Smear Test

browneyedbazzi

fairydiamond wrote: »

I'm sorry but you are a FOOL if you don't have a smear. It could literally save your life.

Just because someone doesn't make the same choices as you does not mean they are a fool.

I think it is foolish to blindly do anything - including a smear test- without considering the evidence for and against. I am no fool and have made an educated and informed decision about smear tests as have many other women - as is our RIGHT. You might think it is ok to bully women about what they do with their bodies but I don't.

An interesting read for people considering whether or not to have a smear:

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/why-im-saying-no-to-a-smear-7577967.html

j.e.j.

fairydiamond wrote: »

I'm pretty sure you would be really angry with yourself if you ended up with cervical cancer which could have been prevented.

I'm sorry but you are a FOOL if you don't have a smear. It could literally save your life.

Sorry, but women like you are part of the problem, not the solution.

I can't see how being judgemental, condescending, bullying and sanctimonious is in any way helpful to anyone, except possibly to boost your own ego.

Give it a rest. The OP has enough on her plate.

KxMx

I had a really invasive medical examination (to my mind at the time, my Mum who was present disagreed) when I was 8 or 9 so I was really not keen on the smear by the time it rolled around. I didn't need it but the advice was it would be worthwhile anyway so I followed that guidance.

I'd had some pretty invasive tests (male Drs) recently on the other hole, so figured if I could do those I could do this.

Since no-one medical had really looked at the front I was worried something was abnormal etc. I was worried about the results too. All totally normal feelings!

I picked the medical staff member I was most comfortable with and went along. I just undressed, got into the right position and looked at the ceiling the whole time.

fairydiamond

Edit: My comments aren't helping, so I've deleted them. Do whatever you want to do. Your choice.

McKneff

Izadora wrote: »

While I understand the thought that a doctor will be more qualified than a nurse, do remember that nurses are likely to have carried out a lot more smear tests as it's part of their day to day job.

If you're certain you want a doctor to do it then, as someone else suggested, it's definitely worth asking for a doctor at a sexual health clinic rather than your GP.

This is one of the best posts on this thread.


I go for regular blood tests and it is far easier having one done from a nurse whod does 50 a day than a doctor who may only do one or two a week,


Good luck

fairydiamond

browneyedbazzi wrote: »

Just because someone doesn't make the same choices as you does not mean they are a fool.

I think it is foolish to blindly do anything - including a smear test- without considering the evidence for and against. I am no fool and have made an educated and informed decision about smear tests as have many other women - as is our RIGHT. You might think it is ok to bully women about what they do with their bodies but I don't.

An interesting read for people considering whether or not to have a smear:

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/why-im-saying-no-to-a-smear-7577967.html

Woah woah ... can I please apologise.

I've just read that article and I am shocked. It has really made me think.

Mockingjays

Claire,

I just want to reassure you that it's ok to have concerns and to not find this easy - especially as you're not yet sexually active. We're all different in how we cope with things. Some ladies don't find gynae exams and smear difficult whereas others do. I'm someone who does, even though I've been sexually active (although not for years now). I just freeze and my body tenses no matter how much I try to breathe and relax.

The fact you're not sexually active means there isn't any urgency for a smear as you would be very low risk. You'll have been called routinely as part of the screening programme now you're 25. If you have a chat your GP, or a nice lady doctor in your practice, they could advise you as you may not need one yet - they may be even be able to put a note on your file. If you don't go within a certain period of time they'll send you a smear reminder (it's automatic), they're not going to know your situation unless you tell them.

If you decide to try again, having an experienced, sympathetic nurse can help, as can asking for the smallest speculuum. This one is similar in size to a tampon (if you've ever used one). They also need to go at your pace. Getting an appointment early in the day can help so it's over with early on.

I've had treatment twice for cervical abnormalities as my smears keep coming back abnormal. I find the procedures really difficult, every time, and find that visualisation helps me (ie imagining myself relaxing on a beach while deep breathing). I find it traumatic but afterwards I feel better to know that I've been checked.

However, I wasn't sexually active when first called and my doctor told me I didn't need a smear until I was. My smears were normal for years before my first abnormal one.

I wish you all the best, and hope you feel able to chat to a nice GP. Take care.

KxMx

Current smear test advice for those who haven't had sex is that while the risk is very small, it's worth having the test anyway.

As other posters have said sexual activity is not the only cause of cervical cancer.

It's up to the woman of course to decide if the low risk is worth having the test or not.

Skintski

I put my first smear test off for several years because I was scared. What finally made me decide to go for it was Jade Goody's death. She was my age, I didn't want to suffer like she did. That really hit home for me and less than two minutes of discomfort suddenly became bearable.

j.e.j.

Skintski wrote: »

I put my first smear test off for several years because I was scared. What finally made me decide to go for it was Jade Goody's death. She was my age, I didn't want to suffer like she did. That really hit home for me and less than two minutes of discomfort suddenly became bearable.

Jade Goody's case was a bit of a puzzle. Firstly, she did go to the doctors when she was first having problems, but was turned away, saying she was a hypochondriac. Secondly she was wealthy, and had enough money to get private smear-tests done, and the best private treatment. I think she was very unlucky, and her cancer was particularly (and unusually) aggressive, poor girl.