Smear test post menopause

[oldfatandtired1]

I’ve just had a letter inviting me to a smear test. I’ve always gone for my smears, never had any issues. I’m now 60 and my last period was 9 years ago, happily divorced for the past 5 years and haven’t had sex since my early 50s.

Do I need a smear? I use Vagifem twice weekly but I’m still pretty ‘dry’. Doesn’t affect day to day living but I think a smear would be pretty uncomfortable now. Or do I just put up with it for 5 minutes? You don’t get called after 64 so I’m thinking my chances of cervical cancer now are pretty slim.

Put up with 5 mins discomfort. You would kick yourself if, a few years down the line, you had the misfortune to regret not having it done.

One last one last one, all done in 5 mins. Request they use extra lubricant if you feel it might be too uncomfortable.

As another 'oldie' :) I was advised by my consultant to use vaginal estrogen for 10 days before a smear because the first one taken didn't get enough cells. It was repeated 3 months later. (And I'm on HRT too.)
So it was 10days of vaginal estrogen then leave 4 days before the smear.

You could ask for an HPV test if they do that? That's the way they also assess risk. I had it and was told I'd not need another smear unless I had new partner(s) in the future.

I'm with you OP. After an early menopause, my smear tests have become increasingly painful. I haven't been sexually active for 15 years, so I am pretty reluctant to put myself through it again. In the past I have used / asked for extra lubricant but they are reluctant to use too much, as it can affect sample taking. I understand that the testing is now done primarily for the HPV virus with further investigation done only if that test is positive. You can buy home tests for HPV so I think I will do that instead, at least as a first step.

Thanks everyone. I think I’ll call the surgery tomorrow and ask about HPV tests. Or ask to speak to the practice nurse for some advice.

Ask the nurse to use a smaller speculum, as well as plenty of lubricant.