Many women are choosing to opt out of pap tests. Unfortunately, some of these women are not having their choices respected by their health care providers and are experiencing coercion.
A poll published on this site asked women three questions related to pap test coercion. Since publication hundreds of women have responded to the poll questions and the results reveal some surprising insights into women’s health care experiences.
The first poll question asked women “Have you felt pressured into having a pap test that you did not want?“. A total of 512 women have responded. The vast majority of women (457 out of 512 = 89.26%) responded that yes, they had felt pressured into having an unwanted pap test.
The second poll question asked “Has your doctor withheld medications or healthcare when you have said ‘no’ to a pap test?“. A total of 442 women have responded. More than half of the women who responded (235 out of 442 = 53.17%) have experienced the withholding of medications or healthcare when they refused a pap test.
The third and final poll question asked “Have you stopped going to doctors because you are worried about being pressured into a pap test?“. A total of 506 women have responded. The majority of women (431 out of 506 = 81.62%) responded that yes, they had stopped going to visit doctors because of concern about being pressured into having a pap test.
The responses reveal that many women are experiencing unwanted pressure to have a pap test, that they are having medications and/or healthcare withheld when they refuse a pap test, and that many have stopped visiting doctors altogether because of concern about being coerced into an unwanted pap test.
The poll is still open and can be accessed here: https://forwomenseyesonly.com/2014/07/30/how-many-women-go-without-health-care-due-to-pap-test-coercion/ The comments underneath the poll reveal further details about women’s experiences related to pap test coercion.
More on this topic:
https://forwomenseyesonly.com/2016/04/23/pap-tests-are-not-mandatory/
https://forwomenseyesonly.com/2014/01/09/pap-test-coercion-getting-more-attention/
https://forwomenseyesonly.com/2012/10/17/what-some-male-doctors-do-when-women-say-no/
https://forwomenseyesonly.com/2014/05/20/pelvic-exams-done-without-consent/
forwomenseyesonly 
Interesting blog you have, thanks for sharing, I will love if you take a look on my blog as well, everything about obstetrics and gynecology Ultrasound, always with the women interest in mind, give your feedback and a follow if you like it, thank you so much and I also want to wish a happy new year!!! http://www.ultrasoundfeminsider.com
I’m sure you mean well, but this website is here to empower women to make informed decisions in a healthcare setting because so often we are not given the full information to give informed consent. Ultrasound is yet one more procedure in women’s health care where false positives abound, potentially leading to further invasive procedures and even unnecessary surgeries. You have written extensively in your blog about what you perceive the advantages to be. If you don’t cover the drawbacks as well, then I’m sorry to say you are part of the problem.
And we’re now 4 days into Cervical Cancer Awareness month. This rare cancer has an entire month dedicated to pumping out pink, fluffy B.S. I’ve noticed a distinct change in the messaging from Jo’s Trust. It’s definitely shifted to ‘we know screening isn’t easy for everyone’, they are definitely shifting message. I assume because the usual clearly isn’t working.
Also the lovely smear for smear to come very soon. I’m looking forward to the social media junk that will be doing the rounds.
I’ve corrected a few people now for using a photo of Jade Goody as their ‘awareness month’ poster girl. Most of my comments have been ignored with those replying ‘well I had pre cancer…’ having praise heaped on them for getting it done. One friend I corrected last night, I know will be looking into it herself after my comment.
Interestingly enough, I deal with gynae referrals at work, recently speaking to a patient who insisted she be seen sooner than the 2-3 weeks I advised as “I have had cervical cancer, you know.” I checked the clinical summary as mistakes do happen and no, she didn’t have cervical cancer, she tested positive for HPV a few years ago. If she’s telling someone with her medical history in front of her that she had cancer then it says a lot for all those popping up on the ‘look at poor Jade’ threads who claim to have ‘survived cancer.’
I know Jade had her cancer missed multiple times but do you know where I can find a solid write up of her situation?
It would be good to throw back at some of the #smearforsmear bullies who are rife online right now.
Caroline…try her own autobiography. She writes in graphic detail…
Thank you. I’m already sick of the smug and I’ll informed “go and get your smear” posts featuring her image!
I am totally against this smearfear campaign that takes place every year. Its aimed at young women. When i was young i wasn’t strong enough to say ‘no’ to my doctor. Like wise these women arn’t able to say ‘no’ either.
Its only when you are older and take stock of things do you say i wish i hadn’t done that.
