Vaginal estrogen affects smear tests

[Wonderbug81]

I've just had my second smear in 6 months as the first had 'minor minor discrepancies'.

I allowed 24 hours without using Vagifem or Ovestin.

As I had the test today I asked the nurse if HRT can affect results and she said yes. I Googled after and the recommendation seems to be 2-3 days gap before having the test.

Not one person either when booking or taking it has advised me of this. Is it a known thing?

With vaginal estrogen, I was told by my gynaecologist who did the smears, not to use any for 4 days before a smear, but to use it for a week daily beforehand and stop 4 days before the smear.

Really? No one's told me this before. Really hope I don't have to do another one now but will try this if I do.

Just a thought- do you want MN to edit your subject line because it's not about systemic HRT, it's topical estrogen.

Very good point. Don't want to put people off getting them/using HRT either.

Goodness I had no idea about this and I've had loads of gynae appts in the last few years, including smears.

Thanks for the info OP. hope you get sorted.

It should be on medication leaflets and they should tell us when they prescribe! Sounds like having a few days gap between meds and test is the best idea.