Smear tests are one of those things that we don’t talk about but really should. Every woman over the age of 25 is offered one every three years but a whopping 20% don’t actually attend. Sure, no-one likes taking the time to go to the doctors when they aren’t actually sick, especially when they have to drop their knickers and ‘try to relax’. But it could save your life.
In the last two years I have had three smear tests and two colposcopies. I didn’t know until I went for my first smear test that I have cervical erosion. Only they don’t call it that now; it’s ectropion. Click here if you want the gory details but basically the main symptom for me was ‘post-coital bleeding’. Pretty scary when that’s a symptom of cervical cancer – especially when you’re trying for a baby, and even more so when you’re eight weeks pregnant by the time your referral comes through, only to be told that you have to wait for the 12-weeks safety zone before you can have a thorough examination. You can imagine my relief when it turned out that my cervix is medically ‘normal’ and I was fit to remain pregnant. Needless to say, it made me more aware of looking out for my own sexual health.
We know our bodies and we know when something isn’t right. So why put off going to the doctors just to save a bit of embarassment? My mind was put somewhat at ease when I was waiting for my eventual referral because I knew that I had a smear test 18 months previously and it was unlikely that something horrible had developed within that time.
The #smearforsmear campaign is a great way to highlight the importance of taking two minutes to pop along for a checkup. It doesn’t hurt and you can request a female physician or nurse. Do yourself a favour and put your mind at ease.
Some have fairly argued that the age for smear tests should be lowered. Mercedes Curnow, a local girl, was refused smear tests in her early twenties and was diagnosed with cervical cancer when it was too late to save her. Her mother has set up the Mercedes Curnow Foundation to raise awareness of the need to lower the age and fundraise to support other young women under the age of 25 who are concerned about their health but are denied smear tests. You can support the amazing work she is doing and find out more here.
Yes, yes, yes and yes. Having a smear test is one of the most important things we can do (along with breast screenings when we’re older). I’ve had three now although I did put my first one off for 6 months as my birthday is in December and I wanted to wait til the summer to wear and skirt and be a bit more dignified. Having had numerous other procedures since for infertility and IVF, I can safely say a smear test is nothing to worry about 🙂 xx
Thanks for commenting! I have to admit I prefer to go in a dress or skirt so I feel more covered up!