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Original poster

No pill without smear test?

121 replies

eilidhfi · 07/08/2008 16:20

I've just been told off for missing my appointment for a smear test today (I forgot I booked it, does your memory ever come back after pregnancy?!) anyway the nurse told me that they wouldn't prescribe me any more contraceptive pills until I've had a smear test.

I've made an appointment for next week so it's not a problem but out of interest are they allowed to do that? Are smear tests mandatory?

OP posts:
saralou · 07/08/2008 19:18

i don't think a comparison between prostate checks is really relevant here

theirs no point doing regular checks on a prostate.. theirs no STI that causes that cancer for a start, that can be detected and treated before cancer even starts!

fgs, this is to help save womens lives here, whats the point in being a dead feminist!!!

MsDemeanor · 07/08/2008 19:25

I believe a woman's body is her own. It does not belong to doctors or anyone else, no matter how well meaning. That is an absolutely vital principle. Women are not children to be told what to do or made to obey. If a woman (or a man), for whatever reason, wishes not to have any screening tests done, that absolutely has to be her decision. You may think it an absolutely idiotic decision but as adults we must be free to refuse screening. Or do you think women should be forced to have pregnancy scans even if they don't want them? Or men forced to have prostate or (for men and women) digital examinations of their bowel in case of cancer?

saralou · 07/08/2008 19:30

no, but then surely gp's have the right not to prescribe something if they feel it is not appropriate!! surely then they would be negligent knowing they are administering a medication that does increase your risk of getting cervical cancer (which is caused by an STI at the end of the day!)

MsDemeanor · 07/08/2008 19:35

Unless the doctor has any reason to suspect you have a condition that could be made worse by your legitimate medication, then no, I don't think they have any moral right to withdraw it. Especially when withdrawing that medication may put the woman at risk of something pretty dangerous - ie pregnancy and birth.
It is clear here the motivation is not the woman's health, but meeting government targets and lining the gp's own pockets.

saralou · 07/08/2008 19:38

yes but him not giving it to her, doesn't mean she will get pregnant it just means she chooses a different type of contraception... or have the smear test!

saralou · 07/08/2008 19:40

and lol, you think pregnancy and birth is more dangerous than having cervical cancer!

Tortington · 07/08/2008 19:42

i would complain thb they shouldn't hold medicine to ramdsom

yomellamoHelly · 07/08/2008 19:50

I had this about 10 years ago. Booked app with doc who asked why I was there. Said "well I've been told I have to have a smear to get this prescription". GP blanched a little and told me it was complete rubbish and asked me who'd said it and told me to leave it with her. I got my prescription.

ElfOnTheTopShelf · 07/08/2008 19:52

Good idea IMO. Too many people put off their smear test.

combustiblelemon · 07/08/2008 19:58

Sorry but that's bollocks MsDemeanor. If you have the HP virus, it is more likely to develop into cervical cancer if you are taking the pill- it is a known risk factor. That's why they want to check you.

DisenchantedPlusBump · 07/08/2008 19:59

Im 23, never had a smear test ever and been on the pill since 15.

FranSanDisco · 07/08/2008 20:01

My surgery sent me reminders for a smear test, which I ignored. They then sent me a letter saying they would remove me from their register if I didn't book one

saralou · 07/08/2008 20:02

they start inviting you at 24!

ElfOnTheTopShelf · 07/08/2008 20:04

I cant see what the issue is tbh. It takes, what, five minutes to have a smear test? And you can get the pill at the same time.

Lubyloo · 07/08/2008 20:06

That's dreadful. They can't blackmail you by witholding treatment. Every woman has a right to choose the tests/treatment they have. I am 35 and have only ever had one smear. I have no intention of having another. That is my choice. You should complain to the practice manager.

ElfOnTheTopShelf · 07/08/2008 20:08

I cannot see why people get so emotional about a smear test.
It can save your life.
Do people who do not have smear tests not check their breasts for lumps either?

combustiblelemon · 07/08/2008 20:09

Oh yes! It's always an 'invitation' to have a smear. It's like getting invited to the wedding of a work colleague. You get the invite and you don't want to go, but you know you have to make an appearance. There's the really odd enforced polite conversation with a stranger as well- usually in a slightly more dignified position at the wedding though!

Tortington · 07/08/2008 20:10

yes you should have a smear test
no it shouldn't be a condition of being able to access contraception

combustiblelemon · 07/08/2008 20:11

It is your choice not to have a smear. It is their choice not to give you the pill. No-one has a 'right' to prescription medication. That's why it's not on the supermarket shelves next to the ketchup. It carries risks and it is to be given under the care of a doctor. You should also have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis.

saralou · 07/08/2008 20:11

pmsl!

saralou · 07/08/2008 20:12

(that was to the invitation comment)

ElfOnTheTopShelf · 07/08/2008 20:15

I have to have my blood pressure taken every three months or else I dont get a prescription.
Most pills are not avaiable on repeat prescription so you have to see the dr / nurse before hand.

My contact lense supplier stops my supply if I dont have regular eye tests, they still charge me for the stuff though, I just dont get it until I have had my check up.

foofi · 07/08/2008 20:16

ElfOnTheTopShelf - "Do people who do not have smear tests not check their breasts for lumps either?"

Er, yes, you're right - some people don't. It's not obligatory you know. Not everyone behaves the same way. Obviously you're someone who believes the way you conduct your life is the only correct way.

littleducks · 07/08/2008 20:18

i dont think that is right, perhaps the gp should have to re prescribe the pill or something if you have no smear instead of just the nurse doing it

being removed from the surgery list is terrible!

constancereader · 07/08/2008 20:19

Of course you should have smear tests.
I just spent about seven visits with an understanding doctor trying to overcome my phobia of them.

I fail to see why you should be denied contraception for not having one though. Would it be acceptable to deny treatment for another kind of illness if you didn't book your smear?