This post has been created to provide an additional forum for discussion, and is a continuation of the old Blogcritics’ Unnecessary Pap Smears discussion. The original Blogcritics Unnecessary Pap Smears discussion had more than 10,000 comments, but the comments were deleted following changes to the Blogcritics’ site.
Fortunately, the comments from Blogcritics have since been recovered and are preserved here: http://unnecessarypapsmears.wordpress.com/2013/07/12/over-10000-lost-comments-on-unnecessary-pap-smears-find-a-home/ This post also provides a ‘part three’ continuation of the ‘part two’ discussion forum that exists on this site: https://forwomenseyesonly.com/2013/09/22/discussion-forum/
Thank you Alex for suggesting the addition of an open forum devoted to discussion on this blog.
forwomenseyesonly 
Gynaecology was founded by a sadist, and many of its methods, procedures and tools haven’t changed in the past 150 years. This is because our society is backward, because women are still considered lesser human beings, because it is easier for the doctors, and because it is cheaper for the government-run health systems and for the private health insurance companies.
Just look at tenaculum and biopsy forceps. They look like torture devices, and they are! They are used to pierce woman’s organs and tear off pieces of her flesh without any anaesthetic. Can you imagine anything of the sort done to a man?? No area of medicine that concerns men or both genders is as barbaric as ob-gyn. Why? Because it affects women only, and women are supposed to have babies. Therefore pain is “normal” for them and their reproductive organs are public property.
How many women hear from their doctors “you will feel a slight pinch / some cramping / mild discomfort”, and a moment later feel excruciating pain that is unbearable and extremely traumatic. We are told that cervix doesn’t have nerve endings, that we shouldn’t feel any pain “down there”, and that all our cries and complaints are just a made-up hysteria.
Thanks to this site and other online resources like it, the word is finally getting out. It is becoming harder to dismiss and gag women and to cover up the medical tortures that women have to endure even now, in the 21st century.
So true, so very true.
I wish more women would wake up to the facts and make their own decisions instead of being lead around by the noses and accept being told they’re ‘good girls’ for spreading their legs and just taking it.
No woman ‘needs’ a pap smear unless they have symptoms or they choose to participate in the screening.
It’s mass rape for a rare cancer using an inaccurate test with barbaric treatments using no anaesthetic.
No thanks! Never had one, never will.
– Ozphoenix
I live in the Boston area and an ongoing case here certainly bears out what Oxphoenix said about women being “good girls” and being lead around by their noses. A rheumatologist in a major teaching hospital is being sued in a class-action lawsuit by 100 women who said he coerced them into invasive exams, telling them a pap smear was a required part of their treatment. Not to blame the victims, but why would they go along with this when they were there for rheumatology? It defies logic and certainly underscores the fact that women are programmed to be people-pleasers, especially in a medical setting, even if it goes against their instincts.
– Judy
Cat&Mouse; It’s psychological manipulation. It’s the expectation that your doctor has your best interests in mind. It’s a lack of Full Informed Consent. It’s being intimidated and feeling your only way out is to cooperate or you won’t get treatments you really need. And we all know that is true. The veiled threats… It’s also fear and guilt mongering.
Or all the above combined into one terrible experience.
Don’t we all know…
Cat&Mouse here. Hello. Talk to anesthesiologist or an honest ob-gyn and ask which nerve trunks off the spinal cord are connected to the cervix and vagina. The answer is S1, S2, and possibly L5-S1 as well, besides the Vagus nerve. Also as painful are endometrial biopsies. The pain you feel during childbirth and periods comes from those same nerves.
As for men being cut on without anesthetic? Happens to male babies via circumcism. A little lidocaine goes a long way for both men and women. So does consideration and love.
Daily fail 2 days ago, ladies, just seen, apparently we still don’t understand about HPV and how vital screening is. Our own Kiwicelt has been making her usual valid and informed comments, I’ve chipped in a bit too. I won’t be having my vital screening.
Hi Katrehman,
I will have to have a look for this as I dont remember seeing it at the time. I wont be attending either.
Jess
More scaremongering on Twitter this morning. A tweet popped up with this link on it:
https://thamesvalleycanceralliance.nhs.uk/our-work/patient-engagement-patient-experience/campaigns/cervical-cancer/?utm_source=SM&utm_medium=T034&utm_campaign=CervPjan23
Taking the pill for more than five years increases your risk??? Not heard that one before.
More Pap crap…
Jess.
Apparently screening “saves thousands of lives each year” and yet not one piece of evidence, not one study is linked to back up that nonsensical claim.
They really need to start treating women like adults.
Jess, I read it after eating so a comment about vomit bucket….
Seriously, scare tactics again? I think the 5 year pill thing is a throwback to the days when it was thought if you were on the pill you were more likely to be having more partners? So more at risk of STI in general?
You didn’t miss much in the daily fail article, apparently only 12%of us understand about HPV and how vital screening is, one of the comments was, does it matter they don’t understand as long as they go and follow advice given? I had to jump on that asking how informed consent can be given if they don’t understand, and did the person suggest just rounding us all up with sheepdogs and escorting us to the clinic??
This is a cervical hysteria week methinks..
I don’t know if anyone listens to BBC Radio 4 but there was a segment on there today abut cervical screening with someone from cancer research and “ensuring” high uptake.
I didn’t hear it myself but saw the snippet on Twitter or whatever it’s called now.
I really don’t know how you “ensure” uptake for something entirely voluntary. Probably poor word choice but it sounds rather sinister.