Are these young women also going to think one day that the NHS got away with ‘raping’ them. Is this how the system works? That it creates victims who look back on their smears as ‘rapes.’
When PHE bleats about choice from time to time they should mean choice. Not keep creating these ‘awareness’ campaigns all the time.
My friend tells me that one school she was at before Christmas a couple of nurses went in one day to talk about the benefits of smears when they are older. They are now about ‘capturing’ 16 year olds into their mindset. I call it brainwashing. I wish i’d been in that classroom!
Linda, I wish you’d been in that classroom too!
I hate schools and workplaces pushing the screening “message” – it’s never balanced, always promoting screening. I’ve heard of some offices inviting someone from the breast screening program to come in and inform women on the benefits of screening.
I think women may feel pressure to attend or explain to workmates why they don’t want to attend, that’s unacceptable, screening should be a personal decision, a private matter.
My husband was concerned when it happened in his office, organised by a woman at another firm “saved” by the program – he explained to his partners that breast screening is controversial and that the talk didn’t cover over-diagnosis or over-treatment or mention it was also fine not to screen.
He said they were clueless, (apart from a female partner who’d heard about over-diagnosis) having just accepted that it was obviously a good thing for women to do, even though several of them have declined prostate screening. He pointed out from a liability point of view, could it be viewed that the partnership were promoting breast screening?
He certainly didn’t want to promote any sort of screening, it’s a matter for the individual.
It worries me that more businesses and firms are being infiltrated by these programs, it inappropriate.
That’s exactly the fears I was expressing before Christmas! It’s like politics – inviting this sort of thing into schools and offices is insiduous and almost, always bad news. So many strong and opinionated views on the matter that could clash and get out of hand. It’s also a way of chasing and “hunting down” possible dissenters. I can also imagine that it encourages a climate of colleagues asking each other about screening. I don’t know about you, but my private business is mine and mine alone. I wouldn’t feel comfortable discussing this with colleagues nor would I appreciate being grilled about it. Workplaces should be free of this sort of thing. This is sinister and this agenda is designed to follow us into our work and private lives so that there is little escape from the discussion around screening. This should be essentially a patient/ doctor space which is difficult enough to combat as it is. Let us live our private and work lives in peace.
Also, young women are the least likely to develop carcinogenic cc, but the most likely to receive abnormal results leading to overtreatment. They’re only targeting young women because they have become the key to this programme’s survival, and the driving force for its decline (and potential eventual demise), so to win young hearts and minds is to keep the programme alive. But they don’t seem to be doing a great job of reaching out to them in any respectful manner.
https://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/wellbeing/how-jade-goody-s-cancer-developed-82368
15 years old Jade was when she had abnormal cells removed vin 1997…..WHAT! Why the hell are they performing this at such a young age? In 2004 treated for an ovarian cyst! 2006 tested for bowel & ovarian cancer but got all clear! 2007 miscarriage at 12 weeks & then another! Jade had cells removed 3 times & ignored 4th abnormal as afraid of further treatment. 2008 Hysterectomy, chemo/rad but advanced. 2009 kidney blockage. 2009 golfball-sized tumour is removed from Jade’s bowel. she’s admitted to a hospice after suffering hallucinations caused by her medication and operation to remove a bowel blockage!
So….was the cause of death cervical cancer? It may have started this way (possibly) but with all the treatments/Ops/drugs & risks/side effects….I do wonder??
I agree Chas. There was something fishy in all of this. Its not the black and white story the authorities would have us believe. They probably did kill her with all the so call ‘treatments.’
My stepmother died of cancer 4 years ago and I truly believe it wasn’t the cancer that killed her but all these ‘treatments’ they were plying her with.
My Nan was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer 11 years ago. My aunt looked into treatment she was offered and they refused all but the oestrogen blockers which they supplemented with ‘herbal oil’ as they told me it was called. Nan is alive, well, cancer free and probably more active than me as she enters her 89th year.
Chas, I was horrified when I read that Jade had not only been tested when incredibly young but had actually had “abnormal” cells removed from her cervix.
Testing a woman under 25, or even 30, is bad enough, the evidence has made that clear for decades but at 15, it’s horrifying, IMO, it’s medical misconduct.
Pap tests in the 25 and younger age group are very likely to be “abnormal”, I’ve read 1 in 3 will be “abnormal”…it’s the Pap test picking up normal changes in the maturing cervix or transient and harmless infections or inflammation. Early testing so often means early over-treatment.
