what age should I be starting smear tests?

moretothegirl

Hi everyone

I am trying to get some informed advice about this problem I have. I am 23 years old and had sex for the first time when I was 17 so have been sexually active technically for 6 years although really and truely would not have started having regular sex until I was around 19 or 20 maybe. (not sure if its relevant but only had 1 sexual partner as Ive been with my bf for years)

Anyways I just want to know if people think I should be going for smear tests? A dr told me a couple of years ago that there wasn't any point in me having one until I am 25 but I was recently involved in a convo with a few friends who were horrified that I hadn't had one before and were insisting I get one.

Can anyone enlighten me on this situation as I am really confused!

Nevyn

If you are sexually active then you should be having a smear test, esp if you are on the pill or other hormoane contraception and esp if you also smoke.

moretothegirl

Thanks for the quick reply! I dont smoke but am on the pill. To be honest I guess I sort of knew this deep down just wanted it clarified so I am going to sort it out tomorrow.
Thanks

LegacyUser

25 is the age that you should definitely start getting them, but just over a year after you start having sex, is the ideal time to get one - this from my doctor.
It's ok to wait until you're 25, but that is also a good time.

However you have to pay for it yourself when you're under 25, otherwise is goes through a scheme the health system has.

mollzer

When you start being sexually active or turn 25, whichever happens first!

buzsywuzsy

I think it costs roughly 200€ to get it done before your 25..

Nevyn

No it doesn't, either your gp can do it for you or they will refer you to your local health clinic or you can choose to go to a family planning clinic that will do it for you.

moretothegirl

buzsywuzsy wrote: »

I think it costs roughly 200€ to get it done before your 25..

wow that seems like a lot! obviously my health is important but I thought it was more like aroun 50 euro mark?

elleburp

buzsywuzsy wrote: »

I think it costs roughly 200€ to get it done before your 25..

Not at all. It costs a little over the usual GP visit, and it's well worth the peace of mind.

I know someone who died of testicular cancer at 23. It can strike at any age, so what's the point in waiting?

moretothegirl

actually one more question, when im calling my gp do i book a normal gp slot or should i mention to the receptionist that its a smear test im looking for?

Scarinae

I actually asked my GP for one a few years ago, and she said they don't do them until I turn 25. I am 24 now though so I suppose I don't have long to wait.

Scarinae

Just to clarify, my above post wasn't meant to discourage you from seeking a smear test... It was more me being cranky that I wasn't given a smear test when apparently I should have been able to get one

Truley

This is something that always confused me, I had my first smear at 17 (a year after becoming sexualy active) The doctor had just asked me if I wanted one done while I was there for a different matter. No extra charge, I got another one again at 19. Two years later the same doctor told me I was 'due' to get another one but she no longer did it for free. Shortly after I contacted a sexual health clinic cos I was living in Dublin and was told there was no point in getting one until I was 25. I don't really believe the age excuse, when I first got mine the doctor told me I must get it done every two years. I'm presuming this changed now that they are no longer available free of charge?

elleburp

Fishie wrote: »

I actually asked my GP for one a few years ago, and she said they don't do them until I turn 25. I am 24 now though so I suppose I don't have long to wait.

I've "forced" doctors to take me for a smear test, as in doctors have tried to discourage me and I've insisted on the test. Apparently you only 'need' one every 3 years, I get one every 18 months. It's my health, it's my body, it's my choice. If your doctor refuses to give you the test then you should go elsewhere imo.

moretothegirl, tell the receptionist that you're looking for a smear test. It gives the receptionist a chance to schedule the appointment properly.

Edit: I'm aware that I may be slightly paranoid about cervical cancer... I'd rather be paranoid than dead

buzsywuzsy

I'm going by what I was told by the nurse.. I used to get the smears.. I started getting them when I was 17.. It was during this time that they noticed that I had HPV the virus (i think) that can cause cancer.. so I had to get a smear every year- So i was told.. then one day I went to get my yearly smear aged 22 and I was told that they no longer did it for free because alot of young women were presenting with HPV in the smears as a young womans body changes alot into the early twenties and this made the tests harder to read. they said that that to get it done it would cost €200 (i think- but whatever was said was alot of money for me at the time)..this time next year I'll be able to get my free smears again.

I hope this makes sense in some way or form

elleburp

buzsywuzsy wrote: »

I hope this makes sense in some way or form

It does make sense but I think you've been misinformed.


I have heard of nurses telling young women all sorts of rubbish. I have heard of people paying full doctor fee's to see the doctor's assistant. And it doesn't surprise me to read your post, given the talks I've gotten over the years where nurses/doctors have tried to discourage me from having smears taken. I tell them my grandmother died of cervical cancer so I want the smear done. It's true, she did, so I'm paranoid about it.

