Anyone else never had a smear test?

[swiperfox]

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??

I had my first smear test at 19. I had CIN3 abnormal cells - that's the highest grade of abnormalities before it becomes cervical cancer. I had to have loop diathermy (where they remove the neck of your womb).

If I hadn't had a smear test I would probably be dead.

That's all I have to say on that subject.

Swiperfox it's REALLY no problem at all IMO. Some people do find it painful or uncomfortable but as I said, if it comes to a smear or to the blinding lights and dribble of the dentists chair, I'm calling for the speculum pronto.

Bloody hell Marthamoo.

Just checked with dh - he knew of a friend's dd who was diagnosed with cervical cancer at 16, apparently picked up at a routine test (didn't know they did them that young tbh) but nevertheless she was treated and is still here to tell the tale.

In various forms cancer has touched many people in my family (leukaemia, breast, ovarian) and it wouldn't cross my mind not to have a smear.

marthamoo if your story doesn't encourage people to have a smear test then i dont know what will. im glad ypu had one in time

I owe my life to regular smear tests. Cervical cancer is the 5th leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. And what is side is, if caught early, it is almost 100% curable. I had 12 normal smear tests before one came up with moderate dysplasia. A biopsy and excision procedure later, the abnormal cells were gone.

It's a simple, fast test. Beats the hell out of finding out later that you have cervical cancer and the treatment needed for that.

Happy mum of 2 - some women who have been raped or sexually assaulted as adults or sexually abused as children find smears very traumatic. Some suffer from post traumatic stress disorder and this can be a trigger.

Please understand I am NOT suggesting this is a reason for anyone here. Just saying that things are not always as straightforward as they might seem.....

Swiperfox, having just read this thread I urge you to please make an appointment for a smear - I work in the department of my local hospital where they process smear tests and I can assure you (in this hospital at least!) that details are double-checked, then triple-checked, then checked again - mistakes are very rarely made (now is probably the best time ever to have a smear as hospital's are SO careful because of mistakes that have been made in the past). Personally, I don't understand why anyone would not have a smear - a couple of minutes that could save your life, and, having seen instances of just that at work, would encourage every woman to be checked regularly.x

I am incredably shy-won't even use communal changing rooms & would never sunbathe topless ect.But I have always gone for smear tests.I've always seen a nurse,never a Dr,but now wouldn't care who was doing it as long as I had it done.

I had years of investigations for infertility,had dd,so a minute or so spent having a smear done is nothing.Plus the thought of dying of a cancer that can be easily treated if picked up in time & leaving dd with no mummy over rides any concerns about embarrassment.

Please understand - I am not arguing that someone should not have a smear.I have them for the reason that Marthmoo has illustrated. I just want to suggest that there are reasons you might not have thought of why someone else might choose NOT to have one. And these reasons might be logical and valid to her.

I'm convinced.

Thanks guys, i needed that - sorry it caused a bit of an argument tho, didnt mean for that.

As someone who regularly performs smear tests on others, I thought I'd let you know that the test should never be painful. I agree that it is uncomfortable, but it should be bearable and it only lasts for a maximum of a few minutes. If the examination is painful, then the nurse / doctor should be told to stop immediately as it is not being performed correctly, or the test is being rushed. It is helpful to tell the nurse / doctor if you have never had a test before, or if you are particularly nervous because s/he will probably spend a bit more time reassuring you and doing everything much more slowly (I know I do this).

The reason why tests are going to be changed to those aged 25 or above is because cervical cancer is extremely rare in those aged under 25 years. Plus, some of the cells in the cervix are still growing in young women and these immature cells can sometimes be mistaken for dyskaryotic (pre-cancerous) cells, thus sending you down the whole route of colposcopy / treatment unnecessarily. Thats why we never do smears on those aged under 20 years. HTH

Go for it swiper! I've always found it slightly comic to be honest. At my last one in January the receptionist walked in the room (I had a curtain round hte bed) to use the computer and started chatting with the nurse (who had her arm up my nether regions) about their holidays! I half expected Kenneth Williams to walk in...

There are also many reasons why women do not have smears and this should always be respected. You never know who has a past history of rape or sexual assualt, as well as other issues, so I never push it if a woman declines a smear. As long as she has all the information then it is absolutely her choice.

I always think, if you find smear tests uncomfortable, imagine how uncomfortable you may be when you have to go into the doctor for abnormal vaginal bleeding or pain during intercourse b/c your cervical cell abnormality has progressed to cancer in situ or, worse, invasive cervical cancer? What's worse, a quick test, or a cone biopsy under general anesthesia, a total abdominal hysterectomy so the oncologist can try to make sure all the cancer is removed, and/or radiation afterwards?

HelloMama - my first (pre-baby) smear was not nice at all and took far too long - problems were inserting the speculum - sorry if TMI! allegedely this was partly due to my cervix being too far back - again sorry if TMI. I've finally plucked up the courage to have my next one next wednesday - any tips as to how to make this a better experience? is it true what someone lower done the thread said that it shoudn't be any worse than having childbirth related internals?

Jools
My HPV (strains 30 and 45) were detected when I allowed cells from my colposcopy to be entered into an experiment to find a vaccine for HPV! I'd love to be involved in a study to that could help women out! Wondering if there are any in my area of Scotland that would be looking for subjects . . .

i was due a smear when i got pregnant with dd, it was my choice and i chose to wait till after dd was born, i suffered a 3rd degree tear in labour, and everything was healed "down there" when it come to the smear, but i was dreading it BIG TIME!! because if sex hurt then having my bits clamped open would lol (i had quite a few previous smears before this, so i knew what it was like)i was really dreading the appointment, but went and just explained to the nurse about my fear and downstairs injury and she was great!! really gentle, took her time, and made me feel totally at ease and it wasnt at all uncomfortable (well a little but not painful as i had imagined)

i would never not go, because i think it is very important, and if you are a little aprehensive just say so, and i am sure they will make it as "painless" as possible

I refused to have one until I was called for one after I became a mother. Then I thought about it and decided I owed it to my children to do everything I could to ensure I am healthy and there for them. Does that sound a bit sanctimonious?

no lm - it's the way i should have been thinking for the last 3 years!!!

mummytosteven, I would tell the person who does your smear that you had some problems last time. It may be that you have a retroverted uterus (where the cervix faces toward your back, about 25% of women have this) and this can make it a bit more tricky. Or it may be that your cervix was hiding very high up that day (cervix's are notoriously shy!) During the exam you could try lying with your hands under your hips as this can help tilt the cervix forward. The more you can relax (deep breathing) the easier it normally is, but I know that is easier said than done! Are you very tall?

thanks for the swift response- Not very tall - 5ft 3(!). also i had a few internal scans/and examinations during early PG as well as in labour, and none of those were particularly difficult, and noone commented on the location of my cervix, so I do wonder if maybe the lady that did my first smear wasn't terribly good at it ...

It could have been that the nurse was inexperienced or it may simply have been that your cervix was being awkward (sometimes they truly do not want to be located, and it really is more difficult than you would think!). Hopefully this next time will be much better. Good luck!

thanks HM. you are making me laugh at the thought of my cervix doing a runner and going all shy

My smears have always been really sore ... Hellomama has just explained why cos I have a retroverted uterus so next time I'll take her advice and put hands under hips. Thanks!!