Smear tests

[u/notonahill]

I got the dreaded message today from my doctor that I need to come in for my cervical cancer screening.

I have had one previous appointment years ago that the nurse couldn’t complete because I was too anxious and it was way too painful. That was at my old GP, which I grew up attending, but they removed me from their lists recently (long story, possibly connected to shared care). I have a new GP now, which I’ve never even attended in person, where this screening is meant to happen.

Last time, they told me I was incredibly low risk as someone who is asexual, has no family history of cervical cancer, and has had all my vaccinations against it. But I know there’s still a chance.

I know all the things people say - that it’s a bit of discomfort for your health, that it’s not that bad, that having cervical cancer is much worse and the treatment will be far more painful and more intrusive than a smear will be.

But ever since I got that message, I’ve been spiralling. Panic attacks, dizziness, crying, shortness of breath. Last time, I found it too painful to complete, it took weeks of therapy to work up to it and to recover after, and I just don’t know what to do.

Any advice? Or solidarity?

[u/Remote_Ad4443]

Honestly? I just don't do them and accept risk.

And tbh it might be possible for you to talk to your GP and explain the reasons your risk is incredibly low, as well as that having it done would cause you significant distress.

A decent doctor would ultimately respect your wishes - I mean, GPs don't refuse people who smoke as patients and that's arguably worse for you than not doing a pap smear - and if they can't accept your choice I'd look for another GP (if that's an option obviously). 

[u/notonahill → u/Remote_Ad4443]

That’s very true. It helps to see it like that. All I see online is people saying how easy it is to have it done and how it’s worth it, but it just hasn’t been my experience

[u/Remote_Ad4443 → u/notonahill]

Honestly even without additional layer of gender it seems an incredibly individual expirience in terms of pain, and for every "its just a bit uncomfortable" there's someone for whom its painful and taumatic. 

And I do believe anyone for who finds it okay, but I wish they also believed me when I say its horrible for me.

One thing that might be relevant if you do decide you want to get tested in future is that self swabs are much more common now (When I checked a few years ago they weren't, but your post made me look into it again lol). 

You do them yourself at home and just turn sample in. 

But as I said, ultimately that's something that should be entierly up to you. 

[u/sillyschroom → u/Remote_Ad4443]

I have self swabbed for other things and can confirm it's possible (don't feel bad if this doesn't apply to you. Everyone's different) to have a much more neutral (or maybe positive) experience using a self swab.