AFAIK, you should be getting a smear every year if you've been dianosed with HPV virus. At least for the 5 years after your last outbreak. It doesn't cause cancer but it increases your risk of developing it.

squeakyduck

I asked my doctor about this months ago and she said I wouldn't need one till I'm 25 because there is so much still going on in your body growth and hormone wise that irregularities will appear and you would be worrying for nothing.

I signed my mum up online for the cervical health check and it says the same that a girl shouldn't have one till she's 25.

Is that right or wrong?

Raspberries

I asked my GP about this two years ago and I asked him again about a month ago and he said the same thing both times that I can get one if I want to but it's not really needed untill I am 25. He knows that I am on the pill and have been sexually active since I was 18.

I was talking to an American friend about this, and she was shocked when I told her the above. In her State it's generally accepted that smears need to be started when you are 18, or when you become sexually active.

I am concerned about it but at the same time I can't afford the 200 quid needed for it, so I think the day of my 25th birthday I'm going to register for them!!

princess-lala

My doctor charges €80 if your under 25! Doctors differ but I have never heard someone paying €200 for a smear test!

Op go have it done! It will put your mind at rest!

Nevyn

squeakyduck wrote: »

I asked my doctor about this months ago and she said I wouldn't need one till I'm 25 because there is so much still going on in your body growth and hormone wise that irregularities will appear and you would be worrying for nothing.

I signed my mum up online for the cervical health check and it says the same that a girl shouldn't have one till she's 25.

Is that right or wrong?

Any dr I have ever been to has said
if you are sexually active you need on every 5 years,
If you are sexually active and on the pill you need one every 3 years,
if you are sexually active and on the pill and smoke, one every year.

I also know two women who have had cervical cancer before the age of 25 and several women who needed lentz treatments before they were 21. So I would save better safe then sorry.

metrovelvet

In the US we get them once a year. Irish doctors say that's american paranoia. You start once you starts seeing a GYNO. They dont go by the sexual active thing because teenagers might be lying. So I think at around 16 we would start getting them.

candy-gal1

25 is what ive been told too. Tbh it should be free for anyone over 20, it would make it so much easier.

mahamageehad

Fishie wrote: »

I actually asked my GP for one a few years ago, and she said they don't do them until I turn 25. I am 24 now though so I suppose I don't have long to wait.

In new zealand ya get them done every 2 years from 18 or sexually active(I think). My kiwi friend got a letter on her 18th birthday with an appointment- simple as. She was shocked I hadn't had one yet. I was shocked she was shocked so I went to my doctor and asked for one.

My doctor actually laughed at me and told me not to be worrying about that you don't need one til you're 25.

I'm only 20 (almost 21) but have been on the pill nearly 5 years now, and sexually active the same amount of time.

It really really turned me off asking for one again being so blatantly discarded like that.

Faith

My doctor loves smear tests. She's really disgusted by the guidelines here saying you should be 25 or over. She made me get my first one at 17 or 18. I tried to get out of it because I wasn't even sexually active, but she insisted. Since then I haven't gone more than two years without having one. My last one was December 2008 and because I was only 21 at the time, I had to send it to a private lab, enclosing a cheque for €30. Got the results in two weeks.

Because of the free smears for over 25's, a lot of doctors will try to refuse to do them for younger women, but you should insist.

RubyXI

How does the new system work? Do you have to wait your turn to be given an appointment or can you just bring the letter along next time you're at the doctor and get it done?

bambera

I emailed the well woman centre back in feb to ask what age you should get it done at and how much it costs. This is the answer I got;

A first smear should be done at 25, unless a woman has symptoms, in which case she should see her doctor.** Women between the ages of 25 and 60 can have a smear test done free of charge.** Outside of this, the charge is General consultation €55, plus €85 to avail of premium service to UK laboratory which guarantees return in 10 working days.** If you wish to make an appointment, please see our website www.wellwomancentre.ie for details of our clinics).
*
With best wishes,
*
WELL WOMAN CENTRE

phi3

phi3 wrote: »

How does the new system work? Do you have to wait your turn to be given an appointment or can you just bring the letter along next time you're at the doctor and get it done?

You need to register on the website, they'll send you a letter inviting you for the free smear, ring up your doctor, tell them you have the letter and need an appointment... nice and easy!

buzsywuzsy

i might just give the doctor a call this week so jus to check about getting it done again

Acoshla

I got one last year when I was 24, just because I wanted one, paid €75 euro in the local Family Planning Clinic, the nice nurse basically said that for most people 25 is fine to start at, all the hormones etc can give wrong readings up until then. But if for any reason a woman wants one before 25 (sexually active, any bleeding or other symptoms of anything etc, to get used to them, or just for peace of mind) then there is no problem with that either.

toadfly

This is something I have been thinking about lately.

About 3 years ago I got my first smear (aged 23, this was before the charges came in for under 25s) it came back abnormal so had to get it repeated in 6 months, silly me left it nearly a year so got that done and it came back normal so doc said I would have to get it done every year instead of three as I had an abnormal rescult.