Jade was used as a example, “look at this silly woman, ignored test results etc.” but I believe the system was a major factor in her death, that early trauma shaped decisions she made later on…
I’ve heard doctors say that promiscuous women should be tested early, not true, no one benefits from early testing. If women want STI testing, non-invasive testing methods should be readily available, along with birth control.
Also, Jade was used to sell pap testing, I think she probably felt pressure to add to that call, but Jade had adenocarcinoma of the cervix, this type of cervical cancer is usually missed by pap testing so once again, they’re happy to mislead women to protect their precious program. In fact, we know some women are reassured by a normal Pap test (false negative) and are later diagnosed with cervical cancer (adenocarcinoma) – the delay in seeing a doctor for symptoms may mean a later diagnosis and poorer prognosis.
By the way, I’m not suggesting Jade was promiscuous or judging her in any way, I don’t know much about her, I know she was on Big Brother but even if she was sexually active at a young age, that should never mean early pap testing and “treatments”.
I think that’s how the system got a hold of lots of young women, with the highly unethical (and possibly more than that…) Pap test requirement for the Pill – medical coercion – if they’d been able to get the Pill at the pharmacist, it would have spared huge numbers from these early, completely unnecessary, harmful and distressing over-treatments.
We all know that early distressing medical experiences change us, it may mean we ignore symptoms, we avoid all medical care – some of us no longer trust the medical profession – medical trauma can last a lifetime, and it can end up costing you your life. I’ve spoken to many women online over the years who were managing their own symptoms or medical conditions – too fearful to see a doctor.
I also don’t like the way women are blamed if they don’t screen and are subsequently diagnosed with cervical or breast cancer – it’s another way they make clear they have zero respect for informed consent or even consent itself in women’s cancer screening.
Yes. I never believed it. Also, a lot of women with CIN are being told that it os early cervical cancer in order to drive up the rates of the rare cancer.
I’ve noticed an alarming number of women recently, usually younger women, absolutely convinced they’ve survived cancer as they had CIN removed.
They’re adamant that’s what their doctor told them. I assumed they were confused but it makes sense that’s what they’re being told. They’re essentially being lied to by medical professionals.
Interesting that the majority of #smearforsmear tweets I’ve seen so far this week have been from businesses and vested medical interests.
It’s only day one but not a lot of women sharing their selfie and quite a lot of push back about the campaign on social media, more than I expected anyway. Jo’s have been very defensive on a couple of occasions.
More of the usual in Daily Fail: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-6617137/Women-told-not-afraid-smear-tests-new-NHS-campaign.html
I am commenting as much as I can. Very frustrating reading what the pro screeners have to say but interesting seeing how many likes our comments are getting. I think things are gradually changing.
Yes, I was surprised just how many upvotes they are getting. I’ve left a few comments and will be on it some more.
Commenting now too under CDNUK. OMG these people on there are clueless! Just goes to show how they have been brainwashed from day one!
Your comments are amazing Chas, have at ’em.
Thank you LOL! As you can see I am on one hell of a rant and jut waiting for them all to jump on me! However, not all of them are getting through? But I’m giving them hell!
Yes Chas, Caroline, Elizabeth brilliant!
Thank God there are informed women to counter the tripe being spewed on there!
I’m late to the party but have started commenting (only noticed the article last night). They’ve all got through and I’ve received a number of upvotes. I’m sickened by one or two males (obviously Jo’s Toss groupies) preaching to women. Also, most of the militant pro-screeners seem to be at least 40+ (not surprising given the fact that it is younger women driving the trend for declining take-up rates).
I was disgusted by the live-stream of the smear. I’m not surprised that the Mail included this image to be honest as let’s be realistic, this sort of image will be gratifying to many male readers. It’s not about encouraging take-up rates on their part at all. Jo’s Toss might find however that this sort of image is outdated and is not at all conducive to encouraging take-up (another own goal right there lol). I wonder, was this video live-streamed from the UK? If so, I wasn’t aware that they had introduced stirrups. If not, I wonder whose idea it was to film her in this fashion and who arranged the set-up? Why would the doctor agree to it? Very disturbing!
