Smear tests - will it matter that my periods haven't come back yet?

[AlCrowley]

DD is just over 6 months old now and I've had my letter from the doctors requesting I come in for a smear test. I have to have them every year as I had a high grade abnormality and colposcopy 5 years ago.

I've booked one but was wondering if the fact that my periods still haven't returned (not unusual - DD is ex BF) will affect the results in any way?

I've been clear on every smear since the colposcopy but want to be prepared just in case.

I had my smear done when DD was 4 months, also ex BF and periods hadn't returned. Still haven't actually and she is now 15 months, but that's another story as I am due with no2 in August.

I never thought of this affecting the smear in any way. It only look at your cervix nothing to do with womb or periods, just shouldn't get one when pregnant.

Ooh, it says on my letter that I can't have one till DD is 6 months.

I guess I was wondering if hormones would affect things...

I had one of mine when ds was about 8 weeks old. I had one recently and havent had a period in about 2 years due to the mini-pill I am using. The results came back ok.

No not at all.

You don't need to be having periods at all to have a smear.

The idea of waiting for 6 months is to give your cervix a chance to recover from pregnancy and birth - the hormones can change the cells slightly, and obviously a vaginal delivery can affect the cervix too.

No vaginal deliveries here. Both of mine were section babies. One Emergency, one Elective. Perhaps I needn't have waited but it wasn't due until now anyway. Must have had the last one weeks before I feel pregnant

Hi AlCrowley. I had CINIII back in 2000 and have had annual smears since. Had CIN I in 2003 after the birth of dd1. When I went for my yearly smear a couple of weeks ago the smear nurse also said my sample would be tested for the HPV virus( the virus responsible for most cervical ca). If this is clear then you have a very low risk of cervical cancer and can return to the 3 year screening programme. It is a relatively new test which I think they are only doing on people who have had treatment for abnormal smears in the past. Just a warning that they might do the same to you. I am very happy because I got my results today and my smear is clear and I do not have HPV virus so can return to 3 yearly smears. Next one 2013...yay!!!!

Thank you blackmonday. I didn't know about the HPV. I wonder if my doctors are doing it? I wonder if I can ask them to if they're not?

I'll ask. 3 yearly smears would be much nicer.

Thank you again