smear test

[elle23]

I'm hoping someone on MN can help: I'm 23, I have 3 children and I have NEVER had a smear test. I have a coil fitted and asked GP and nurses at family planning about having a smear test and I am always told I don't need a smear test until I am 25 - but several other people I know said as soon as you've had a baby you're supposed to have a smear test every 2 years???? I'm so confused!

yeh they changed the rules a bit ago and now they don't do them until you're 25.

there is a very sad story in our local papers atm about a girl who is dying after being refused a smear on the grounds that she was too young

not meaning to scare you, but if you want one you CAN insist on one

Hi
Can I suggest that you have a look at the NHS Cervical Screening website which explains the rationale behind not screening the under 25s. If you look at the publications (from the link on the top right of the website) at No20, this goes into more details about the guidance of who should be screened and when. Years ago a smear tended to taken post-natally because they'd got you there and in an appropriate position IYSWIM . This was before the call/recall system was properly set up (which was in the late 1980s).

If the under 25s are screened, you see abnormalities detected which would clear naturally given time, and this then can lead to them having treatment they don't need.

With any screening programme there will be some people with the disease who aren't detected but a screening programme is set up with a population in mind and not individuals, as sad as people stories such as the one thisisyesterday mentions.

As you've found, the surgery/GP are quite likely not to do a smear/Pap test if you ask for one at your surgery because the PCTs have been sending them letters reminding them of what the screening age starts at.
HTH

Hmm, Im 24 and going for a 4th smear in 2 years after 3 "abnormal" smears, but doctor never seem concerned, just "monitoring" which of course freaked me out a bit! I had dd 6 years ago.

Hi Lmccrean
Obviously I don't know what your results were but the NHS guidance usually suggests referral for investigation on the third low grade abnormality - however it can depend on individual circumstances and by the local area. So they might do smear test follow-up instead of colposcopy, particularly if the changes are really minor and there aren't many affected cells present.
Some areas are using HPV test triage to help decide whether to do further investigation or smear follow up.
It might be worth having a chat with your doctor when you're there next to find out what the plan is and to go through your results a bit more, and they will be able to provide a bit more reassurance whilst knowing your individual circumstances.
HTH

Thanks Bella - its on the 5th may, so will ask then. Now wondering if the delay in referral is because Im under 25.