Good grief, the Daily Mail is thick. Two photos containing male doctors, one photo depicting a woman spread-eagled in stirrups (not generally used for smear tests in the UK) even though it is abundantly clear that most women would prefer a female smear taker. If they wanted to encourage women to go, then this will produce the complete opposite. 71% of women said in a poll that they were scared. But, says the Mail, women will be told NOT to be afraid. Yes of course that will work! Who pays these cretins to come out with this garbage? As for Jo’s Trust and their smear for smear campaign, I can’t imagine many women having their minds changed by this ridiculous stunt. New campaign, same old crap.
When will the penny drop that this horribly invasive test is unacceptable to a vast number of women?
Ever since Jo’s Tosh came into being about 2005 the numbers attendling have fallen, except for the year Ms Goody died, but they can hardly claim that was their doing. The evidence is clear: they and their campaigns do not work and they are offensive to a lot of women, yet every year it’s all in the same vein. Every year it fails as the new uptake targets continue to decline.
They also claim that women love screening and no one has ever been coerced, threatened or bullied. How is it that attendance has fallen away from the last 21 years if no pressure was ever applied?
I detest these stock photos, they are simply vile.
Let’s look at it as a positive. Another own goal, another potential nail in the coffin for Jo’s Toss’ little awareness raising campaigns!
What gets me is the language… women will be told…We’re adults! Who are they or anyone else to tell us.? Should those afraid if say heights be told to stop being scared?? Grrrr
They emailed me about my comments LOL:-
Thank you for your reader comment for the article linked below. Unfortunately it has not been published because you have posted more than 20 comments in last 24 hours for this article.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-6617137/Women-told-not-afraid-smear-tests-new-NHS-campaign.html
If you want to have an ongoing debate why not use our message boards at http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12194880
Moving in the right direction but only Maori women dislike the smear test apparently and self HPV testing will be introduced for them. They claim twice as many Maori die as NZ European but the stats are approximately 4/100 000 compared to 1.8/ 100 000. Why not tell Joe Public that? Totally disingenuous.
Just shows that those who refuse no matter what, or are considered “non-compliant” command the most respect. They are the ones being offered the less invasive, more dignified method (just like men command more respect for avoiding doctors). It will take more dissenters to change the medical profession’s views.
The Daily Mail kept freezing up on me just as I was hitting to post comments, but at least a lot of them got through. I didn’t realise there was a limit to the posts in 24 hours LOL! Thank you so much everyone for also posting and up voting, absolutely brilliant! If just 1 young woman reads our comments and decides to look further into the tests and its consequences then it would be a job very well done, although I do believe there will be many taking note of is said. Fantastic!
They have stopped accepting any comments….too many of us informed women, we must be damaging the programme for them LOL!
Before having my daughter 11 years ago I had smears as I thought it was a ‘have to’ due to talking with other women and of course doctors. After 2 smears following childbirth were extremely painful due to apparent cervical erosion I decided to decline further testing. I then had letter after letter and phone call after phone call telling me I need to have a smear as I am overdue. When I went to see the doctor on a completely unrelated matter I was told I had to have a smear, let’s do it now. I declined giving my reasons and these were brushed off as being ridiculous “Lots of women have cervical erosion and they still get smears”. I reinforced my stance and a note in capital letters and highlighted in red was put on my file saying “Declined smear. Remind again at next appointment “. This really put me off going to the doctor again as I knew I would have to go through it all again. Recently I had some unusual bleeding over a couple of cycles. I went to a different doctor asking for blood tests or an ultrasound as I believe it is due to either stress or my age. Blood tests were refused as unnecessary and the doctor said you are having a smear now. I felt I had no choice and had one followed by a very invasive pelvic exam. I have been in a lot of pain from this (no pain prior) and have been told that due to my cervix looking raw (doctor said she had made it worse with smear, sorry) and the bleeding I now have to have an internal ultrasound and a variety of other gynaecologist interventions. I want to decline but feel that as I have gone to the doctor with concerns I can’t. I honestly thought I could start with less invasive tests and go from there. Feel sick.
I’m sorry you went through that, Bec.
Very easy for me to write and say, “do this, do that” but I know when it’s you as the patient, it’s a whole different ball game.
Firstly, you have the option to make a complaint about the GP; you’re symptomatic and therefore, there was no clinical indication for a screening test, you should have been offered the route for a diagnostic test. Should you wish to make a complaint, email to the practice manager is the best way to start, escalating to CQC and GMC should it become necessary.
