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STIs and Smear tests - information and questions

Sexually transmitted Infections (STIs)

What is an STI and how can you get one?
An STI is an infection that is transmitted through sexual contact. You can get an STI by sexual intercourse but also through oral sex, anal sex or contact with bodily fluids such as sperm, saliva, blood, and vaginal discharge. Very few STIs can be transmitted through skin contact.

How do you prevent getting an STI?
The best way to protect yourself from getting an STI is using condoms. Even if you are in a monogamous relationship only having sex with one person who you trust, or are a virgin, don't just assume you are safe. It's best to get tested regularly so you can be sure you are safe - remember, STI's do not always present themselves with symptoms; you can be infected and not experience any symptoms at all. Getting tested is free, and although it can be a little embarrassing and uncomfortable, it's worth it for the peace of mind.

I think I might have an STI, what should I do?
Go and get checked out ASAP. STIs do not go away by themselves, and the sooner you get tested, the easier it'll be to treat, Leave it too long and you run the risk of getting into serious health problems. In the worst case scenario, STIs can lead to infertility.

Where do I get tested?
Some GP Clinics will do STI tests but not all. The best thing to do is to make an appointment at the GUM Clinic at your local hospital. Some clinics offer drop in sessions where you can just turn up, but be warned - the wait can be long! To find your nearest GUM clinic, either call the Department of Health's sexual health helpline on 0800 567123 or use the Family Planning Clinic Finder

You can also order STI and HIV testing kits online for free.

What happens during an STI test?
Check out the What to expect at the Gum Clinic page on the wiki for more information about the different types of tests that you will have

I'm embarrassed/scared. Will it hurt?
It's understandable that you might be embarrassed or scared, but the nurses and doctors at the clinic really have seen it all before, and they'll be very sensitive and understanding. The tests do not hurt, but can feel a bit uncomfortable, but if you think of it as 2 minutes' discomfort for peace of mind that you are safe and healthy, it's not so bad!

What are the most common STIs and what are their symptoms?
Take a look at the Sexually Transmitted Diseases Information wiki page for the lowdown on the most common STIs, their causes, symptoms and treatment.

Where can I find out more?
For more information about STIs and getting checked out, check out the following places:

BBC Sexual Health
Family Planning Association Information

Information on on Smear tests, HPV vaccines and Cervical Cancer - By Jamie

There seem to be lots of smear and cervical cancer related threads cropping up of late, so i thought I'd make a post on it to consolidate all the questions.

OK, first the basics.
The smear involves putting a speculum into the vagina to open it up so that the doctor/nurse specialist can see the cervix (the entrance to the womb situated at the top of the vagina). A swab then takes a sample of cells off of the cervix which end up ina lab smeared (hence the name) onto a slide. The scientist then looks at cells on the slide, trying to find some abnormal cells.

The purpose of smears is to identify cells that could in the future become cervical cancer. There are several steps that occur before cervical cancer, and at each of these steps the cells look different to normal. By spotting these abnormal cells and treating the woman (or just keeping a close eye) then you can prevent most cases of cancer ever happening. Abnormal cells don't mean you WILL develop cancer though - very few actually do. But it just makes it more likely.

Key questions that keep being asked.

Will a smear test hurt?
It can be painful, or it can be simply uncomfortable. THe main thing most people are worried about is having their bits so exposed. You will probably be taken into a little changing cubicle or left to undress from the waist down, and given a towel to wrap around you. only at the point just before the smear will you be exposed.
The more tense you are the more painful it is. its incredibly hard to force yourself to relax though, so just try to distract yourself as best you can, and follow any advice they give you.

I'm blah years old, do i need a smear?
The advice in the UK is that you need one at either 23 or 25 years old, then every 3-5 years after that. Different areas have different rules - some like in South london say 23 years old, some others say 25 years old. THe reason they don't bother with women younger than this is because they get so many women testing positive beyond this age but who are not at risk of cervical cancer.

