Smear Test

fairy_lights

To be honest I don't think it's worth the stress it will cause you to even think about going for another attempt at a smear test at this time.
Having never been sexually active your risk level is very, very low and the damage to your health and wellbeing that worrying about this is going to cause will probably outweigh any benefits.
Eventually you will need to go for a smear but there's no pressing need right now so why put yourself through something you know you're not ready for?

fairy_lights

xXMessedUpXx wrote: »

You're thread has reminded me I really need to book mine

I've put it off for 4 years as stupid as it sounds I'm worried more that they might find something which is exactly why I should go but the thought terrifies me

I had my first smear test last month after putting it off for years. I had had some irregular bleeding and was terrified the test would find something horrible, and stupidly thought the best thing to do was just ignore it. Bizarre logic but it made sense to me at the time!
But my results came back normal, despite convincing myself there was something wrong, and that's it, done and dusted for another three years and I'm so glad I've got it out of the way.

browneyedbazzi

As j.e.j said, contrary to what a lot of people seem to believe and say, smear tests are optional and no one 'must' have one. Women can make an informed choice as to whether they wish to have a smear done or not.

There's quite a lot of information available about the risk factors for cervical cancer (including sexual activity, smoking and family history) and also the potential risks associated with having smears done that you can read and come to your own decision about whether or not you want to have a smear test.

I'm 35 and have never had a smear test - I made that decision because I'm in a relatively low risk group and have concerns about the increased risk of miscarriage associated with having cone biopsy (which is a fairly common procedure following a smear test, often carried out unnecessarily) because I have a known medical issue that means I am already at a higher risk of miscarriage. To me, the risk of having the smear (and being pushed into follow-up tests) is greater than the risk of cervical cancer (for me, with my risk factors, not for everyone!).

heartbreak_star

Cervical cancer isn't always caused by HPV - an incredibly small amount aren't.

I was one of these. A very good cytologist caught abnormalities on my smear test and I had treatment to remove them - I was totally clear of HPV.

Please, please, please have the smear test. If I had put mine off I wouldn't be here now.

HBS x

166million

It's good idea to keep trying, you can overcome this.

j.e.j.

heartbreak_star wrote: »

Cervical cancer isn't always caused by HPV - an incredibly small amount aren't.

I was one of these. A very good cytologist caught abnormalities on my smear test and I had treatment to remove them - I was totally clear of HPV.

Please, please, please have the smear test. If I had put mine off I wouldn't be here now.

HBS x

Hope you're on the mend.

I do think your first sentence is pertinent though. An incredibly small amount are not caused by HPV. Unluckily for you the statistics did not work out in your favour. However people have to weigh up the pros and cons of having screening done, according to them and their personal circumstances.

It's totally understandable that you think people should go for this test, because of what happened to you, but it is worth reiterating, it is very, very unlikely to happen, and I think even doctors secretly agree that there is no need to screen women who have never had sex (as in the OP's case)

Claire_MUFC

Do you think even though they are male, I should speak to one of the GPs at my surgery who have the DRCOG qualification ?

The Diploma is aimed at doctors, and especially general practitioners, who wish to certificate their knowledge and interest in Women's Health

I was just worried it might be inappropriate to ask them, but being as they have a qualification in the area, maybe its not inappropriate ? May even be able to tell me more what the operation I had at 6 months old was for. Receptionist did say today that the GP I am seeing for depression deffo has some gyno knowledge due to said qualification

elliejelly

You should think of male and female GP's as interchangeable, at least when it comes to routine things like smears - they all do the same medicine degree, after all! It's more about which you're most comfortable with and finding one you trust. He will certainly have looked at many a lady part in his time, just as the female GP at your place will have looked at many a penis. Don't worry!

Claire_MUFC

elliejelly wrote: »

You should think of male and female GP's as interchangeable, at least when it comes to routine things like smears - they all do the same medicine degree, after all! It's more about which you're most comfortable with and finding one you trust. He will certainly have looked at many a lady part in his time, just as the female GP at your place will have looked at many a penis. Don't worry!

Thank you 😀

So you would definitely say as he has a gyno qualification listed by his name on the surgery website, speaking to him about this and asking him to try and help me get through the first one shouldn't be a problem at all, and definitely not inappropriate as I am imagining it to be 😀

I do find him the best to see in the surgery, and he does often overrun due to the fact he takes the time to listen instead of just sending you out the door with a prescription

I was just thinking as he is seeing me for depression and anxiety every 2-3 weeks, that he might think I am asking him too much haha. Oh dear. That is anxiety for you 😂

doodle-bug_2

Just had mine done last week - not a pleasant procedure, but I feel necessary. I do agree with Izadora a few posts before - I would not want my GP to do this - the nurse actually has more experience in this area and does these as a matter of course. The GP could do this, obviously, but I say go to the one who does it the most!

My husband has to have regular blood tests and the nurse also does this for him. He once needed one when no nurse was available - the GP did it instead. Next time, he'll wait for the nurse! If you do not do a procedure on a regular basis (and a lot of GPs rely on the nurses) then they can often be a bit 'rusty'.

Please go back and give it another try when you feel a bit more comfortable - the minute it's done, the embarrassment is over and you won't think twice about it.