I feel another harassment campaign might be incoming. Thank goodness I officially opted out!
I saw this yesterday morning when I was in the gym, it was all over sky news and ITV and had the obligatory footage of an anonymous nurse putting KY jelly onto a speculum. They are going to launch a campaign by the sound of it to brainwash women into getting smeared, jabbed, and booster jabbed. Self testing was also mentioned so not sure if non attenders are going to get this kit sent through the post.
Hi guys, this is going to sound strange, but is there anyone else in here who lives in Sydney, Australia? Like me?
Thanks,
Ozphoenix
Jess, good luck with that then, bet they don’t get many taker’s! They never learn do they? They did it so many times before and it didn’t succeed but this time might…not!?
I’ve just checked the most recent statistics and uptake for cervical screening in under 50s in UK is down to 66%. So just two thirds attending now. Does anyone on here watch Strictly on BBC? Bobby Brazier who’s still in the competition is Jade Goody’s son. Just waiting for them to start promoting how wonderful the lovely Jade Goody was ( sorry, just thrown up into my sick bag there), and how women need to attend those invitations…
I’m not in Sydney, Oz, but often wonder how your programme is going for you over there? I thought self-testing had been implemented some years ago, and Australia is set to be free of cervical cancer by 2030?
That was me, Adawells. Can’t seem to get my name to come up these days!
Hi ladies,
Just heard on the news that the contraceptive pill (not the mini pill ) ) is being made available from next month free of charge all you need to do is to sign up at your local pharmacy to receive them, no questions asked no exams , now all they have to do is explain why for decades they held females to ransom and wouldn’t release it to them without them having their little checks.
Hugs Jules x.
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/huge-change-contraceptive-pill-rules-28115059
You’re right, Jules. Just seen this.
Read Jerusalem Post or Times Of Israel. Research in God’s Children’s Land has revealed a way to prevent sperm from developing in men.
A real “pill” for men is coming.
Not fast enough.
–With Love from Cat&Mouse
Finally something positive in the Daily Fail:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12769993/cervical-cancer-awareness-advertisement-airbrushes-women-out.html
Hi jess,
Great post, I actually laughed out loud reading it. Bonus hole? Front hole and I guess back hole, I think we’ve actually uncovered who actually writes this they get their toddlers to do it but seriously I love it when they turn on each other I find it really funny
Hugs Jules x.
Another one
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/22-more-patients-accuse-retired-norwell-pediatrician-dr-richard-kauff-of-sex-abuse/ar-AA1kf8HW
Hi ladies,
It’s hard to put into words (without filling the post up with too many expletives) how much I hate these animals in the so called medical profession, all to often women carry the mental scars of this behaviour the rest of their lives, and when they are caught out the charges are diminished in severity the usual one is sexual misconduct “reduced to” misconduct so if it becomes public knowledge nobody will ever know what it was he was actually charged for, if I had my way they would have the words
Rapist or molester tattooed on their foreheads ,Annette said she would go one better and have “I like cock” and put him in a cell with an aggressive homosexual so he would get a taste of his own medicine, I just hope these women get justice and eventually find peace.
Hugs Jules x.
Another sensible article in the Daily Fail looks like the brainwashing campaigns and the bombardment on TV isnt working as well as they thought it would:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12783637/Cervical-screening-uptake-plummets-10-year-low-One-three-women-skipped-vital-smear-test-protects-against-cancer.html
Have a good weekend all,
Jess
Hello everyone, it’s been great to read that in some countries, the situation seems to be slowly but surely improving (birth control pills being available over the counter without a need for unrelated invasive screening, self-testing options being made available to women, some countries realizing that this excessive screening is unwarranted and that maybe women should have bodily autonomy in medical settings (I know, revolutionary, right), etc.).
Unfortunately, here in the Czech Republic, there’s still no change, at all. Well, at least I found a provider where I can get birth control pill receipts online without having to be forcibly examined first, but I wonder at which point they will get shut down, since it’s only that one place. So when that happens, I guess I’m not going to take birth control anymore, since I don’t want to be forced into these exams. Woohoo, such freedom, feel really great to be a woman.
(I myself had to do it since the age of 16 because I wanted to access birth control and I don’t wish this on the next generation of young girls… it’s very depressing).
Also, I got an e-mail today from my health insurance company pestering me specifically about cervical cancer screening, because of course, that’s the only part of me that matters, aside from my breasts.
What I find most horrifying is that 15 year old girls are still being told that they should get gynecological exams every year starting at that age. At least in most other countries, it’s ages 18+ and they leave very young girls alone. Yeah, not creepy at all.
I also stopped the pill in my late 20s due to the demands of doctors who wouldn’t just give me a script without a breast exam, internal and pap smear. Holding my contraception to ransom. The GP I saw as an 18 year old was insisting I have breast exams….at 18.
OMG I just googled “cervical screening in the Czech Republic and it shocking that any female over the age of 15 is offered not just a cervical smear but a full on internal examination every year (thankfully the transvaginal scan is optional). That is morally wrong as at that age the pressure to get it done must be intense and your not old enough to make your own informed decision.
Yeah, “offered”. What it means that everyone who wants birth control gets subjected to the speculum, pap smear, doctor’s fingers (yeah, this exam is still done here, sadly) and the vaginal ultrasound is unfortunately also mostly done, except for some old practices that don’t have it, but those are a minority now. It’s all extremely invasive and you’re supposed to undergo it every year. No, thanks.
And this continued for years, until I got to my 30s, had a very painful experience, and started doing my own research. I feel a lot of anger looking backwards.
