Smear test post menopause

[Starling57]

Hi, I’ve been called in for a smear test ‘if I choose to do so’ Thing is, now I’m post menopausal it’s very dry and sore down there and the idea of a smear test fills me with horror. Is it necessary now? Would an over the counter hpv test give the same result? Never had any problems in the past, all tests have been clear. Thanks for any thoughts.

You can ask the nurse to use plenty of gel and go gently, tney are used to this

If you are dry and sore then you need to go to your GP and ask for vaginal oestrogen. Please don't suffer needlessly. The treatment is simple and literally life-changing.

Ask for a trial of vaginal oestrogen. Not only will it make a smear test more comfortable it will give you day to day comfort and improve the dryness and soreness.

As above!
Most women need this post menopause but some don't appreciate it's treatable, very easily.
Vaginal estrogen is not classed as HRT (despite the leaflet in the packaging suggesting it is.)

You need to use it forever, not just before a smear test. It takes a few weeks to work if atrophy has really set in. You should also stop using it for a few days before the smear test (this is what my gynaecologist told me.)

It's also harder to take a sample if you're dry because sometimes they can't get enough cells. (This happened to me once , even when using the cream and I had to have another test 3 months later.)