With regard to diagnostics, if you’ve been referred to the gynae service, you can discuss your treatment options with them; what they feel is the optimal way forward for you and their clinical indications for that. There are no ‘have to’s’ and ‘alloweds’ when it comes to your health, treatment is only compulsory if you’re under section of the MHA.
I was in hospital a few weeks ago, horrendous sudden pain in my side which went from 0-end stage childbirth pain within seconds. A scan was performed on my abdomen, then the sonographer said, “and they said they want you scanned internally.” I replied with, “nope, nothing goes up.”
Do you have anyone you can advocate for you in future appointments?
The same thing happened to me. I was clear about being a virgin and that nothing would go in. They still said, if we cannot see on the sonogram, we will do an internal sonogram. I kept all of my clothes on to make sure that there was no chance and they could see clearly that nothing was going on. Still, the doctor said “you look healthy on the scan – now, can I do a pap smear?” I said no and proceeded to ask him something about the scan and he cut me off – “I’ve got to go”. As soon as he realized that he wouldn’t be my first, then he didn’t have time for me.
Bec, I can’t add too much to what Samia’s already said, except I think your practice must be desperate to reach their targets and get their cash reward, they sound incredibly aggressive. You have the legal right to refuse any medical intervention, including screening tests, it’s not something you ‘have’ to do. I understand that there’s a power imbalance in the consult room, and if you really do have a problem you’re afraid that if you don’t give in to doctors demands they’ll refuse to help you. It’s blackmail, an abuse of power.
You have the right to say no, and no obligation to explain yourself. You went to the doctors for help and they bullied you into humiliating, painful procedures which proved totally pointless. You owe them nothing.
Bec,
I too am sorry that you had to go through this. I am in the US, and I too went through 3/4 of a visit with a doctor who was filling in for my regular GP while she’s out on maternity leave. I was in for diabetes follow-up (I actually AM diagnosed with that condition) and hypothyroid (also diagnosed). Instead, there was, “We have to get you a pap test RIGHT NOW!”, even though I’m having no gyn symptoms. He too said that my issues are “ridiculous” and how this could cause my death… like my cervix is going to explode any minute and kill me. He was aghast that I knew what a rare cancer it is – so much so that my chances of dying of CC are lower than being killed by being hit by lightening!
I have a few other health concerns, but they’re not “horrible” now or yet, which I didn’t get to talk about because of this focus on my crotch.
In the mean time, my fighting off what I consider a medicalized rape is taking its toll on my mental health. Stress is a much bigger killer than CC!
Brilliant advice from Samia.
I concur and provided you feel strong enough or ready, I’d advise you to opt out of screening and make a complaint (provided you want to).
You can file a complaint with the GMC (General Medical Council), on the basis that you were under duress to submit and therefore was deprived of the opportunity to make an informed decision. The implication that investigation/ treatment was to be withheld, could support your case.
Remind them of the LEGAL principle of consent in medical settings and that asymptomatic testing is not considered good practice for diagnostic purposes.
Always DEMAND an ultrasound. Leave if they won’t listen.
Bec, I’m so sorry to read your account and it has made me very angry, because I went through very similar bullying to this. I opted out permanently many years ago, (2003), and it stopped all the bullying and reminders. On the rare occasions I saw this GP again she never mentioned it. Samia is right with what she says above. All medical treatment and screening is optional, but your GP sounds like mine was and led me to believe it was something I couldn’t get out of.
You may find the gynae referral a better bunch of people. Make sure you go with a list of questions. Stand your ground and say you want the questions answered first. Don’t remove clothing until you are satisfied your questions have been answered to your satisfaction. Remember it is all optional, if in doubt, say you need more time to think this over. The one advantage opting out gave me, was that they couldn’t touch me while I had that letter. It is utterly shocking that we cannot access the NHS without a smear test and the harassment. These doctors need to be told, they are breaking the law. Are you able to change GP and get on someone elses list?
Bec, a screening test is totally inappropriate for a symptomatic woman, you could never rely on the result, it’s too unreliable, your symptoms should have been addressed. Sounds like they took the opportunity to get you screened, it’s disgraceful the way some doctors, nurses and receptionists behave when it comes to smear tests.
We don’t see the same irrational attitudes and conduct with other screening tests. I’m sorry you were put through that…
I tend to interview doctors, I’ve only been referred to a few medical specialists, (and I’m almost 61) but when I have, I see it as an interview process – I do my reading, ask my questions, then I ask myself: can I work with this doctor? It helps to even up the power dynamic too.
