Knowing the facts about your smear test is really important. It helps you prepare for the experience and know what to expect from the procedure. Unfortunately, there are some inaccurate pieces of information that can find their way to you. Anecdotes and hear-say can sometimes be the very reason you do not organize something that is so important for your health.
Knowing the facts about your smear test is really important. It helps you prepare for the experience and know what to expect from the procedure. Unfortunately, there are some inaccurate pieces of information that can find their way to you. Anecdotes and hear-say can sometimes be the very reason you do not organize something that is so important for your health.
We are here to bust some of the most popular myths about smear tests and give you the facts about something that really could save your life.
It costs money
This is not true. As part of the national cervical screening programme in Ireland, all women aged twenty-five to sixty is invited for free regular smear tests.
This is not true. As part of the national cervical screening programme in Ireland, all women aged twenty-five to sixty is invited for free regular smear tests.
You will have a smear test every year
Unless you receive abnormal smear test results you will be invited for your free cervical smear every three years when you are aged between twenty-five and forty-four. After the age of forty-four, it may be suggested to change this to every five years provided your smear results have been normal for a number of years. In cases where abnormalities are found the interval between smears may change considerably. More regular smears will keep a close eye on any changes to the cervix.
You receive your results there and then
There is usually a 6-8 week waiting period before results will be given to you. They will write to you by post and the results may be disclosed in the letter. They may also suggest contacting your GP who will explain the results in detail.
There is usually a 6-8 week waiting period before results will be given to you. They will write to you by post and the results may be disclosed in the letter. They may also suggest contacting your GP who will explain the results in detail.
Cell changes mean Cancer
The huge benefit of a smear test is the fact that it can prevent Cancer from developing. An irregular smear may highlight changes in the cervix that could later develop into Cancer. Noticing these changes gives you the opportunity to have something done about it before it may progress into something worse. An irregular smear does not mean Cancer has been found.
The huge benefit of a smear test is the fact that it can prevent Cancer from developing. An irregular smear may highlight changes in the cervix that could later develop into Cancer. Noticing these changes gives you the opportunity to have something done about it before it may progress into something worse. An irregular smear does not mean Cancer has been found.
It is very painful
For most people, a cervical smear test is mildly uncomfortable at most. It can be more uncomfortable for some people depending on the position of the cervix and any other health issues they may have but for the most part, the thought of it is worse than the procedure itself.
For most people, a cervical smear test is mildly uncomfortable at most. It can be more uncomfortable for some people depending on the position of the cervix and any other health issues they may have but for the most part, the thought of it is worse than the procedure itself.
It is done in a hospital and requires a day off work
From beginning to end your appointment will most likely be 15-20 minutes. This includes a chat before and after the procedure. The procedure itself takes less than five minutes. It is very common for women to get their smear test while on their lunch break from work. There should be no pain after the procedure and you will be able to return to work or normal life straight away. Your smear test can be booked at any of the registered clinics. This may be your local GP, well woman centre or health clinic.
My smear test will be booked for me
You must book your smear test. Cervical Check may write to you as a reminder that your smear test is due but they will not make the appointment for you. You can easily see when your next smear test is due by visiting www.cervicalcheck.ie and having your PPSN to hand.
You must book your smear test. Cervical Check may write to you as a reminder that your smear test is due but they will not make the appointment for you. You can easily see when your next smear test is due by visiting www.cervicalcheck.ie and having your PPSN to hand.
Cervical Cancer only occurs if you are sexually active
Research shows that those who have never been sexually active have a low chance of developing cervical cancer but it is not impossible. If you have been sexually active in the past it is recommended to continue having your regular cervical smear tests.
Research shows that those who have never been sexually active have a low chance of developing cervical cancer but it is not impossible. If you have been sexually active in the past it is recommended to continue having your regular cervical smear tests.
HPV is dangerous
HPV is a common virus that is usually spread through the skin to skin contact that occurs during sexual activity. Most people will have HPV at some point in their life and it will clear up by itself. In the case where low-grade changes are found through your smear test, the sample may be tested for HPV. The presence of HPV may lead to a more detailed investigation of your cervix. This is called a colposcopy. HPV can lead to cervical changes that result in cervical cancer but in most cases, it does not.
HPV is a common virus that is usually spread through the skin to skin contact that occurs during sexual activity. Most people will have HPV at some point in their life and it will clear up by itself. In the case where low-grade changes are found through your smear test, the sample may be tested for HPV. The presence of HPV may lead to a more detailed investigation of your cervix. This is called a colposcopy. HPV can lead to cervical changes that result in cervical cancer but in most cases, it does not.
A smear is required when you have given birth
Unless you are due to have a smear test around this time you are not required to have one after you have given birth.
Unless you are due to have a smear test around this time you are not required to have one after you have given birth.
Written by Tracey Quinn staff writer at FFHQ who also blogs at www.loveofliving.ie.