And I totally agree with you, Jess – it’s horrible that young girls are being pushed into this. I remember that at the age of 16, I had no idea what’s going on (no one tells you why these exams are done and what even is done).
A vaginal ultrasound every year? WHAAT?
I was reading how they tell women having a transvaginal ultrasound (vaginal ultrasound) that it only goes ‘a short way in’ so don’t worry.
That’s bullshit because it you look it up on the net, they put the probe all the way into your vagina right up against your cervix. It’s the same as sex.
I’ve always refused transvaginal. No way in hell.
I’m so sorry! It does not at all sound like you consented to them!
When I was 16 my parents described me as a “difficult” child, when I went to go on the pill and a cervical smear was practically forced on me when I wanted my next three months of the pill I thanked my lucky stars that I was branded difficult and many years on I still have never had one and never will. Thankfully the screening age in the UK has been raised to 25 but even so a lot of women are coerced in having one even now.
Hi ladies,
Wishing all the incredible women on the site a marvellous Christmas and a happy new year.
Hugs from Jules and Annette xx.
Thanks Jules, Annette, and Kat! Just a note Jules and Annette that for some reason I’ve yet to figure out the thumbs up button on your comment box isn’t working. I’ve tried clicking it a few times and it isn’t sticking.
I too wish all the amazing women on this site a happy holiday! It seems collectively we’ve been making some progress 🙂
Thanks Jules and Annette,❄️ I join you in the same message! This is Kat Rehman btw, I kinda “changed my image lol!”
Thanks, Sue, and I just tried clicking the like button for your comment and that’s sticking too, so please take a like from me anyway, and thanks for all that you do xx
Thanks Kat! Now the previous comments thumbs ups are working again but your most recent one isn’t. Please take one from me too 🙂
Hey there everyone! hope all is well! So i finally wrote a book about all my bad doctor experiences in the USA! it is self published at Barnes and Noble. Right now, i have just an e-book, but a print version is in the works. This book includes my experience at the gyno, which is unfair and very bad. Please if you can spend the $5.00 to check out the e-book! https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/doctor-experiences-jacqueline-lisella/1144576158?ean=2940185965191
Just wanted to share an interesting observation I noticed on the MSN homepage this past week. There was a piece on prostate diseases (no doubt due to King Charles’ recent condition) along with an illustration of a man in a very degrading position undergoing a procedure. Someone actually complained about it in the comment section. I guess people are used to women being pictured with their legs in stirrups and their breasts clamped in mammogram machines, but the first time a man is pictured in a humiliating position, it’s offensive!
– Judy
I missed this which is a shame as I would have commented that it made a change to see a man being humiliated by then medical profession instead of a woman. When my husband turned 50 he was offered a routing prostrate exam by his GP when he went for something else and he said he was surprised at how eager they were to push this onto him and he had to be pretty firm in his response that it wouldn’t be happening.
Jess
Jess that’s interesting, one wonders if incentive payments are being introduced to try to get men to take up the offer of a finger up the bum!?
Jess and Kat
In the US at least, there seems to be an uptick in prostate cancer screening, which doctors in the past have been very cautious about recommending. In our for-profit system, more is always better and the almightly dollar rules. It wouldn’t surprise me if this trend is catching on in the UK as well.
-Judy
Hi ladies ,
All they have to do is give them the same spiel they give us, that the doctor has done this a thousand times and seen it all before ,it’s routine for them no need for embarrassment , it may be a little uncomfortable but it shouldn’t hurt as they introduce fingers and instruments into them , they should just suck it up and let the doc do his thing, I absolutely love karma.
Hugs Jules x.
Exactly Jules while totally they miss the point, it’s not about them and what THEY think, it’s about US the poor patient
Hi ladies,I don’t really know where to start with this one , a former model turned actress called poonam Pandey from India who has almost one and a half million Instagram followers , has had to make a grovelling apology after it was announced she had died from cervical cancer, and then two days later turned up fit and well and said the reason for the death announcement was her way of bringing the illness into the public spotlight , sparking a major backlash over her attention seeking behaviour, but this attention whore has been in constant controversy in the past she announced she would strip naked on national television if India won the cricket World Cup, arrested for trespassing on government property, arrested for what was described as an objectionable video, and flouting COVID laws.to actually take it as far as she did and having her death announced just leaves me lost for words, I know I shouldn’t wish harm on others but if there was was such a thing as karma and I were her I would start to worry.
hugs Jules x.
Absolutely hideous stunt, whoever came up with this idea really didn’t think it through. I thought it was awful.
This is one you can take to your husbands. The DRE is as asinine as the pap scrape. From a 2021 Renal & Urinary News article, DRE is 28% accurate with many false outcomes vs PSA blood test. If one does have prostate cancer the DRE can force cancer into the bloodstream. Just a bad poke in a dark place.
No. Let her have her dose of karma. Let her suffer through a false result outcome. Let her suffer the pressure we do. And if she’s maimed, let’s see what she has to offer to the public afterwards. Will it be another cry of wolf?
Daily fail today, ladies, now it seems women who are or who have been infected with HPV, are more likely to go on to suffer with heart problems. One wonders if it’s another way to boost uptake of smears and the vaccine…..or if there’s anything in it. It won’t persuade me to have a smear though!!
My husband is a sex abuse survivor in a hospital setting by women. He was very clear and emphatic to his Harassing Moronic Organization or HMO. He sent them data from the 2021 Renal & Urinary News article by two doctors discussing why the DRE is more harmful than good.
