I'm 28 and I've never had a smear test. I had my first child at 20 and was offered one then and feeling guilty

[ajsi]

I haven't been to one ever and was offered one at 20 years old. I feel guilty I've not been and worried about it and results of it

Even if that were to be the case (unlikely!) would you rather that those cancerous cells sat there undetected...or that you find them and treat them? In the nicest way...pull yourself together and just get it done.

Losing my virginity was more painful than any smear I’ve ever had.

Book in, screening is wonderful we are so lucky to have it. My best mate died of cervical cancer, and I miss her every day.

It's a speculum and a little brush thing. I had hpv detected last year with no cell changes and had to have a follow up smear last week. Just had my letter to say hpv was not detected this time so I'm back to every 5 years again

I’m late 50s and I’ve never had a smear test as I’m too scared. Might live to regret it and would be my own fault but can’t help that

@ajsi smears are only offered from age 25 these days so you're not that late in having your first one.

They initially check for hpv and if it's found they check the sample for cell changes. I have had normal smears in the past but last year hpv, no cell changes was detected so I had to have a follow up test this year that has just come back with no hpv. I am back to the 5 year recall again.

Scared of the test or the result?

Scared of the test. I’m ambivalent about death really