Also, even in symptomatic, an ultrasound should always be attempted first. Too many places will trick the woman into a pelvic exam and then say “oh, we can’t see the ovaries that way anyway” AFTER the woman is already damaged. Always demand an ultrasound first and leave any place that does otherwise.
Women need to be wary too of the technician who says they can’t see whatever so a TVU will be necessary – if you’re uncomfortable or unsure, ask for another technician.
I think it can be very convenient and safe for a predatory technician to make the claim.
I’ve heard of a few examples over the years, including a woman who was told a TVU would be necessary, she asked for a female tech if that was the case, the female walked in, had no issue at all, TVU was unnecessary.
Thanks to each of you for your great advice and support. I’m sorry to hear of your experiences also. Yes, I did wonder why I was being screened when I presented with symptoms but thought the doctor must know best!! Thanks to this forum and doing some further reading I feel more empowered now and will ask for further information, options and risks as well as benefits before agreeing to any further testing of any kind. I just have to be strong and confident in myself as it is my body and my choice. THANKYOU AGAIN.
Another day another daily fail article named and shamed the surgeries mainly in London where over 3/4 women did not attend their smear test….
Kat, this is pure Nazism, but what you’d expect from a rag like the DM. It’s disgusting that these surgeries are being named. In my city there are 2 surgeries that have very low uptakes of about 25%. Reasons: One is the homeless surgery where 90% must be male patients, leaving only a handful of women, the other is the university practice itself which must be 90% under screening age, and therefore a very small population of eligible women. It might just mean that 15 of those 20 registered don’t want it. These 2 surgeries affect the overall uptake figure for the city and make it quite low that I’ve seen calls to tackle uptake in these 2 surgeries. Utterly appalling that the few decliners in these surgeries are going to face such harrassment.
On a positive note, more informed women (and less pro-screening militias) amongst the comment section…
Here in America children are now subjected to “routine” inspections of their genitals although there is no reason to do this. Pre-teen girls are referred to a gyn doc upon puberty even if no exam is done to “encourage them to ask questions” and “get them into ‘good’ practice” visiting a gyn doc. There is no medical need for this and it is all about programming.
At least I have a doc who thus far has not tried to force me to do this. If so, I will switch docs
I hate the patronizing remarks about how they see bodies every day and are not interested in them. My reply is “I do not care what or whom you see, or your interest. I care about how I feel about anyone seeing me.”
Hello DJ. Welcome to the forum. There is an excellent article on the internet by Eros Modestica called Gentlemen don’t look up ladies skirts. This, I think should be compulsive reading for young women contemplating gyno visits. I don’t think we can get away from the fact male doctors do find these exams arousing. Women should avoid male gyno’s at all cost.
Yes.
There is no way, no matter how religious he is, that he can insert his hand into a young woman and NOT be turned on, unless he is non-binary.
Hi DJ, If it were my child it would be a BIG FAT NO! This is an awful thing to put a teenager through, especially as there is no medical reason. As a parent you have rights & if a child has no need to visit the doctor then do not visit the doctor, if all is well then it is not necessary for the “get them into good practice” visit. There is nothing routine about a child being subjected to this kind of surveillance. Remembering when I was a child if I had that kind of inspection it would have damaged me mentally! We are supposed to be teaching our children about the dangers in life, & not letting anyone near their bodies is one of them facing youngsters today.
Yes you are right – who cares how they feel, we care how we feel, their feelings under difficult circumstances matters not in the slightest to us, about time they realised this.
If the first thing to ever rip them apart is a big metal blade, there is no way they will ever enjoy sex when they are older. On top of that, their first sex experience will be a violent one.
This is child abuse in my opinion. Docs only want them used to a gyno young so that they can condition them. When grown women aged 25 or 30 are called for “screening”, they are less scared and more likely to make an informed decision than a 15 or 20 year old (I know, I speak from personal experience). Which makes me wonder, are paps on the decline in the US? Targeting younger and younger women sounds like a desperation tactic that our NHS tries when screening rates start taking a plunge!
It gets worse. There was a woman campaigning for girls’ hymens to be removed after birth so that the concept of “virginity” would not exist. She thought that it would make girls get paps as young as twelve because there would be nothing to “save”.
Out of curiosity I wonder if American boys are having a visual inspection of THEIR bits….
Yes.
My doctor always says this. I see bodies everyday. Yes, but I WILL have to live with thev fact that your hands penetrated me before my future husband. My vagina is getting ruined – not your freaky eyes!
