Has anyone been sent an NHS HPV self-test kit yet?

[OtterMummy2024]

I'm slightly overdue on my smear test, but since I last had a smear, I have had HORRIFIC experiences with cervical exams during labour. There's no way I'm having another without gas and air. I had a panic attack at the GP just discussing the possibility of a smear test with a nurse.

However, the NHS is supposed to be rolling out self-tests kits for non-attenders. Has anyone actually been sent one?! I would very happily do a self-test.

How overdue are you? I read that in each area they are prioritising those most at risk, so those who have never had a smear and those who are several years overdue etc. The 'cut-off' (eventually) is those 6-months overdue.

Probably a year now?

I was recently reading about the cost of these tests privately and it was just over £100 but wasn’t aware that the NHS offers them.
Might ask my GP.

Easily available on Superdrug…. 👍

@Sweetiedarling7
Have you looked at any of the websites for the providers, as I’ve seen these for around £55 on the sites I’ve looked at.

I remember reading a few years ago about them being rolled out like that. Never heard of anyone having received one.
I’ve never had a smear test, victim of horrific rape and later other awful things done to me without my consent by nurses and midwives during miscarriage and labour. I’ve had to complain twice to stop my GP practice hounding me about smear tests over the years. I’m 36. If they were prioritising most at risk, I should’ve have one sent out by now. More than happy to do it myself too.

Is it just me that thinks apart from anything else they might get more takers if they called it something else? The very word makes me shudder.

I get fed up with the righteous shaming if you don’t go too.
Many women have very valid and highly personal reasons for not attending, including me, and don’t want to have to justify their decision.

The at home testing is a different thing altogether.

Can’t tolerate smear tests since menopause. Think mine was about 50 quid at Superdrug. If there’s any way you can afford i’d suggest doing that, better than the alternative of something being missed.

Does anyone know if you do one of the private HPV tests (via Superdrug etc), will the NHS accept the results of it, and 'count' it as having ticked the smear box? I know ultimately it doesn't actually matter what your records say, but it would be nice if a HPV-negative result stopped the hounding (given the NHS themselves are now using the exact same tests).

Someone I know was part of the trial having had similar experiences to you @OtterMummy2024. She thought it was great and made such a difference. That was about five years ago maybe so might be worth emailing to gP practice so you don’t have to talk about it xxx

I did the at home Superdrug one. The GP surgery hasn’t accepted this and still advises me to attend for a smear test.

This is a useful resource (and in the FAQs it seems to suggest you can't request to be sent a kit. I guess its possible that GPs have no access to the system, since the programme is NHS-wide?)

HPV self-sampling tests will now be available for those who are overdue cervical screening - The Eve Appeal

It could be wrong but I’ve heard they get financially penalised for the percentage who don’t attend
if I was unable to bring myself to go for whatever reason I’d be doing a home test and bugger their stats

But presumably it gives you peace of mind, which is the main thing.

Yes absolutely. I have no intention of ever going to the GP for a smear test.