Keeping up to date with your smear tests is important. There are over 3,000 new cervical cancer cases in the UK every year. The screening programme works effectively for women because it can stop cervical cancer before it even starts.
Cervical screening uptake is on the decline
According to the Better for women report, uptake of the UK’s cervical screening programme has declined for four consecutive years and is now at a 20 year low. In short, one in three women invited for a cervical smear test do not attend.
“Use of vaginal oestrogen prior to a smear can make the world of difference to comfort levels.”
Enhancing your experience
If you know that you have had discomfort with smears in the past, the use of vaginal oestrogen prior to a smear can make the world of difference to comfort levels.
Vaginal dryness, soreness, prickling or itching in the perimenopause and menopause can be linked to low oestrogen levels. Consider asking your primary care practitioner for some vaginal oestrogen treatment before your cervical screening appointment.
Vaginal oestrogen is considered suitable and works just where it is needed, there is known to be very little absorption into the body’s system. You need to ensure you have been on vaginal oestrogen for long enough; three months is ideal.
There is a new non-hormonal treatment for vaginal discomfort for those of you who need to avoid hormones. Ask your primary care practitioner for more information about this.
Always remember
- Symptoms of cervical cancer include vaginal bleeding after sex, bleeding in between periods or bleeding after menopause. Even if your smear is up to date, please seek medical advice about any of these symptoms. There are other causes for these types of bleeding.
- The key to being as comfortable as possible during a smear is knowing that you are in charge during your cervical screening appointment.
- It’s your body. Healthcare practitioners can and will do nothing without your consent.
- Do whatever you need to do help you feel more relaxed, bring someone you trust with you, plug your headphones in, make sure you give yourself time to recover afterwards if you need to.