He told them he will refuse to even discuss it.
It will never happen again.
DRE 28% accuracy even worse than pap scrape.
And look up the article. Google “time for DRE to go away” or “time to say goodbye to the DRE”. No more poking in the dark.
this is random, but I just saw a piece in the Liverpool Echo, the silent cancer that can take years to diagnose, there was the stock pic of the nurse holding the smear brush and test tube but the cancer is thyroid???
Hi Everyone,
One of my friends got her “summons” for cervical screening back in October and naturally it went straight into the recycling bin. Last week a reminder summons came which also went in the bin and she is now opting out. If you dont opt out do you get a third summons or do they stop hassleing you after the second and leave it for three years?
Jess.
I received a summons after registering at a new surgery. I opted out right away and never heard anything else again. They’re not supposed to harass people who have formally opted out (doesn’t mean they don’t but they really shouldn’t)
Jess think it depends! Before I opted out, sometimes they’d leave it, sometimes I’d get more and more letters, sometimes they’d call asking me to book an appointment, even after I opted out,my GP would still raise it til I reminded him it was illegal under GDPR to continue to hassle and opted out person…..?! Let us know how your friend gets on, happy to hear someone else is opting out too!!😸
Good evening All,
A post was recently shared on Reddit highlighting the very issues and misinformation in gynecology you all speak of. It’s a long post, but please check it out if you have time and make sure to share with other women and men. If more women are informed, maybe things will begin to change for the better in women’s healthcare. Take care. Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/Wedeservebetter/comments/1bfko7v/whats_in_the_dark_shall_come_to_light/
Jos Trust has gone into administration:
The closure of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust | Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust (jostrust.org.uk)
Wow. Who will send pink leaflets out now?
This is terrific news! The local papers and also the UK national press thrived off this patronising, bullying charity, never ceasing to tell us women how to run our lives and forever scolding us to get that screening done, as it only takes a few minutes and it’s completely painless. Endless stories of how stupid women are to put off that test, and the usual victim with weeks to live because she was too silly to go, so she deserves it. How on earth will women cope without their helpline? Glad to see this gone.
This is huge news. I never ever thought I would see this happen. They harassed and gaslit women into being terrified of their bodies for over 2 decades.
this news made my day woo hoo!!
hi kat,
it might’ve made your day, I think it’s made my year so tonight I’m going to get
DRUKN. Hic !
hugs Jules x
Just seen an article in the Daily Fail about this, comments are now closed sadly. It bemoans the fact Jo’s Tosh (credit to Adawells for the name) is closed and said that the number of women coming forward for smears will plummet, ignoring the fact even with the charity attendance was dropping!! The same paper also published an article that a tampon has been developed that will diagnose HPV. Haven’t we had a home teat for years and how likely are they ever to move away from the traditional smear done by the nurses??
Sydney, Australia: Marble Research
“Dear Valued Candidate,
We are conducting a study into the beliefs, attitudes and behaviours towards cervical screening in Australia today. This research is being sponsored by the Australian Government to better understand how to increase cervical screening rates. Research is being done with people that have never participated in cervical screening before, as well as those that have. The aim of this research is to include a diverse audience with varied experiences. The research and the information collected will never be used for discriminatory purposes.
The following questionnaire will help us understand whether you can take part in the research. The answers you provide to this questionnaire are private. Your answers to the questionnaire will never be associated to your personal information (i.e., name, phone number, email) to anyone else besides the research recruiter (only for the purpose of contacting you to participate).”
Incentive is $100AUD.
In a moment of weakness for funds, I signed up to be contacted, but I really hope they don’t contact me, because it immediately brought me back to anxiety attacks. Context: I had a GP who was a sweet talker who manipulated and manipulated me into the test. I never gave in, but it made me fear my body.
Back in 2010, I had a survey done with the above, and a range of ridiculous campaign methods were used e.g. “for the sake of your family…”. It was written in Mandarin, to sell to us Asians who may be traditional in their upbringing cue: stereotypes. Very out of touch to say the least.
I have also learnt that ‘No’ is a complete sentence. I once had a GP who pressed me for a reason, but I knew they’d attack that reason.
With elective tests, everyone else other than the woman, should be impartial and there should never ever be interest in raising rates etc.
hi ladies,
.simply freaking amazing, a new cancer test for men’s prostate cancer is being developed in the USA , all that’s involved is an at home saliva test. This is because many men find the current test of a finger up the bum too distressing and humiliating, obviously the medical world have gone out of their way to accommodate their wishes, shame they don’t show the same concerns for the female population that have to endure far worse intrusion .
hugs Jules x.
Hi ladies,
get ready for it, another cervical cancer awareness week starting on june 17th to the 23rd .
hugs Jules x.
Pass me the sick bucket now…..
I was on holiday for most of the time but I didn’t see or hear anything about Cervical Cancer Awareness Week – thankfully!!
I didnt see that vile TV commercial either.
Jess I’ll race you to the vomit bucket!!
Hi ladies,
I’m wondering how much of an impact the awareness week will have following the demise of the disgusting Jo’s charity, they’ve always been one of the front runners in this appalling scam hopefully it tails off to be quiet insignificant this time round.
Hugs Jules x.
Hey there, just wondering if someone has any information about the medications used for abortion before 10 weeks, mifepristone – misoprostol? Asking for a friend in need! I think I saw some comments about this a long time ago but can’t find them.
