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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:
motherinferior · 30/03/2005 20:26

I have to say I don't enjoy them - although the nurse who did my last one was so utterly fantastic, she really was; but I really would rather not die from a condition which can be caught, and treated with a high rate of success if it is detected. As far as I'm concerned, it's a no-brainer - due for test, tootle up, get results, carry on safe in the knowledge that my cervix is not cancerous.

misdee · 30/03/2005 20:27

i have had internals examinations for prolaspe etc, but just havent got round to the smear.
how uncomfortable is it?

kama · 30/03/2005 20:28

This reply has been deleted

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Tinker · 30/03/2005 20:29

It's not misdee. Bit cold, bit of sensation and then, that's it. Biggest worry is 'Have I shaved my legs recently?'

KristinaM · 30/03/2005 20:29

sorry can't agree there's nothing too it. I find them painful to have done and I'm sore for several hours afterwards

posyhairdresser · 30/03/2005 20:30

Tinker, the whole point is that you don't need to understand why I would chose not to have a test, and I don't need to explain to anyone why I make that decision.

HappyMumof2 · 30/03/2005 20:30

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misdee · 30/03/2005 20:31

tinker, it wont be my legs that i need to worry about lol.

juicychops · 30/03/2005 20:32

I had smear test the other day at my 6 week check up. It was a bit uncomfortable but quick. Its a similar thing they use when they check to see how far dilated you are before you give birth. If you can give birth you can do anything!!

Original poster
swiperfox · 30/03/2005 20:32

Hi everyone - thanks for all posting your comments - please dont think i've started a debate and done a runner!! I'mreaaaading them all through and thinking carefully

OP posts:
Tinker · 30/03/2005 20:32

Of course I don't need to understand why, that's your business. But I'd be pissed off if my mother found out she had cervical cancer and it had developed because she hadn't been for a straightforwawd smear test.

JoolsToo · 30/03/2005 20:33

KristinaM - you need to change your practitioner - that doesn't sound right at all.

My experience is nothing like that - no discomfort, no pain and certainly no after effects.

posyhairdresser · 30/03/2005 20:34

I am in a minority in choosing not to have the test, but I have a biology degree and am not ignorant of the facts. What may be the right decision for most people simply is not for me, that's all I'm saying. Would you all have a law passed which compels all women to go for smear tests at yearly intervals?

HappyMumof2 · 30/03/2005 20:34

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HappyMumof2 · 30/03/2005 20:35

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posyhairdresser · 30/03/2005 20:36

And what about vaccinations - should they be a legal requirement too?

KristinaM · 30/03/2005 20:37

Could we show a little tolerance here please??? Lots of MNers ( perhaps some on this thread???) smoke or drink too much alcohol or eat unhealthy diets or don't exercise even though they KNOW they are " putting themselves at risk" by these actions!!!!!!!!!

Twiglett · 30/03/2005 20:37

totally none of my business I will accept that from the start

but I just have to ask posey .. WHY wouldn't you have a smear?

juicychops · 30/03/2005 20:39

id rather have a smear than go dentist! at least you only have to go once every 3 years or something like that.

Tinker · 30/03/2005 20:39

If you and your partner were both virgins and he's never had warts I guess your chances are pretty low. I'd certainly like to see reminders sent out more regularly, hardly think a woman could be compelled to have smear test Maybe televise them at the same time?

juicychops · 30/03/2005 20:42

are men supposed to have check ups every few years for testicular cancer? just wondering

posyhairdresser · 30/03/2005 20:42

Is no one able to think of even one reason why an intelligent woman might make a reasoned decision not to have a smear test?
Or am I just necessarily unintelligent?

Am I definitely wrong in knowing what is best for me and do some of you know better, as that seems to be the implication!

JoolsToo · 30/03/2005 20:42

don't smoke, don't drink (much ) I'm on two studies - one for cervical cancer (HPV) and one for ovarian cancer - I get tested annually for both, for free - seems like a good deal to me!

morningpaper · 30/03/2005 20:45

I don't think anyone thinks it should be compulsory, it just seems a strange attitude in a mother with a young family (assuming).

I have an elderly relative who is choosing not to have cancer treated, which is fair enough, but a bit different from a young woman who is choosing not to have a test and possible treatment for cancer.

Tinker · 30/03/2005 20:45

I'm not especially bothered about your reasons posy, I think many on here have just never come across someone who won't have one