Another smear question

[dirtybadger]

I'm overdue mine by a few years, but due to my contraception I have constant bleeding. Sometimes its just spotting, sometimes quite heavy (and not to any "cycle"). Does anyone know if its likely to be an issue? Its unlikely to stop in the next year or so, from experience, but dont really want to put the smear off any further.

I think they try avoid it if you're bleeding because it can make it harder to read. I could be totally wrong though. I had very very irregular almost constant bleeding due to the pill when I had my first smear and they managed to do once when it was very light. So could be okay. Phone your GP and ask for advice. Have you tried the pills to stop bleeding? Can't remember the name just now. X

Just book the smear and for as soon as possible. If it turns out to be your period on the day (or starts the day before), you can ring then and rearrange for 10 days after or whatever.

Don't put it off any longer. It's far more of an issue if you go any longer without a smear than it is being at the tail end of a period or rearranging when you know your period is likely to finish.

There's never going to be a good time to do it so just jump in and make a booking.

Or see your gp for norethisterone to take for a couple of days beforehand

My nurse said it can mask the result and then you have to wait 12 weeks for another test. I’m in a similar boat. I’m on yearly smears since 2010 as I had stage 1 cervical cancer but last year I was pregnant so couldn’t get tested and this year I’m on the mini pill and it’s making me bleed everyday. I’ve asked to go back on microgynon so I can get this smear sorted.

Most, if not all, of the UK now does the Liquid Based Cytology ( the plastic broom rather than the wooden stick), and this method is much better for achieving a slide that can be processed than the older type method. So taking a smear when there is some bleeding can produce a result. Best avoided when there is heavy bleeding though.
You would be best to book he appointment and change it only if your bleeding is heavy on the day.

My last smear, the actual sample thingy was caked in blood after so I wonder what difference it really makes if you have a wee bit of spotting? I've had them since 16 due to family history, never noticed it bloody before?!

Thanks everyone. It isnt a case of "having a period" (Hairblues), the bleeding is constant. But how heavy it is varies. I take an extra progesterone only pill to reduce bleeding but will ask about also taking norethisterone for a short period (no pun intended) so that the appointment isnt wasted. :)

Yeah ask for that, I took it a few times when I had irregular bleeding with the pill. Works a treat! Definitely phone up on Monday and ask for advice, you know how super important smears are x

Yes good thinking. I have used it before for some "respite" but not for a few years. I will check that it's still safe to use it with my others meds and then book in.

I hate going to the Dr (hence being overdue by 3 years), but a relative is having some tests done for something related and it reminded me I should probably have one done.

Ta again :)

Badger - but constant bleeding to the point you can’t dustunguish between a period and a normal day is not at all right. Does your doctor know why this is happening? If they are aware of it, and/or are managing it on an ongoing basis, I would be really surprised if they haven’t encouraged you to have your smear check all the more.

Just re-read your last post. You don’t go to the doctor much so I presume you must be on a repeat prescription for the pill? I would definitely go back to the doctor, firstly for your smear and secondly for the constant bleeding. Something isn’t working right for you if you are constantly bleeding. I hope you don’t mind me asking but how old are you? (approximately)? (You don’t have to answer of course 🙂).