I see Jo’s Tosh are up for best digital campaign for January against 4 far more worthy campaigns: https://www.prweek.com/article/1524382/five-campaigns-liked-january-vote-favourite
Robert Music is sharing it, encouraging people to vote. If you feel inclined to show your dislike for this horrible campaign, I shared the voting link above.
Hi . Yes the missing cat campaign gets my vote. God to see Jo’s Tosh isn’t doing well.
Yes Linda as a cat lover and owner I voted for the missing cat too…..
Hi Kat. So glad you voted for the missing cat. How are you doing anyway? You’ve not posted about your migraines for a while. Are they gone now? Are you well now? Hope you are doing ok.
My hubb retires in August. He’s 60 then and has decided he’s had enough. I ve been looking for a part time job. Have applied to the works, edinbugh wool mill and others. Don’t fancy going in to schools again but need to do summat. I’m 54 so need to work for my pension or I wont get one.
x
Thanks for this, Caroline. Jo’s are doing very badly in the polls so far!
I think most people (except the Daily Mail harridans) are beginning to see this “charity” for what it is. Women are sick to death of hearing about “screening”. Woop woop!
Hi Linda hope the job hunting going well and you found something by now. I’m pretty good thanks. ..I’m controlling the migraine pretty well. I know my triggers and haven’t been bad for a while. Thinking of u x
Another Daily Mail article
https://mol.im/a/6676177.
https://www.bmj.com/content/364/bmj.l240
Very sad story https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-6691259/Family-demand-hospital-wide-cervical-cancer-inquiry-nurse-died-doctors-failed-spot-it.html
This is a very sad story. It reinforces my view that screening is all about getting women through the door and making the figures look good and that any possible diagnosis is lost in the race to fit in as many appointments as possible. It’s shocking – but not unusual that this poor women seems to be the victim of such casual negligence.
I read it again this morning and it stood out to me that her daughter is saying how passionate her mother was about women getting their smear tests. I obviously understand that but her mother was let down time and time again by the program and the NHS.
It absolutely reinforces the fact the program is about numbers, bums on seats and protecting the program at all costs. Even a grief stricken loved one is willing to essentially cover for the program because they’ve been fed so much propaganda.
I don’t mean to be funny, but even in these articles, someone somewhere always mentions how “important” screening is. Her diagnosis was received within three years of her receiving a negative smear result if I an correct, yet no one questions this, and they continue to extol the virtues of screening.
Wonder how much that wrong negative result affected the slowness of anyone to act on all sides?
The “fact box” at the bottom of the article has confused cervical cancer with womb cancer, saying rhe disease is due to obesity and goes on to say that being too fat results in excess oestrogen circulating which is a cause of the disease. This is nothing to do with cervical cancer but is a cause of womb cancer. No wonder women are confused when the media print errors like this.
https://mol.im/a/6837079
Good comments Kat. I note that they are moderating comments before posting.
Thanks kiwi x
I’m on some medications that need on going visits to my doctor. Every time I come in, I hear that I need a paper smear. That seems to be more what my doctor is concerned about, then questions on my medications. It gets old having it either said to me or given on the paper you get when you leave. I’m fully aware that I have choices when it comes to healthcare too.
Yes. They seem to obsess about this rare cancer to the point of almost ignoring actual, diagnosed problems or medications to treat those problems. I understand. It gets annoying to be pestered that way – it’s kind of like seeing a bad date from high school and a used car salesman at the same time – when you tried to get actual medical care!
If I were that obsessed about a rare disease, which I had no symptoms of, which I did not have a family history of, and demanded to be tested for every year or 6 months, they’d send me to therapy. When they obsess about my vagina, it’s somehow in my best interest.
There are choices, but those choices all run the sales pitch. You can get medications online or from foreign countries to treat the conditions yourself. IMnsHO, alternative medicine does not work – an alternative healer can give you someone nice and caring to talk to, It just takes your money. However, placebo effect is placebo effect, and that’s much of what ordinary medicine works on too.
