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Original poster

Anyone else never had a smear test?

168 replies

swiperfox · 30/03/2005 19:42

I keep getting letters to go and have one but I really don't want to!! I hate the mere thought of them. There's a fair chance the results will get messed up at some point and docotrs hate doing them.

Is there anyone else who refuses to have one or am I the minority??

OP posts:
charleepeters · 30/03/2005 19:46

i havent had one but not because i refuse just havent had any letters or anythnig but i would be in two minds weather or not to go......... on one hand its horrible to have but on the other it could be a life saver?????? will cross that bridge when i come to it i suppose but tis your life if you dont want to go do its up to you at the end of the day its your body.

Twiglett · 30/03/2005 19:47

oh shoot .. thanks for the reminder .. must make an appointment

.. and go, its quick, painless and could save your life

misdee · 30/03/2005 19:47

havent had one yet. will have it sone after 6 week check. i did make an appointment for one last year, but had to cancel, and they said not to worry too much as new guidelines is age 25.

Original poster
swiperfox · 30/03/2005 19:47

I'm in two minds really beacause, as you say, it could be a life saver, but on the other hand.. yuk! lol

OP posts:
HappyMumof2 · 30/03/2005 19:48

Message withdrawn

Rowlers · 30/03/2005 19:49

A friend of mine had cervical cancer - the only reason she is still here is because she had a smear test done and it was picked up early.
It's not that big a deal - as twiglett says.

Twiglett · 30/03/2005 19:49

yuk what?

you've had babies haven't you swiperfox

it is far less intrusive and really doesn't hurt any

misdee .. I think you're supposed to wait for 6 months for hormones to settle down and everything

Original poster
swiperfox · 30/03/2005 19:51

i dunno yuk what - the thought of them just makes me cringe!!

OP posts:
misdee · 30/03/2005 19:51

is it twiglett? was just told to speak to GP at 6 week check about it. not too worried about it atm anyway,

thanks for the pretty dress for dd3. its lovely

morningpaper · 30/03/2005 19:51

"Doctors hate doing them" - what are you talking about woman?! I've never had a doctor do it, anyway, it's always been the nurse who has done it. And anyway, if they hated messing with your body they would've been electricians instead.

It's FINE I've never understood the fuss personally. I've rather have 100 smears than a dental check-up - now that is nasty.

HappyMumof2 · 30/03/2005 19:52

Message withdrawn

ButtonMoon · 30/03/2005 19:53

Sorry..but i think you are being a bit foolish Yes there have been a few cases where results have been incorrect but smears nhave saved many thousands of lives, including my sis. Cervical cancer cure rates are very good if abnormal cells are detected early enough. Sure it's embarrassing (don't think anyone enjoys them!! lol)but it's over in minutes and then 3 years til the next one!! A small price to pay for what could save your life!!! Practice nurses cando them....last time i went she said "ooo what a nice change i've been doing flu jabs all day" Just get it done!!!!

Original poster
swiperfox · 30/03/2005 19:54

my mum's worked at the docs for about 15 years and tells me some of the stuff docs come out with about doing them!
I was also told they're really uncomfortable to have done

OP posts:
Twiglett · 30/03/2005 19:54

Oh I'm glad you got it misdee (hope I wasn't overstepping the mark, I just wanted to send you something nice and I love baby girl clothes ) .. I assume you got the bags and clips too

misdee · 30/03/2005 19:57

i left you a message on chat, but your probably viewing without chat threads lol. not over stepping the mark at all. it was alovely thing to do, and you're right, girls clothes are so pretty. and yes, i did get the bags and clips/stickers as well. thank you so much.

hi-jack over lol.

SeaShells · 30/03/2005 20:04

I've had lots and they've all come back slight changes, used to really panic me, I've had one of those biopsy things and it's not cancer but at least they are calling me back regularly to make sure it doesn't develop into anything more serious, you really really should go get one, they are very important.

Elf1981 · 30/03/2005 20:04

LOL at morningpaper's comment about smears Vs dental checkups. Totally agree. Went for my first smear last year (just turned 23) but haven't been to the dentist for about 7 years!!
Swiperfox - not too keen on smears myself, and put off going for my first as my doctors call for women to go for smears at 19. But they're quick and releatively pain free, and I wondered what all the fuss was about when I'd been.
My mum had a bad experience though when she had to go back for four re-tests due to inconclusive results and not enough stuff collected. Grrr

SeaShells · 30/03/2005 20:06

Yes agree on the dentists v smears comment! I am due for both a smear and dental checkup and am papping myself about the dentists!

Pruni · 30/03/2005 20:12

Message withdrawn

posyhairdresser · 30/03/2005 20:12

I am with you, swiperfox. I think I should be able to choose whether to have one - my body, my choices. However my local doctors/nurses send me recall letters every 5 minutes as they are financially incentivized to do so. They are constantly badgering me as though the decision not to have a test is wrong and due to my being either stupid or feeble-minded.

I think it's like choosing whether to have diagnostic tests in pregnancy. Most people choose to have them, I chose not to and that was the right decision for me. Don't be bulldozed - it's your choice.

Twiglett · 30/03/2005 20:18

it is your decision of course posyhairdresser

but tbh I find your attitude unusual

invasive tests in pregnancy can have side-effects

smear testing only picks up whether there is a problem that cannot be picked up any other way. If there is then treatment .. life-saving treatment .. can be offered

I am not surprised your medical practitioners are concerned and surprised at your decision

but it IS your decision of course

tiffini · 30/03/2005 20:20

i did'nt know that you now dont have to have a smear until you are 25.

i wonder why, i know someone who died of cervical cancer aged 21.

morningpaper · 30/03/2005 20:21

Posyhairdress: Totally disagree. I chose not to have disgnostic tests during pregnancy because it wouldn't make any difference to my pregnancy whether my child had anything 'wrong' with them.

It makes quite a lot of difference whether I have cancer or not.

JoolsToo · 30/03/2005 20:24

I simply cannot believe that some women haven't had a smear test - truly amazing!

I'm on a study (for HPV) which means I get one every year - which I think is great!

I've had loads - absolutely nothing to it!

Tinker · 30/03/2005 20:26

Don't understand why someone who is a mother would choose to not find out about an illness which can then be treated. Fair enough if have no dependents.

If it's real fear, just tell the nurse. I always comment that it must be worse for her than me.

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