smear test during stims

[Lenley81]

I asked my doctors surgery if I could have my smear test a month before it was due as I was going to start my second round of ivf. I was told no & that I had to wait for my letter & that there was a bit of a back log so I may need to wait. I finally received my letter today which is the first day of starting menopur. I’m wondering if it’s ok to have a smear during stims? Does anyone know?

[WillowPark]

Hi, I don't know the answer but just wanted to say how annoyed I am on your behalf that the doctor's surgery couldn't make an exception in the circumstances. It is very short sighted and I really hope you aren't left without your smear test for some time as a result, as they really are very important. Hopefully you can get it sorted 🙂

[HPVisanSTI in reply to WillowPark]

Hi, I just wanted to clarify that in the uk, smear samples are only examined for cell changes if you're one of the ~13% who are positive for 'high risk' hpv strains. (The strains that can cause cell changes and cancer.)

So unless you already know your hpv status, why not start by doing a simple self vaginal swab hpv test? Available for about £35 from Medicines Online. You only need to worry about a smear if you're positive for hpv.

Hx

[TTC0011]

Your clinic are the best to ask whether it’s OK to have it, I was in a similar position and my clinic asked me to have it before the cycle if possible. I did speak to my GP, explained the situation and they did do an ‘out of process’ smear test but did warn me the sample might get rejected but they’d try their best and would send an explanation with it. My GP didn’t have the ability to change my slot of when I was due my letter, and labs can reject it if there isn’t a good enough reason. Because my GP didn’t control the lab I understand what your GP is saying but they should have done the smear test and sent it away anyway with an explanation. I’m sorry you experienced thsy, as the other commenter says above they’re so important so your GP should have been more supportive.

[Ytrewq123]

The same thing has happened to me in the past, it is incredibly frustrating, and potentially leaving us with a risk. When I asked my clinic if I could do it before a transfer I was told if need to wait a couple of months (can’t remember exactly how long) after the smear before doing the transfer, but the GP wouldn’t make an exception. Now I’m overdue which doesn’t sit well with me. It’s be best to ask your GP (and your IVF clinic) though as they may have different views xx

[HPVisanSTI in reply to Ytrewq123]

Hi, I just wanted to clarify that in the uk, smear samples are only examined for cell changes if you're one of the ~13% who are positive for 'high risk' hpv strains. (The strains that can cause cell changes and cancer.)

So unless you already know your hpv status, why not start by doing a simple self vaginal swab hpv test? Available for about £35 from Medicines Online. You only need to worry about a smear if you're positive for hpv.

Hx

[Shadow-monkey]

I asked my clinic this question and was told it was fine as long as it wasn't too close to transfer in case of irritation. That was for an FET. Best to check with your clinic.

[HPVisanSTI]

Hi, I just wanted to clarify that in the uk, smear samples are only examined for cell changes if you're one of the ~13% who are positive for 'high risk' hpv strains. (The strains that can cause cell changes and cancer.)

So unless you already know your hpv status, why not start by doing a simple self vaginal swab hpv test? Available for about £35 from Medicines Online. You only need to worry about a smear if you're positive for hpv.

Hx