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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:
Original poster
swiperfox · 30/03/2005 20:46

yes they are juicychops - and they're also meant to check themselves like women check their breasts.

OP posts:
morningpaper · 30/03/2005 20:47

The only reason I can think of is that a woman might be too shy/not want anyone to examine her. Either that or she simply would rather not know whether she had cancer or not.

JoolsToo · 30/03/2005 20:48

mp - yes - but if you've had a baby how can you be shy?

KristinaM · 30/03/2005 20:49

another reason might be that she feels that the stress from the procedure itself and the many call backs that are NOT related to disease might be greater than her risk of cervical cancer

Original poster
swiperfox · 30/03/2005 20:49

Morningpaper - both of those are my exact reasons for not wanting it. I only dont want to know about cancer because my Mum had it and it terrifies me!!
I'm not just refusing it to be ignorant about cancer. Also am incredibly shy and if I have a choice I'm not keen on going.

Having the babies was different - they had to come out!! (even tho they were both cs!!)

OP posts:
posyhairdresser · 30/03/2005 20:50

Swiperfox was looking for people who don't get smears done so I just thought I'd stick my head above the parapet. I appreciate it's not the usual viewpoint!

juicychops · 30/03/2005 20:50

I never wanted one cos i was scared it would hurt and be a horrible experience, but i was laying down having my 6 week check and she just said "ill do a smear test" so i couldn't really say no. but there was nothing to it. Id rather go through that few seconds of discomfort than have the thought that i cound have some cancer cells down there.

KristinaM · 30/03/2005 20:51

Mp - if mothers with young children should never take risks then most of us should not go in cars!

morningpaper · 30/03/2005 20:52

Was that me? When I did I say mothers should take risks? Confused

KristinaM · 30/03/2005 20:55

MP - when you said this

I don't think anyone thinks it should be compulsory, it just seems a strange attitude in a mother with a young family . ... a bit different from a young woman who is choosing not to have a test and possible treatment for cancer. "

i assumed you meant that mothers should not " take risks" . I'm sorry if I have misinterpreted you!

Elf1981 · 30/03/2005 20:58

My smear test never really bothered me (more the idea of having one which put me off) but at least I could proudly say to the midwife at my booking in appointment that I'd had one six months ago.

In another matter, I was surprised that I had to have a chlamydia test at the booking in appointment. As well as the now routine blood test for HIV.

At the end of the day, I've had two sexual partners, the guy I lost my virginity to (who was also a virgin) and my now DH. I'm not high risk, but my opinion is it's better to know and deal with than not. And IMO this now applies to smear tests.

Ref comments about testicles - my DH had to go to his doctors twice for lumps which thankfully turned out to be nothing. But getting him to the doctor was hard as theres a "stigma" about having doctors touch your bits!

morningpaper · 30/03/2005 20:59

Ah I see what you mean. Well it seems like the same risk, as, say, not changing the battery in your smoke alarm. Why take it? Surely it's a no-brainer?

morningpaper · 30/03/2005 20:59

(Must change the battery in my smoke alarm)

Twiglett · 30/03/2005 21:00

I am astounded that you are getting on some high horse here posey

I am interested in knowing why you would refuse a smear, this is a discussion board and we are trying to discuss an issue which affects ALL women.

"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?" .. no I can't, I can understand someone being shy and needing the confidence to overcome that shyness, or someone being scared and again needing the support to get over that fear

"Or am I just necessarily unintelligent?" - you are probably very intelligent, but you are failing to articulate any reasons (biology degree or not)

"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!" - yes I think we feel we do know better

a smear test can save lives

posyhairdresser · 30/03/2005 21:01

KristinaM's suggestion of a possible reason is along similar lines to my thoughts on this subject in relation to myself, and this is why I felt the antenatal test was a reasonable parallel - for me the risks of the antenatal tests to myself & the baby outweighed the potential benefits as I judged them to be.

Thank you KristinaM for your non-judgemental comments - I was feeling a bit under fire!

Gobbledigook · 30/03/2005 21:02

OMG, can't believe someone wouldn't have a smear but each to their own.

My SIL is only 30 and following a smear has had part of her cervix cut away - she could have been in serious trouble if she'd not had the smear and she's got a 3 yr old dd. It just doesn't bear thinking about - particularly as she could have died for the sake of less than a minute of slight embarrassment.

She'll now have have a stitch in the cervix if she gets pg again and deliver by C-section.

posyhairdresser · 30/03/2005 21:03

Twiglett, I think it is a bit much for you to suggest that you know better than me what decisions I should make about my body - is that really what you meant?

Gobbledigook · 30/03/2005 21:03

I think every mother owes it to her children to look after her health the best she can - surely noone wants to leave their kids mother less if they can help it?

Gobbledigook · 30/03/2005 21:05

poseyhairdresser - well some people do know better than you what is best for your body! Perhaps not Twiglett but what about doctors, oncologists etc?

HappyMumof2 · 30/03/2005 21:06

Message withdrawn

Twiglett · 30/03/2005 21:08

No, I meant you are on a discussion board and you have put forward an unusual point of view with regards to a simple test that could save lives, and you don't want to discuss the reasons behind why you have that point of view

you may, with your biology degree, know something I don't, I was just interested

but failure to articulate why just leads me to assume its shyness or fear that's all

i don't care about your body, I barely care about mine TBH

Original poster
swiperfox · 30/03/2005 21:10

I didnt mean to start an argument guys. I just wanted to know that because I'm too nervous to go and get one if it was just me being an idiot or if there are others who dont bother to get it done. Obviously I'm an idiot lol

OP posts:
HappyMumof2 · 30/03/2005 21:11

Message withdrawn

Twiglett · 30/03/2005 21:13

swiperfox .. I hope you're slightly reassured at how easy the whole process is and will make an appointment now

posyhairdresser · 30/03/2005 21:14

Twiglett I'm sorry that I'm not going to share my reasons fully - they are personal and I don't sense much of a supportive atmosphere to alternative viewpoints anyway - and perhaps you are right that I shouldn't have voiced a point of view if I am not willing to explain in detail what is behind my views. Apologies if that has been a bit irritating.

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