Daily fail today ladies, a urine test has been developed that is accurate predicting CC. Obviously though it requires thorough testing so as usual it’s business as usual with the speculum and brush
sorry should read HPV not CC
Remember me talking about the Trovagene Urine Based HPV test from 2012? Is this like that one? Is it OTC or by Rx only?
daily fail today ladies, it seems finally they’re rolling out self testing
Just when you thought cervical screening couldn’t get any more stupid or desperate to entice women in, well meet the Living Well bus! Yes girls that s right you can go an get screened when on the move. this video made me feel both sick and in fits of laughter at the same time. Its on a par with the child catchers cage in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!
Living Well Bus – Cervical Screening Programme – Sefton (youtube.com)
I could not make this up!
Jess
It’s Cat&Mouse here.
Tell me more about the “new” urine test advertised in Daily Fail.
I have trouble believing they have the space and supplies on a bus of that size to ensure hygiene and prevent cross contamination. How many used speculums are on the bus by the end of the day?
I just hope that it’s not an open top bus like they use for the tourist’s in London , I think it would raise more than eyebrows for people looking out of their apartment windows .
hugs Jules x.
Jess you know what I’m going to say don’t you?? Vomit bucket!?
OMG Jess that bus is gross!!! I watched the first couple of minutes of it and it reminded me with those Yorkshire accents of the car scene in “Rita, Sue, and Bob Too” . Who in their right mind would degrade themselves that much to drop ’em in the back of a van in a public car park.??? Euughhh.
Puts a whole new twist on getting rear ended.
Hi there to all you informed women. I have a question and hoping someone has some information. A close friend of mine was prescribed Ativan and soon after she stopped getting her period. She’s thinking of going to a gynecologist about this, but is wondering if the Ativan could have something to do with her period suddenly stopping. She’s too young for it to be menopause. Does anyone know anything about the impact Ativan can have on menstruation? Thanks in advance and take care, Sue
Sue: https://www.benzoinfo.com/women/
all the benzodiazepines including Ativan can affect periods. Also could your friend be upset or stressed, which can also affect periods. I hope she’s feeling better soon x
Wow, thank you Kat! The site you linked provides excellent information and I’m sure my friend will find this very interesting. It’s the only site that mentions menstrual irregularities as one of the side effects of Ativan. If you look at side effects of Ativan specifically, both short and long term, there are many side effects mentioned but none in relation to menstruation. This is eye opening and disturbing because I wonder how many women end up with a misdiagnosis after seeing their doctor. The article states benzodiazepines are rarely considered as a potential cause, with women potentially being put on hormone therapy or worse having a hysterectomy. Great find Kat 🙂
thank you Sue! I personally think there’s a lot doctors don’t tell us about all different types of medicines, whatever conditions they’re for! I really hope your friend is better soon x
I agree Kat, there’s probably a lot we’re not told. I wonder if doctors themselves are even aware of some of the side effects. If my friend still wants to see a gynecologist at least now she’ll be much better informed thanks to your link!
hi ladies ,
sorry I haven’t been around for a while, life has been so busy, but I still keep eyes on the the fweo site and the people I have come to love.
but I have to comment on something I read on the independent website on 30th august 24, about sexual misconduct by healthcare workers including doctors, paramedics and pharmacists, the pharmacist in question took a customer into a back room of the premises and conducted a vaginal exam ! absolutely unbelfuckingleavable the story reports that investigations and convictions have increased from 124 in the years 2020-2021 to 249 in the period 2023-2024. So hold tight onto your knicker waistband if you need to visit one of these “people”.
hug’s Jules x.
Hey Jules!! Always here.
Hopefully, and prayerfully, women of all ages are realizing finally, since The Pill went OTC and we aren’t all Pap Trapped, the shit that doctors etc pull will be reported and actions taken.
It has to stop and boundaries need to be established. Yeah, finally.
You’re in the UK, right? Are you worried about the amount of Islamists taking over government there and the no-go zones? It seems we are getting rid of oppression and discrimination in the doctors’ offices while having to tolerate it again even worse in public.
Is the pill really otc in the UK? In the US you can only get the mini pill and plan B over the counter.
Hey Jules! Yes I am sooo skeptical that we can simply walk into a drug store and get a pharmacist to write an rx for the pill without an internal exam. Right now the cvs website lists these states as being places where you can get prescribed by a pharmacist: California, Idaho, Washington, Hawaii, Michigan, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Montana and Massachusetts. They don’t say anything about an internal exam. In my experience if they don’t outright mention it won’t happen, you’re getting it, or at least they will try. Maybe someone that has used these services can enlighten us.
Hi anonymous,
yep we sure can, it’s taken decades and now it’s finally here, on November 17th 2023 pharmacies throughout the Uk are now allowed to issue the combined pill without a prescription from a doctor, the only check they give is a blood pressure test and a questionnaire (seven questions) it’s made available to any female 16 and over free of charge, around a year earlier the mini pill was made available without a “doctor’s check “ from the pharmacy but was charged for, £28 for 3 months, a little concerning that doctors held on to their little checks for so long when it looks like they were never needed in the first place. I wonder why!
I don’t blame you for being skeptical, since women’s healthcare has been so very oppressive for so long. However, I don’t believe an exam is required to get a pill prescription from a pharmacist in those states (my state is one of them – Massachusetts). Likely it’s just a blood pressure check and perhaps a questionnaire. If a GYN exam is required, the woman would have to go to a medical office for one, and that defeats the whole purpose. In addition, there are online sites (Lemonaid, etc.) where a pill prescription may be obtained without an exam. There has been some progress with still a long way to go before women are treated as adults with bodily autonomy by the healthcare profession.