I'm a virgin, do i need a smear?
No. Virgins don't need one. Even if you get a letter through the post, just call them up and say you are a virgin so don't need the appointment. Virgins do not get cervical cancer.
Even if you have only had sex with condoms though you will need a smear when called up. Most people are rubbish with condoms, and there is a slight transmission risk anyway.

Can I be vaccinated against cervical cancer?
THere are two vaccines available. One protects against HPV16 and 18 - responsible for over 70% of cervical cancer in WHITE people (much less in blakc and asian people). One protects against them plus two other sorts which cause over 90% of genital and anal warts. If you have had unprotected sex before theres not really much point in getting the first vaccine. That said, it won't do any harm. The latter vaccine however will help protect against warts - especially in at risk groups like gay men. Remember though there are lots and lots of HPV viruses NOT protected by the vaccines. You will still need smears when called up, and will still need to practice safe sex.

If a girl's had sex with ANYONE is it not worth getting the vaccine? Is HPV 16/18 that prevalent?
see this is the tricky thing. HPV is THAT prevelant, but there haven't been any decent studies showingg the prevelance of HPV16 and 18 in the UK. we've shown that HPV16 and 18 are responsible for over 60% of uk cervical cancer, but they might only actually be present in 5% of the population.

Should women be rushing out for a vaccination?
No. IS it worth going and getting vaccinated? the jury is out. But like i said, it won't HARM you, so if you haven't got much experience then sure, go get vaccinated. but you will still have to have smears like everyone else.
Its a tricky one for GPs because the government/NICE haven't given any advice yet as to when precisely they should and shouldn't be given.
so some gps will be chucking them about willy nilly, and others will be refusing just about everyone.
and then theres the PCTs who will refuse any treatment costs which aren't going to show up immediately with benefits on some sort of financial spreadsheet.

Scroll to see replies

Reply 1
Is it licenced to be prescribed on the NHS at the moment?
im not sure I agree with the higher age group now. Especially as HPV often doesn't present in men, and how many teens now have an STI? I know we're an anomolous group, but id rather have a false positive than just not know I have a cancer. I don't have casual sex, so it doesnt exactly bother me, but for the people who do, I think its seriously stupid that its not offered in England, in Wales it was quite soon after you go on the pill/declare you're having sex. Or was when I had a doctor there.
Okay so if you're a virgin you don't need a smear test because you cant get cervical cancer.
What if, you're a lesbian and have only ever had lesbian sex?
is a smear still necessary?

just a question.
Helenia
Is it licenced to be prescribed on the NHS at the moment?

yes, but then so is herceptin.

problem is different PCTs will have different rules regarding who can and can't recieve it.
so theres no precise details i can really give about who is eligable for the vaccination in the 16+ age/non-virgin age.

As for the lesbian question, remember this virus is spread by sexual contact. it can be spread by hands (fingering) and sex toys, not just full intercourse.
It can live on the lining of the vagina/cervix as well as the penis.

A project i did showed there is actually an increased risk of infection during full sex (due to prostaglandins in the semen), during puberty (the cervix is still undergoing changes, making it susceptible) and for odds reasons that are debatable in smokers.
Reply 5
Thanks for this thread. It's needed!

If no-one has any issues with it, I'll detail what it feels like having had lots of the rotten things (Australian doctors do them from when you start to be sexually active, so I've had a few)

Spoiler


I've had results of abnormal cells before. It's a yukky feeling. But I went back for more tests and they (thankfully) turned out to be nothing.

Hope this helps, please correct me if the process is different in the UK, as I haven't had one here yet.
Reply 6
romeosbitch
Okay so if you're a virgin you don't need a smear test because you cant get cervical cancer.
What if, you're a lesbian and have only ever had lesbian sex?
is a smear still necessary?

just a question.
Lots of answers here. http://www.bolton.nhs.uk/publications/patient_info/Lesbian%20Smear%20Guide.pdf
Reply 7
Does anyone else feel a continuous sharp pain, during a smear Test ?

Never felt pain like it. So scared it will always be that painful :frown:
Reply 8
isabella
Does anyone else feel a continuous sharp pain, during a smear Test ?

