It's triggering.

I just keep getting flashbacks to being raped again every time I try to go.

No amount of therapy seems to help.

I don't even like sex that much either tbh. I only do it because I feel I have to and can only just about put up with it. However I haven't had sex in nearly a year.

[pinkfrocks]

I think you need better or different therapy. You clearly need help.

It's about control and if you are made to feel in control by handling the speculum and being able to transcend the triggers, then you'd be fine.

Have you had psycho-sexual counselling? I know this sounds crass but it's practise you need- whether it's inserting speculums or dildos at home or whatever....

[ToadsJustFellFromTheSky]

The thought of handling the speculum myself makes me feel sick.

[ozzia]

The reason I CAN'T go for a smear is that even the thought makes me want to be sick. It's crippling fear but I can't tell you specifically why, pain doesnt bother me at all. I know nurses have seen it all before but that doesnt make a scrap of difference. I want to go, I can tell you now that I do not want to die unnecessarily.

People saying "just go" can't understand it.

I understand my reasons make no sense. I wish they did then maybe I could find a way around it.

The idea of the DIY test made me so happy, such a shame it's been shot down

[ToadsforJustice]

I've made an informed decision not to screen for cervical cancer. I do not consider myself a twat. I consider myself a highly educated HCP that has read all the facts about screening and has decided not to take up the regular invitations.

I am comfortable with this decision. I respect the right of every woman to make up her own mind. I do not agree with name calling because someone has a different view.

[Defenderwife]

Could you ask for a sedative or something from your gp so you can have it done?

I wouldn't do it yourself. Chances of getting a good enough sample is remote.

[ToadsJustFellFromTheSky]

Sedatives don't work for me. They just make me feel ill.

Yes, I know I'm weird. And fucked up .

[vdbfamily]

I was nagged this week by the practice nurse about the fact that I had only ever had one smear test. I explained for the 6 millionth time that as I and my husband were both virgins when we married that I have a miniscule risk of cervical cancer which in my opinion outweighs the invasive nature of a smear so I choose not to have one. The one I did have was when I was being assessed for sterilisation post children and I thought whilst they were already being invasive they might as well do a SMEAR test. I do not get why women are so militant about this. It is a choice and we have to weigh up the risks for ourselves and they do vary depending on your lifestyle etc.

[pinkfrocks]

Toads- have you had the HPV tests? I'm obviously very sorry about the rape- if it was unprotected then you would as you will know the risk from cervical cancer. As a HCP do you have access to speculums? They aren't those horrid metal objects now- they are smaller and transparent plastic.
I still think you ought to pursue therapy and CBT, again.

[ToadsJustFellFromTheSky]

Which Toads are you talking to, pink? Me or ToadsForJustice?

[dippydeedoo]

my mother died from cervical cancer leaving me aged 11 and my half sister less than 2.
As part of her treatment she had electron treatment where she lay on a bed with rods charged with radiation attached to a henry hoover type machine insterted in her vagina for lengths of time whilst drs and students watched behind glass,survivors of this treatment found their vaginas so burnt they had moulded to their bowels and actually pooing from their vagina etc etc.

I myself (having had issues with traumas mentioned above) wouldfar rater have a quick 3 minute smear with my friendly nurse who tells me all about her weekend whilst doing it and has actually said looking at a vagina is to her very normal and is her job than endure any of the treatments my mother had.

its a 5 minute thing,wear a skirt whip your knickers off have it done leave the room nip to the loo put your knickers back on in private and jobs done!.

[TheoriginalLEM]

I don;t think the idea has been shot down, the thread has been taken over a little by people talking about our rights not to have smears (i wasn't aware it was compulsory) and those of us who cannot comprehend why anyone wouldn't have this done. I apologise.

I personally wouldn't do the DIY smear because I want to make sure its done properly and i can't see what i am doing. Also the nurse who does mine (i call her a cow but really shes nice) always bloody hurts and makes me bleed but i think its a small price to pay for peace of mind. I have had cervical cancer and my smear test without question not only saved me a load of painful treatment, plus chemo but it saved my life. In fact, i was late having my smear and was told in no uncertain terms by the consultant that had i left it another six months i would have been "in serious trouble".

Saying all of that, i do understand that some women just cannot face it and i have every sympathy.

What really pisses me off is it (not on this thread) being turned into a feminist issue. It just isn't.

[Kat786]

Excuse me? I'm glad you find smears no problem. Other people feel differently. I hate the grow up suck it ip option. Why should we?

[Mrswhite543]

Rang my doctors for a smear test last week and can't get in for 3weeks.wish I could just do my own and send it off.

[mirenerves]

OP. I totally understand where you are coming from. As a rape survivor I have vaginismus and really struggle with internal examinations. I am sick with nerves about needing a hysteroscopy and a mirena soon. I'm not sure I can go through with it.
Some of the brisk comments of "just get on with it" are indicative of some of the attitudes I have had to deal with healthcare professionals over the years. I remember one nurse tutting and shaking her head as I explained I needed her to take her time as I needed to relax etc.

OP. Do make an appointment for a smear, take some painkillers before, ask for the small speculum and for them to take it at your pace. Keep your jaw relaxed and breath in through your nose to the count of 4 and out through your mouth to the count of 10. Best wishes to you.

[MattMagnolia]

Do women who had the HPV vaccine still get called for smear tests? I can’t see why if most cervical cancer is caused by HPV. Those who can’t bear to have a smear test could have the jab instead.

[Seaweed42]

You have to get the jab before you become sexually active so around aged 12 is when they give it. The good news is that cervical cancer can be eradicated totally in years to come, if the uptake of the vaccine is 100%. There is a vaccine for boys too.

[MyWeaponofChoiceisWords]

This thread is from 2015 folks!

[birdsandroses]

I am bedridden with severe ME and travel to a GP surgery or hospital is not possible as travel outside of my home causes a rapid worsening of symptoms which would take months to recover from with no guarantee I would.

My GP surgery says they can’t do one at home, so I have not been able to have a smear for 8 years. This kit makes it possible for me to get a smear.

[Totaldogsbody]

I hate going for smears I always feel so embarrassed, after having 2DC you'd think I would have went beyond that by now. I do realise that a smear could save my life though so grin and bear it through gritted teeth. The DIY option could be a boon for women who for many different reasons can't face going to the doctors for the smear, personally I would be afraid I hadn't took the smear properly but can understand why some would choose DIY. Ozzia if you think the DIY is right for you then go ahead and do it everyone has the right to choose whats right for them no matter what the issue is.