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Original poster

So I have read the Jade Goody thread and I'm going to ask doctor for a smear. Will I get it?

43 replies

CharCharGabor · 04/02/2009 22:08

I'm only 22 and I know the policy is that they should start at 25. But I've got a DD so am obv sexually active. Now I've read that I'm worried, not for any particular reason but still worried. If I go and explain my concerns do you think I'll get a smear?

OP posts:
dragonbutter · 04/02/2009 22:09

i'm sure i've been having smear from younger than 25.
i think they do them younger in scotland so that might be why.
i think if you ask, they are not going to say no.

Northernlurker · 04/02/2009 22:10

I don't think you'll be the only one asking This 25 thing is madness - a woman could have been sexually active for more than a decade then. My sister had cells which showed pre-cancerous changes removed before she was 25 - thank goodness she had had a smear!

harleyd · 04/02/2009 22:11

i had my first one at 23 after having ds1
i didnt realise they had an age thing now??

Original poster
CharCharGabor · 04/02/2009 22:12

Thanks. I thought about it a while ago but hadn't really read up on them until now. I just imagine ending up like Jade and I don't think I'll relax until I've had it. Having a smear has never been mentioned to me, not even after giving birth. I'll book an appointment with the doctor in the morning.

OP posts:
feedthegoat · 04/02/2009 22:13

I didn't know there was an age limit. I've been having them since first went on pill at 17. Was told by dr as part of the little pep talk they give you that would need to have reg smears if sexually active.

davidbowiescodpiece · 04/02/2009 22:15

I find it shocking that people are being refused them. I got my first one at 19 after I had some irregular bleeding (this was only 6 years ago). I then was offered another one a year later, as were all the female students at my uni. I have had 2 children in that time and have not gone back for another, but I do get reminders. My ds is 7 months old and still bf and my periods haven't returned- is it correct that I have to wait until after my first one?

PortAndLemon · 04/02/2009 22:17

No, you don't have to wait until you have a period. You just can't have it done while you're having a period.

mymama · 04/02/2009 22:17

I had my first smear at 18. In Australia you have them as soon as you are sexually active. wtf does age have to do with it?

davidbowiescodpiece · 04/02/2009 22:20

Thanks Portand Lemon. I have had different advice from all the prople I've asked. I am long overdue so I will book my appointment tomorrow.

herbietea · 04/02/2009 22:21

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controlfreakythecontrolfreak · 04/02/2009 22:22

its about cost factors.. cerviucal cancer rare in under 25's so not worth the cost of screening everyone....but if you want one you should ask and if refused ask for a reason, then complain...

SazzlesA · 04/02/2009 22:23

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purpleflower · 04/02/2009 22:27

I asked the doctor at my 6 week check after DD who is 4 months. I was told that I didn't need one. I also mentioned that my cousin had unusual cells and my mum died of cancer which started in her womb but he said that makes no difference, I have to wait until I'm 25.

I'm 22 with 2DC so quite obviously sexually active. I'm really scared now

davidbowiescodpiece · 04/02/2009 22:30

Purpleflower that is ridiculous. Please ring them tomorrow and demand an appointment. Why is 25 suddenly the magic number? I understand the cost issue but fgs. If someone has requested it I really think they should be allowed one.

bringonthetrumpets · 04/02/2009 22:33

that is absolutely ridiculous that they have this policy! i was diagnosed with HPV at the age of 19 (whilst living in the states). this is the precursor to cervical cancer. regardless on how old women tend to be with cc, they should be screening for it before it's too late for some.

why do they make people wait until 25?!?

maybe tell your doc that you're having strange bleeds in between periods, random pains, etc. so that they have to give you a smear to make sure everything is alright. they can't deny something like that right? even if it's a lie...

Original poster
CharCharGabor · 04/02/2009 22:34

I am going to ring tomorrow and sort it out. I didn't even know half the stuff I've read tonight and it's playing on my mind. Don't take no for an answer pf, I'm not going to.

OP posts:
CharleeheartsherChains · 04/02/2009 22:35

Purpleflower, i was told to go for a smear after i had ds, becuase i was having spotting during pregnancy and a swab showed step B, this dr really laid into me because i hadn'r had one.

So off i trotted to the drs', i made an apt with the receptionist to see the nurse to have a smear done, i went to my apt only to be told she couldn't do it without the gp's permission as i was under 25, dr wouldn't give permission he said that my cervix would still be developing which could cause abnormal results which would cause me to worry, he said due to my 'mental health' (bipolar) it wouldn't be good to have extra stress.

GUM clinic and FPC also said no, as did 3 other gp's.

I have to wait, unless i have any symptoms of anything untoward.

francagoestohollywood · 04/02/2009 22:35

In Italy you get smear tests as soon as you get sexually active. At my age (38) you are advised to test yearly.

purpleflower · 04/02/2009 22:37

Goodluck CharCharGabor. I will phone them tomorrow, what do I say if they say no though?

purpleflower · 04/02/2009 22:38

That's shocking Charlee

Original poster
CharCharGabor · 04/02/2009 22:39

I would tell them that you're not asking for one, you're telling them you want one. I plan on explaining the reasons why such as the worry about it if the doctor says no.

OP posts:
bringonthetrumpets · 04/02/2009 22:39

say that you will find a different gp. if this is something you are worried about then you have the right to get tested. maybe find a women's clinic in your local city hospital?

MrsJamesMartin · 04/02/2009 22:40

Just want to explain things a little if poss. There are a few reasons why the screening age has changed. It is only screening and not a definitive test, strange symptoms should alwys be investigated and any lab will process a smear on someone outside of the screening age if there are medical grounds for it.
Many younger women have abnormal smears, most of the time this is due to hormonal changes and has sometimes caused more anxiety instead of giving reassurance so thats another reason.
There will always be people under 25 and over 64 who develop cervical cancer just as there are lots of women under 50 who develop breats cancer but the standard screening programme still only targets the most " at risk "groups.
Screening for anything can only go so far there isn't a bottomless pot of money for it even though thats a shame.

Twinklemegan · 04/02/2009 22:41

I had my first smear when I was 20 or 21. How ridiculous that there's an age limit now, especially since so many teenagers and young women are sexually active! That's disgraceful - especially since it's so important to catch these things early.

CharleeheartsherChains · 04/02/2009 22:41

Isn't it, especially as my mum had a full hyserectomy when i was born as she had a womb full of cancerous tumours.

I am going to ask my lovely new g.p and explain i would really rather have the worry of a false abromal result than have to worry of leaving my children motherless, if he still says no i will go back and complain of spotting and pain between periods, that should do the trick!

I would never usually lie to a doctor but in this case i feel it would be ok.

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