Never felt pain like it. So scared it will always be that painful :frown:
It could be the speculum is too big for you, ask for a smaller one. It could also be you being nervous, so try to relax (easier said than done, but PLEASE don't let the pain put you off. Smears are so very very important. And ALWAYS tell the doctor if it is painful,
Reply 9
Segat1
It could be the speculum is too big for you, ask for a smaller one. It could also be you being nervous, so try to relax (easier said than done, but PLEASE don't let the pain put you off. Smears are so very very important. And ALWAYS tell the doctor if it is painful,

The doctor used the smallest speculum available !
I was soo tense, she kept telling me to relax. My legs were shaking i was so nervous !

But how do i relax ? I can't. Feeling so scared about my next one. :frown:
Reply 10
isabella
The doctor used the smallest speculum available !
I was soo tense, she kept telling me to relax. My legs were shaking i was so nervous !

But how do i relax ? I can't. Feeling so scared about my next one. :frown:
You might find this odd, but when I frist went for mine and I was scared, I thought about making a cake. I just went through all the things I needed to buy to make the cake, and measured them out and creamed the butter and the sugar and added the cocoa etc etc etc you ge the idea. Baking is my idea of chilling out, and it's something I enjoy that requires my full concentration. Or, I think about how to drive from my house to my grandmothers. From getting into the car, putting on teh seatbelt, turnign the car on, ignition, drive off, where I turn, where I indicate etc. Until I get there. I just put myself in a situation where I feel comfortable and concentrate on that. Is there anything you enjoy doing that you could run through ?
Reply 11
Segat1
You might find this odd, but when I frist went for mine and I was scared, I thought about making a cake. I just went through all the things I needed to buy to make the cake, and measured them out and creamed the butter and the sugar and added the cocoa etc etc etc you ge the idea. Baking is my idea of chilling out, and it's something I enjoy that requires my full concentration. Or, I think about how to drive from my house to my grandmothers. From getting into the car, putting on teh seatbelt, turnign the car on, ignition, drive off, where I turn, where I indicate etc. Until I get there. I just put myself in a situation where I feel comfortable and concentrate on that. Is there anything you enjoy doing that you could run through ?

Well i'm actually going to bake a cake for mum's birthday. So i guess i could think about that.

But last time the pain was soo bad, i couldn't think about anything. I was in tears & it got more and more painful.:frown:
Reply 12
isabella
Well i've actually going to bake a cake for mum's birthday. So i guess i could think about that.

But last time the pain was soo bad, i couldn't think about anything. I was in tears & it got more and more painful.:frown:
Oh dear. That's not fun. I can understand why you are scared. But it will get easier. Tell your doctor that last time was not fun, and ask them to talk to you whilst they are doing it. Think calming thoughts.
Reply 13
Segat1
Oh dear. That's not fun. I can understand why you are scared. But it will get easier. Tell your doctor that last time was not fun, and ask them to talk to you whilst they are doing it. Think calming thoughts.

I will. Will taking a painkiller beforehand help ?
Reply 14
isabella
I will. Will taking a painkiller beforehand help ?
It might, but I can't advise you on that. I think Helenia or Jamie are the people to ask, they're Medics. I've just had a lot of smears, and whilst I don't look forward to them, I make sure I get them done. It will get easier.
Reply 15
Segat1
It might, but I can't advise you on that. I think Helenia or Jamie are the people to ask, they're Medics. I've just had a lot of smears, and whilst I don't look forward to them, I make sure I get them done. It will get easier.

Ok. Thanks for your help, very grateful :smile:
Think i might bring my Ipod - to listen to calming relaxing music !
Reply 16
isabella
Ok. Thanks for your help, very grateful :smile:
Think i might bring my Ipod - to listen to calming relaxing music !
No worries. :smile:
Reply 17
Does a metal Speculum make it more painful ?
Reply 18
Hmm, i don't know. I've only ever had it with a metal one - they might make them out of plastic. Medics?
Reply 19
Well, i'm going to ask just incase. Plastic sounds nice than metal - not so hard & cold.

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