Judy
Hi Anonymous ! Just seen your comments. I’m in Wales, but before I moved here I lived in SE England in a. Town that was the birthplace of Steven Yaxley Lennon aka Tommy Robinson and also of the now banned Islamic group Al Muhajirun. I never call Yaxley Lennon Tommy as I grew up with the real Robinson family who are legends. Personally I never saw any threat of Muslims taking over the government. I remember Yaxley Lennon once overturning a table inn the town centre when I was helping a Stop the War stall. He’s worked on his public image a bit since then since then. Personally I lived for years in a mainly Muslim area and never had any problems though I realise I’m just one person. I think this country has more pressing issues such as housing and poverty to combat. What do other UK ladies think?
I agree, much more pressing issues and I don’t see Muslims taking over anything. I do think there is a discussion to be had around immigration and resources but that’s not faith or culture specific.
I have no issue with anyone in the community practicing their faith, or holding office but I cannot see the UK public accepting any Shariah type rules or policy EVER. I also don’t see anyone trying to impose it so it’s a non-issue and one people like to wheel out to whip up hysteria.
I largely ignore any mention of Tommy Robinson as his followers are generally meatheads who can’t articulate what their problems or desired changes are.
Uk ladies have you seen the latest? In an attempt to shake up the NHS , women using the NHS App will receive emails and texts to remind them about their due/overdue breast screening tests, and make it easier to book appointment. I think they plan to do away with the “invitation” letters to save money. In the spring they are rolling it out to include smear testing. Let’s hope they have a plan for the opted out…….
Hi Kat. I hope you are ok. It’s been a long time since I posted. I think of you all often. I’ve just had a text with a link to a survey asking me why I don’t have breast screening. l laughed and then deleted it. Too intrusive I thought.bits my business why I don’t have it. And then I remembered you all so thought I would post. Love you all my dear warriors of the truth. Love Linda xx
Hi Linda
I hope you don’t mind my jumping in since you mentioned wonderful Kat. Just wanted to say it’s nice to see you and hope you’re doing well.
Judy
Linda hi! I often wondered how you were doing. I’m so glad you’re good. I owe you a big thank you for finding me on another site and directing me here. So now they’re on about breast screening. They really don’t give up do they? And Judy hi too. Thanks for your kind words. May 2025 really be a brilliant year for all of us! Love Kat
Hi Linda,
so glad you posted, wonderful to hear from from you .
love and hugs Jules and Annette xx.
the article was in our beloved Daily Fail if anyone has the guts to check it out lol…..
I will look for this with baited breath (rolls eyes), I ditiched the NHS at the end of the pendemic as I am not having that trawling through my phone at my data. Changing sthe subject slightly one of my friends who hasnt opted out but rips the letters up when they arrive said she hasnt had another reminder since her last two. Either they have given up or someone else said the open exeter system has been switched off and its replacement isnt working properly
https://www.csas.nhs.uk/support/
This is where to get the form to cease on the new system.
Jan x
just spotted something online. The Princess of Wales is hosting her carol concert and the article states she is returning to duties after pre cancerous cells and abdominal surgery! Wonder if it was cervical?
Hi ladies,
well girls it’s that that time of year again, and it does appear that times are changing and headway has been made in the fight to be heard, so at some point over the holiday raise a glass to yourself, and wear a smug smile for the day , and for Sue the founder of fweo bask in your incredible achievements I’m in no doubt the site has been invaluable to thousands of women over many years you are to be commended and applauded, many many thanks, as for the rest of you myself and Annette wish you the very best Christmas and a wonderful new year.
hugs Jules and Annette xxx.
Thanks very much Jules and Annette. It was such a wonderful gift to see your thoughtful message and to be reminded that times are indeed changing. This site has had the privilege of being visited by wise women with warrior spirit who collectively have helped bring about that change. Over the past 12 years we’ve been graced with the presence of informed women, Elizabeth, Alice, Chrissy, Kate, Kat, Beth, Judy, Linda, Apocalyptic Queen, Ozphoenix, Ada, Alex, Kiwicelt, Kleigh, Demonhype, and you Jules and Annette, and many more. I love that in addition to courage and wisdom you share in the desire to protect others from harm, going to the effort to put yourself out there. Thank you. I hope you’re all doing well and that you have a wonderful Christmas.
Sue xoxo
Hi everyone!
Merry Christma, and thank you for all the awesome informed discussion, and the mention.
This has been my safe place for many years, and I hope it remains so for many to come.
Have a safe, medical-free Christmas!
Hugs,
Ozphoenix. 🙂
thanks, Jules Annette and Sue! May I wish you and all the other women on this brilliant site a Happy restful Christmas and a brilliant new year’s! Please help me celebrate 2 milestones in 2025; had I stayed in the cervical screening programme, 2025 would have seen my last ever smear (61)
Also 2025 marks 25 years, quarter of a century, since my last smear test! Raise a glass! Kat xx
Not sure if this is the right thread in which to ask this question, but has anyone else in the USA been bombarded with unsolicited and unwanted emails or regular mailings about smears, checks, “wellness” exams and such after a Dr. appointment for an unrelated reason? The main hospitals/medical provider groups in my city all use an electronic records system called MyChart and it seems that once you’ve had an appointment for an unrelated reason, such as a sore throat or ear infection, you suddenly get bombarded with correspondence about smears, “wellness” exams and so on. Multiple times a week, in fact.
As a person who has tremendous health anxiety due to the loss of both of my parents, I find these unwanted messages very triggering, upsetting and intrusive. Anyone else feel this way?
