Do any of you really not go for smear tests?

[Joolyjoolyjoo]

I went along dutifully for my routine smear test today. I chatted to the nurse, had my blood pressure taken, assumed the position...less than a minute later, I was dressed and ready to go. The nurse remarked on how lots of women don't go for smear tests, which I found really sad. it was slightly embarrassing, very slightly uncomfortable, and over in a few seconds, but it could save your life. Does anyone really NOT go for a smear, just down to embarrassment?

can't can't can't can't.

I don't go for smear tests. Have had one done as part of fertility testing about 4.5 years ago but not been since. I don't fall into any of the risk categories for cervical cancer.

I don't go because I have a serious phobia of doctors (and dentists aswell as it happens)

I have booked a couple of appointments and taken beta blockers beforehand (which the doctor prescribed for said phobia) but they did absolutely nothing and I still ended up needing oxygen through hyperventilating . One time I was actually treated by paramedics who were called because I got myself into such a state

Apparently if they sedated me anymore, I'd be unconcscious (sp?) which is illegal?!

So, unless I pay for private hypnotherapy or something, I don't know what else to do.

I hate this phobia, I really do

Interesting to see the last few posts as clearly a few dfferent reasons people have for not having a smear. It clearly shouldn't be a given/guilt shouldn't be felt to not have one given the complexity of reasons. In my case I have just written it off as completely undoable!

You think I am silly because I think it is irresponsible not to have a smear.

I don't think I am the silly one.

I used to hate smear tests but I always had them. Lucky I did as the last one picked up a stage 1 adenocarcinoma last May. It is a rare and aggresive type.

I had a hysterectomy and luckily don't need chemo. Had a vault smear last week to check it's not in vaginal walls but is very unlikely apparently.

I would say do everything you possibly can to overcome a phobia of something that saves lives.

you are silly to think it is in any way remotely straightforward for someone who has had a horrendous birth to have a smear. For those who can well done for them. Sorry doesn't matter what the consequences are..... if you have been through a terrifying situation amd have panic attacks re any medical intervention thats remotely similar then you would also find it impossible

Guadalupe - How awful for you, good luck with your results.

There are numerous risk factors- some of which seem crazy but they include:

socio-economic groups ( lower ones have higher risk prob due to lifestyle); diet - ( evidently broccoli 3x a week cuts risk hugely); smoking, number of sexual partners; age of first intercourse ( under 18 = higher risk); number of children ( more=higher risk); even geographical location- higher risk in north ( again mainly a combo of lifestyle factors.)

I know it is easy to say, but if you have aphobia or vaginismus, maybe your GP could refer you for CBT to try to sort it out?

I have a medical porblem affecting my bladder which means it is very sensitive and am always worried about smears etc, and have to ask them to be very gentle, so I do understand somewhat if you have other issues.

I have asked several different doctors for one but am not allowed untill i am 25, they say untill then your cervix is still developing so false abnormal results are really common and it causes un neccissary worry.

How often are you supposed to have them?

I had one just after ds was born 4 yrs ago (I was under 25 btw Charlee). I haven't been again because ds is now old enough that I don't really want him in the room with me but not quite old enough to leave alone in the waiting room. Maybe I'll get one this year.

honest - I think most people that have suffered from vaginismus have had "treatment" to try and sort it out, I know I was referred to someone (miraculously we had someone at my old local hospital who really knew what she was talking about with it).

CBT wouldn't help vaginismus (well at least IME of it it wouldn't). Though would probably help with phobias.

I have asked doctors, FPC and hospital (while in with something else) and all of them said not unless i have some real medical evidence that i may need one before 25 so 4 yrs to go for me.

I know the warning signs and if i had any of them i would stay in the doctors surgery untill they gave me one don't worry.

How weird, where do you live? Just googled and the department of health recommends that women between the ages of 20 and 64 have routine smear tests.

IllegallyBrunette - I do not think you are silly, but I do think you lack a little empathy and sensitivity. If your aim was to encourage women to see the positive reasons to overcome their anxiety or fears, your approach failed. What did you hope to achieve by slating people? All you did was get people defensive and feeling misunderstood.

I am sure there are a lot of women out there just a little uncomfortable with it, a teeny bit embarrassed or even lazy and not got round to making the appointment to fit into their busy family lives. However, there are equally a lot of women who are secretly worrying away, yet another thing on the list of things to be quietly bothered by but can?t quite face. Not meaning to have a big go at you (although I accept this is starting to sound like it and too litlte time to re-edit) but just amazed at your insensitivity on this. Your posts are normally really kind and understanding

Not got/planning a career in any caring/empathy requiring professional I hope

profession not professional Grrr - rushing. Must remember not to post when little time to think/write stuff carefully!

West Sussex.

I have had conflicting advice in the past one ob said i had to have one 6 months after ds was born but when i showed up for the apt the dr refused to do it unless i had ununsual pain/bleeding/discharge which i don't.

CC- i wonder if your drs/NHS are saying this to save money? I thought that anyone who was sexually active and had ahd a child, should have one every 3 years?
In this area, they did them every 5 years until recently- that is too long imo. I have paid for them privately for years, and have them every 2-3 years, which is what the dr suggests. It costs around £40 which is less than a pair of shoes.
Ihad a friend who needed treatment and it was picked up in between smears- 5 yrs apart at the time- she had CN3- she was told that if she waited until her next smear- another 2-3 years- she could hav e been in very serious trouble.
I am sure that any decent surgery would find a way of looking after a toddler whilst you had your smear. If not, can you not get a babysitter or friend to pop along with you?

"It costs around £40 which is less than a pair of shoes."

blimey where do you buy your shoes (in general I could buy 4 pairs of shoes for that amount LOL)

I had a lot of bleeding outwith my period which went on for about three weeks....my gp took blood tests and sent me for the smear and the smear results came back saying it was irregular but my gp said this had nothing to do with the bleeding??? I think women need to go on our own instincts as a smear only takes seconds to do, so insist on having one!

Lol i don't spend £40 on shoes either. If i had some symptom then im sure they wuld give me one, but im not pushing it at the moment i have had regualr swabs during both my pregnancys as i am group streb b and i had alot of problems during my first pregnancy. Thoses swabs tested for everyhting - i made sure.

I am almost a year overdue. We are ttc and I don't like the idea of having a smear test when it is possible that I could be pregnant. Normally I am up to date with them.

we all have different incomes- £40 for shoes is not a lot imo- it's the usual price for say Clarks- not that I wear Clarks!

It's all about priorities- I don't consider £40 over 3 years a lot for a private smear- it's less than £1 a month! But that isn't the point really.