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??

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You can also get HPV without ever having had sex.

And believe me, there are loads of women who never smoked and have had abnormal smears.

But hey, you're right, it's your body.

logic I totally respect your choice not to have a smear, certainly as you find it such a traumatic occurence, whihc of course all or most of us say it isn't, so for you it is a difficult issue - but if your view of smears usefullness is based on the fact that you don't or can't have them then that is different entirely.
My naive comment was simply in reply to yours which stated that mostly or only those with HPV or smokers got it etc
By all means live your life balancing risk, but do you check your breasts regularly? As far as I am concerned it is an internal version of that same balance of risk and as to why a woman (esp with dependents) would not try everything possible to eliminate any such risk is beyond me. But that said it is only my opinion and I respectfully realise it is your body and your choice, I did not for one minute mean You were naive just the comment you made.

for the uninformed

You're missing The Contender JT

Everyone has a choice in what they do with their own body - if you have all the relevant facts and still don't want to go for a smear, then that is your choice.

But to all of you who are still undecided, please take note of people who have posted on this thread who have had problems with abnormal smears.

I had the results of a smear test that was taken last year, and they came back that I had early cervical cancer. This is a link to the thread about it at the time. link

I have to go back to the hospital for more tests on the 28th of this month, and if it picks anything else up, the least that will happen to me is I will have to have a hysterectomy.(sp)

Oh, and I don't smoke, haven't had many sexual partners, didn't have first sex at a young age etc. I have been for every smear I have been called for and they were all clear before last Year.

I have been told that there is now a study into risk factors with the pill and cervical cancer. There are now suspisions that it could be a risk factor. Not trying to scare anyone, just to say that I think there is still a lot to be learned about what can cause it.

Thanks for your messsage saintshar. I did read your earlier post and have been hoping everything will be ok for you.

Just to clarify about the link between the pill and cervical changes, it is has been demonstrated by research that women who use the pill tend not to use barrier contraception (i.e. condoms) and thus they are more likely to expose themselves to the HPV virus, which is thought to be one of the main determinants of abnormal changes on the cervix. Most people who are sexually active have the HPV virus, whether they have had 1 partner or 100, although the good news is that most women do not have the specific strains of the virus which can lead to problems. However, because we do not do testing for HPV in this country at present, it is important for all women to attend for smears.

Another one who has had problems with abnormal smears CIN3 18 months back, treatment and problems sorted. Smear tests for me are very uncomfortable and for a few seconds painful, and due to inadequete test results I have had to have 3 tests in the past 6 months . 3 different people have taken smears and its always the same. Its the position of my cervix. Despite the fact it for me is painful, I still would rather put myself through it for a few minutes rather then thinking about the possibility of the alternative. For the majority of people smears are not painful.

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I've never had one (I am 20) although I have been tested for STDs and I think thats the same? and it was totally not as bad as I expected.

I don't think the nurse cares either way, and it was super fast and just uncomfortable but not awful. I won't get smear tests for another 5 years but when I get the letter I will definately go.

smurfgirl, tests for infections are not the same as having a smear done. They look at very different things, although having the tests done feels exactly the same and involve the same sort of vaginal examination. Tests for infections look for things like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, candida, bacterial vaginosis, etc. The smear test looks at a sample of cells taken from your cervix to see if there are abnormal changes, which, if left without treatment, could turn into cervical cancer in years to come. Infection testing can be done on anyone sexually active, and should be done regularly, particularly everytime you have sex with a new partner. Smear testing is done every 3 years (in this country) unless there is a problem which needs more regular monitoring (but your results will tell you how often you need to attend once you have had your first test IYSWIM!). It doesn't matter if you haven't yet recieved a letter, once you are 20 you can go along to your GP practice or family planning clinic and they will be happy to do the smear test for you.

hello all and thanks to HM and those who left me useful tips!

unfortunately my smear was cancelled as the practice nurse has MMR, and the next convenient appt with a female doctor is next week [sigh]

hi everyone

just to report that I had the smear test today with my GP, and she was great, it was over in a few minutes, and mildly uncomfortable, so nothing to worry about.

i explained the problems with the previous smear, so she did an internal before starting to do the smear, to see where my cervix is. turns out I do have a retroverted uterus (when cervix faces towards the back).

did you have to hoik your hips ups then?

i forgot to - i was sitting their mid smear and I suddenly remembered your tip JT, but thought I'ld best not interrupt my GP mid test as it were!

must have found it without anyway

I was diagnosed with cervical cancer early this year, and thankfully have been given the clear after having a minor op which removed the cancerous areas on my cervix - thankfully they caught my cancer in its early stages.

I was only 1 year late having my smear test done due to being pregnant 9 months and not being able to have a smear done too soon after giving birth.

Its surprising that in just 4 years a cervix can go from being normal to having a tumour. It is vital that when invited to go for a smear you overcome the embarrassment as it could save your life.

5 minutes of embarrassment is far better than the prospect of being told you have cancer and your life completely changing. In many cases hysterectomies are performed which prevents you having children....women are having chemo and other such frightening treatments to cure and prevent the cancer.

Surely having a smear test cant be half as frightening as the thought of fighting cancer.

I have to admit that prior to being diagnosed I wasnt really aware of the reason behind smears and certainly didnt expect to go for my test and get a call within the month with the devestating news but if anything can come out of my experience is making young people aware of cervical cancer and trying to encourage people to go for their smear tests.