Cat and Mouse here. Yes, I too have several doctors who rely on MyChart. You are certainly right that MyChart has an AI that harasses women about pap scrapes, mammograms, and other “yearly” BS.
There are individuals at your local doctor’s office behind the nagging messages. When I experienced this, I immediately began fighting back and demanding it stop although it took a few weeks before the office realized I meant business. At first I was diplomatic and tried to explain what I knew and that I could decide for myself what I wanted. I informed the office that I had previously had the Trovagene Urine Based HPV test and would not be pap scraping ever again. I demanded that MyChart minded its own business. None of that worked. Instead I was peppered with both syrupy happy encouragement and also veiled threats of what might happen if I continued to resist. The harassment became nearly constant.
Finally I got crude and angry. I told them to shove their recommendations. I used four letter words to describe how I really felt. I called the office and made it perfectly clear the messaging would be stopped immediately or I would be filing a complaint with the State Boards. That did it. It stopped.
Don’t give up. This BS on MyChart is AI driven. If you want it to stop then make your doctor’s office uncomfortable. Make their ears feel pain every time you are messaged.
Yes! A lot of this is due to the fact that many individual medical offices in the US have been bought up by large hospital systems, all of which are extremely profit driven. A couple of years ago I had a Zoom call scheduled to discuss my high blood pressure. Enclosed with the instructions for the call was a list of gynecologists where I was to choose one and make an appointment (I didn’t). I also had a doctor where I had an appointment scheduled put in an order for a mammogram before I even met her, and I was bombarded with emails and texts. Needless to say, I cancelled that appointment and haven’t been to any doctor since (I’ve been able to fill my script from online medical services, which many would say isn’t the smartest, but I’m just so over the healthcare system and how it views women’s bodies as cash cows). To make a long story short, I also find it very upsetting and triggering!
Judy
Brace yourselves UK Ladies as UK Cervical Cancer Awareness Week hits us later this month including the return of that purile advert on ITV. If Icould appear on that advert and say why I’m having it done it would go something like:
“I’m having it done has I have been bullied into it by the receptionist”
Thoughts please ladies….
Jess.
I’m having it done because the nurse is standing in front of the door and won’t take no for an answer.
OR…
I’m dependent on medication for my autoimmune disease which they refuse to refill otherwise.
OR…
I’m tired of fighting, they wore me down and to preserve my energy I acquiesced this one time and now blame myself.
OR…
I simply got tricked being a teen, or older person, or cognitively disabled person, etc.
how about ; my GP wouldn’t look at my bunions until I had a smear test to rule out cervical cancer!? I’d completely forgotten another cervical hysteria event was coming up….
Jess you devil!!
“I’m having it done so I cam boast about it on Youtube!”
Cat & Mouse here.
Did you give in to the Pap Scrape Bully or stand your ground?
Hi Oz,
only just noticed your post, hope you’re well and life is good.
hugs Jules and Annette xx.
ive seen a few things about cervical hysteria week from the Eve Appeal and our beloved Daily Fail. The new tactics seem to be that women are unaware they can ask for adjustments, like changing position or a smaller speculum. They don’t know they can stop the test at any time. They don’t know they can book a double appointment and break the ice with the nurse first. And obviously if you don’t turn up then you’re risking your life
It’s hilarious how they’re always trying a new tactic with different reasons women don’t go and the attendance stats never improve.
Surely one day they’re going to realise it’s because women don’t want to? In my experience, women generally make time for things they want to do.
Caroline so true ! I just finished pi***** myself laughing. Our beloved Daily Fail run a story about how to make a smear test easier. Some two bit celebrity is going to listen to Harry Styles at her next smear! You honestly can’t make it up! What next? Listen to God save the King, lie back and think of England!?
It doesn’t matter what celeb says what, I’m never going for a smear! I’m 50 years old now and never fell for the pap crap. Loud and proud.
Ozphoenix 🙂
Hi ladies,
Hey Kat , to be honest I haven’t heard anything about it this time around, but they are right about some stuff like the part where you can stop the test at any time , i stopped mine years ago.
hugs Jules x.
I have just seen on the BBC website, from 1 January this year, that beauty salon staff in places with low smear test uptake like Hull, have been “trained” to have discussions with clients about the importance of smears!
Elsewhere, I guess the Daily fail piece is positive in that it now admits smears can be excruciatingly painful for some, but I’m just sick of the same old same old. Just roll out self testing and be done with it
Hi Kat ,
As I’ve mentioned in previous posts I work in a salon , thankfully nobody has approached us to badger customers into submitting to testing, if this were the case I’m afraid the info that I would relay would be of a different version of their narrative.
love Annette xxx.
Hi ladies,
It seems Peter andre’s wife a gp or former gp (can’t be bothered to check) has been preaching on her Instagram account about the importance of attending testing (yawn) personally I think she should devote her spare time to something more important instead of this constant drivel .
hugs Jules x.
UK ladies,, just seen in several newspapers including our beloved Daily Fail, that for the first time ever, the Breast screening service will be advertising on TV and radio, and a few female celebrities including newsreaders who have had breast cancer and survived have written open letters to women asking them to “accept” their “invitations” for breast screening. Rates of acceptance are at all time low for some reason. The Daily Fail are saying it’s because we’re too embarrassed to take off our tops and bras, and we are too scared of the pain of the mammogram; does any of this sound like familiar tactics with another type of screening!?