But then when she sent out my results officially it said it wouldnt need to be repeated for three years. That was about 2 years ago and have been thinking I should get it done again sooner rather than later.

So whats the story, where do I stand? I must ring my doc tomorrow and see if she will do it for me (different doc as I have moved since), I know I mentioned it to the new doc about 6 months ago and I registered since but havent gotten a letter yet. I am guessing this is because I said my last one was 1.5/2 years ago.

Confusing but now that its in my head again I do want to get it done.

Any thoughts??

elleburp

Faith wrote: »

Because of the free smears for over 25's, a lot of doctors will try to refuse to do them for younger women, but you should insist.

My sentiments exactly

bambera wrote: »

I emailed the well woman centre back in feb to ask what age you should get it done at and how much it costs. This is the answer I got;

A first smear should be done at 25, unless a woman has symptoms, in which case she should see her doctor.** Women between the ages of 25 and 60 can have a smear test done free of charge.** Outside of this, the charge is General consultation €55, plus €85 to avail of premium service to UK laboratory which guarantees return in 10 working days.** If you wish to make an appointment, please see our website www.wellwomancentre.ie for details of our clinics).
*
With best wishes,
*
WELL WOMAN CENTRE

"unless a woman has symtoms"?? I got mad reading that! What kind of symtoms do we have to rely on FFS? That's the single most ridiculous thing I've read regarding cervical health in all my life!

Maple

I went for one about a year after I first became sexually active, was 19/20. By the age of 25 I'd already had a colposcopy and at the age of 26 had to have cells removed. I shudder to think what could have happened had I left it to the guidelines of having a first smear at the age of 25.

The sooner the better in my honest opinion.

littlemissdozy

I had my first smear last year at 23, having first enquired about one several years before. There is a massive history of cancer in my family, and I think with the increased awareness at the time I was keen to get one done.

I went to the family planning clinic and I was advised not to get one done. I was told that there is no hereditary link with cervical cancer and that I was too young.

However, I mentioned it to my GP as a concern last year. She said there is no problem doing the test buyt it was likely that the test may come back showing a problem, purely bacause of my age. At the time I had a medical card, so I just had to pay €30 I think for the lab fees.

Incidentally, the test highlighted some cells and I was recommended to come for a repeat test in 6 months. That test showed some changes, and it was recommended that I go for a coloscopy. Following that, I was advised to attend for a repeat coloscopy 12 months later.

Personally, I do think that 25 is a crazy age limit to have particularly when compared with other countries.

OP, the decision is totally up to yourself. Have a chat to the dr and see what her opinion is on it.

dvet

When I asked my college doctor about smear tests, they refused to do one before i was 25 and they were quite adamant. (the college doc is a free service, so the govt would be paying for the test etc).

THEN I went to a private GP a while later (i was around 21 and sexually active since 17)...
He asked me if I'd ever had a smear test, and I said I didn't, and told him what the college doc said. He was so angry. He said that the "over 25" guidelines are only a money saving policy and that it would probably lead to 2 or 3 extra young women dying of cervical cancer every year. He said that EVERY sexually active girl should be getting smear tests done, no matter what age she is, and he pointed out that a lot of girls may be sexually active with 10 years by the time they're 25.... when you think about it like that, that's way too long to wait! He also strongly recommended that all young women get the cervical cancer vaccine, he said to just do it even if it costs 600 euro. He was very passionate about it, it really impressed me that he cared that much.

It seems like there's a big divide out there between doctors who are actively discouraging it and those who are actively encouraging it...Seems to make sense not to wait though, I mean, it may only kill 2 to 3 young (<25yo) women a year, but isn't even 1 too many, especially if it happens to be you or your best friend??

squeakyduck

Really stupid question. Where can I get one done? How much would it cost? My own GP at home says I don't need one. I only go to the doctor when I go home to have a check up and get a prescription for le pill....

elleburp

squeakyduck wrote: »

Really stupid question. Where can I get one done? How much would it cost? My own GP at home says I don't need one. I only go to the doctor when I go home to have a check up and get a prescription for le pill....

Ask them when you make the appointment, ring around a few doctors if you want.... I think I paid about €45 the last time but I got a pill script with it so I don't know if it's broken down or what. Best thing to do is just ring and ask... how about ringing a Well Women's Clinic

xxLadyxx

elleburp wrote: »

My sentiments exactly
"unless a woman has symtoms"?? I got mad reading that! What kind of symtoms do we have to rely on FFS? That's the single most ridiculous thing I've read regarding cervical health in all my life!

+1!

What symptoms are they talking about?!

I had CIN3 cells - colposcopy,LLETZ, repeat colp - with no symptoms!!

All perfect now




I think 25 is a crazy age for the doctors to be using as a reference, it should be done as soon as you become sexually active or have a family history or just worried in general regardless of age!

My advice if GP refuses - change GP . .