No matter: I’m nearly 61, never had a mammogram and never will. Because I’m too scared of the over treatment rates and nothing about having delicate tissue compressed and nuked several times over 20 years or whatever strikes me as a good idea….
the above comment was from Kat, no idea why it put me anonymous
Hello, wonderful women. Just a quick question. I’ve managed to evade pelvic screening tests, but now my doctor is pushing statins on me, primarily because of my age (60) and slightly elevated LDL cholesterol. I am healthy and have no genetic history of heart disease in my family. Has anyone else had to deal with this? Thank you!
Mary
Mary; again it’s your decision. Just say no. Maybe look online and print out a few bits and take them with you? Though a simple No should suffice.
A few years ago I was diagnosed with sky high blood pressure and refused medication. I managed to get it down to just above normal by myself. Doctor didn’t try to persuade me to take the meds which I found hilarious. When it was refusing smears I never heard the end of it til I pointed out it’s illegal under GDPR Data protection to continue to hassle an opted out person. !! Just say NO
Thanks so much, Kat!
Mary
Hi everyone,
I’m Julia, 53, and I just wanted to introduce myself and share my story because, honestly, I’m so relieved to have found a place where other women feel the same way I do. For years, I thought I was the only one who felt like this—that I was being difficult or overreacting. But after reading some of the posts here, I realise I’m not alone.
My first smear test was in 1990, when I was 20. I’d barely even heard of cervical screening back then, let alone understood what it was about. I got a letter saying I was ‘due’ for one, and like a good little patient, I made the appointment, not really knowing what to expect.
Well, I soon found out.
I turned up to my GP surgery, thinking it would be like any other check-up. Instead, I was taken into a room with a male doctor (I hadn’t been told beforehand it would be a man) and a female nurse. He said they would be doing a smear test and a breast examination. I remember feeling my stomach drop, but I was young and too embarrassed to question it.
For the last 33 years, I’ve been pressured into attending smears, year after year. Every few years, the letters come, telling me I’m ‘due’ again. If I ignore them, more letters follow. If I still ignore them, I get phone calls from the surgery, even texts. If I go in for anything else—a routine GP appointment, a blood test, even a prescription review—I get the same old speech: “You’re overdue for your smear.” As if I owe them my body.
The worst part? Even when I’ve gone along with it, I’ve never been treated like I have a choice. No one ever asked if I was comfortable. No one ever told me I could say no. It was just assumed I would comply. And for years, I did—because that’s what we’re conditioned to do, isn’t it?
Well, not anymore.
I’ve finally had enough. I’ve seen so many stories of women being bullied into this, and I refuse to be one of them any longer. I’m done. I’m opting out of the UK cervical screening programme, and I wish I’d done it years ago. I’m not against screening for those who want it, but I am sick to death of the way women are pushed into it, manipulated, and made to feel like we have to do it.
So that’s my story. If you’ve ever felt the same way, I’d love to hear from you. It’s about time we started standing up for our right to say no.
Julia
I had a very similar experience. I’ve just turned 55, and at 20 I went to my GP (which happened to be my parents’ doctor), also a male who proceeded to tell me I needed a breast exam (are we routinely doing breast exams on 20 year olds?) and a smear. I was so mortified, again like you, too young and too compliant to question it. I was bullied and harassed for the next 20 years, then I decided I could say no. If people want to have them, great, but I wish we got to a place with the medical profession where they accept bodily autonomy and the fact we don’t HAVE to have anything. I saw a post on Insta the other night about a girl being terrified of being weighed at the GP, my comment was ‘just say no’ and she was incredulous to the fact she could do that.
Hi Anonymous,
I had gone on the pill a few weeks before I got my letter, and it was made clear to me that I wouldn’t be given any more pills unless I had a smear, and when I did go along I was made to feel that by taking the pill almost quadrupled my chance of getting breast cancer, so my top half would be inspected as well, when I came out from behind the curtain I don’t think I have ever felt more self concious or embarrassed, the Dr and Nurse made me feel even worse afterwards as I was the only woman they had seen that afternoon that said that having a smear taken was painfull.
May I take this opportunity to wish everyone well on this International Women’s Day?
You are all amazing and informed women.
Welcome Julia and Anonymous to this amazing site
An especial thanks to you, Sue, founder of the site!
If you are in the USA they have just approved a self-test for HPV that seems to be similar to the Delphi screener and other self-tests. About time!
Does anyone know if it is possible to get a truly anonymous HPV test in Australia?
A home HPV test kit would be ideal, but I would also be ok with going in person to a clinic as long as I don’t have to identify myself.
Basically I want to do an HPV test to screen for cervical cancer, but I absolutely don’t want any clinic, lab, government, Medicare, or the National Screening Register to grab my personal data. It’s my intimate life, and it’s absolutely essential for me to keep it private. All the promises by the Australian government and the Australian medical system to keep my data “safe”, “secure” and “confidential” are worthless bureaucratic words in my eyes. I want my sensitive private information to be kept only by me, nobody else. I’ve already had my personal data stolen twice: from my doctor’s practice and from my health insurer. That’s enough! Only total anonymity can guarantee total privacy and security.
I understand that I would’t be able to claim such anonymous test through Medicare. And I’m ok with that. My privacy is more important to me than money.
I enquired about this in a few medical centres, and they all refused. They claim that collecting my data is necessary for “maintaining the standards of care” in case a follow-up is needed. Typical lousy bureaucratic excuse! It’s not like I’m asking for some drugs that can be misused, or for a dangerous treatment! Basically they would rather a woman doesn’t test and gets cancer than let her have total privacy and freedom of choice.