I normally stay off of health sites because I can’t stand the lies and propaganda. I just came across the health .com site. “Disturbing trend young woman are skipping Pap smears. “. The obgyn had the guts to say that “cervical cancer is still fairly common.” Spewing statistics I’m sure are scewed. This Obyn thinks it’s good that woman can screen for HPV at home. Hinting that lots of women that normally whoulnt screen whould start going into gynecologist to sort out these HPV positive findings. I’m sure using fear. She said nothing compares to yearly well woman exams . Y’all can read it for yourselves. This Gynecologist seems desperate to keep the yearly exams going. It’s all propaganda. They know less woman are having these expensive yearly screening s . So much lost revenue. It’s so laughable I’m glad not to be a sheep and know the truth.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cervical-screening-coverage-and-data
Ladies in the UK: you can download the uptake charts from here, enter your region and see the cervical screening uptake figures for your own GP practice. Also gives numbers of “defaulters” who have “prevented” your practice from hitting the 80% uptake target. Enjoy.
Thanks Ada. Liverpool ranks 157 at 70%. I suspect the areas that have 80% or more are still using strong arm tactics against women. It has to be that reason. The areas with much lower uptake probably reflect a more honest picture of a women’s ability to choose.
I see the last one is about tips to improve uptake. The usual coercive, bullying tactics that you’d normally expect from them. reminders, all contact with the surgery etc, etc. One sentence at the bottom of the page only about it being our choice.
I Ada. How do you find your individual surgery?
Hi Ada. Thanks I’ve been able to get my GPs stats. It looks like there is a decline in the younger ones getting smears but the older ones are higher around 75% which I think is high. Our practice nurse is a bossy little sh!t I don’t like her at all. She probably bullies women into having them. Not me though I stand up to her.
Linda my town has a HIGH BAME population and os classed as deprived hence it’s assumed fewer women screen. I remember reading though take up was higher here than in some leafy posh towns. I know I was certainly pushed a lot about screening. .Maybe because I’m not BAME they thought I’d be more relaxed about getting my vagina out? My friends with different practices report varied experience. Some are pushed..one was asked to put in writing her reasons for not having smears though she does have mammos. Others report that their practice don’t push it.
Hi Kat
I don’t think anyone should have to ‘put it in writing’ that they wont be having smears. It should be enough that a women declines an invite my ignoring it.
I’m sorry about your friend who got injured because of bowel screening. This is a new one they’re shoving down our throats. Ridiculous!!!
Cheers to BAME women who don’t put up with any nonsense.
They know all-too-well that the BAME women (I had to look up what this meant) will not put up with it AT ALL, and the whole thing will get quickly put down if they try it. Women don’t talk about these “girly things” to men, so most men are unaware of what happens. Heck, some of them seem to think it’s a hygiene thing where we have things “all cleaned out” from those messy periods or sex, while others think we just talk about our periods. If a big public stink comes from it, and, sadly, some violence, I think it will be publicly seen for the intrusion it is. I hate to think of how the average man might react if he finds he’s been cuckolded for years, by his wife who felt she had no choice – and thinks of his mother, grandmother, sisters, and daughters going through the same things – and he had no idea.
Bowel screening applies to everyone, and with the sigmoid testing – which has been an “alternative” in the US for a long time – as it can be done in the doctor’s office, without the “waking anesthesia” – and with objections for a colonscopy, they can spring this on you as “We can do this today!”
I’ve known numerous people who were injured by these bowel screenings. Probably the saddest was an 80+ year old neighbor, who knew he had colon cancer, and they were doing yet-another colonscopy “to see how treatment was progressing”. End of the day, he never came home, and was dead within 2 months.
Reporting on a recent doctor’s appointment I had… Although I am “lucky” in that I don’t get forced into paps at my current physician’s office, i.e. raped, there is still pressure that makes me postpone visits as much as possible. Hadn’t sat down with the nurse for even 2 minutes before “when was your last pap?” Which apparently is more important than my annual labwork which I haven’t had done in years either but no mention of that. Also no mention of my sky high blood pressure and heart rate due to fear. Interesting. One thing we have on our side is that anyone pushing paps over annual labwork and abnormal vitals is not all that bright. The doctor doesn’t seem interested in forcing me into anything I don’t want but the nurse is a different story. As Linda has mentioned in her book, it seems to give the nurses a sense of purpose and of having more serious medical responsibilities then taking blood pressure.
Also to follow up on pressure to get the smear at the doctor, I recently discovered this gem…http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/clinical/clinical-specialties/sexual-health/how-we-boosted-cervical-screening-uptake-by-11/20035225.article
Imagine going to a doctor’s appointment and being bombarded with pink streamers, pink balloons, and posters covered in images of handbags and lipstick that say “I’m not leaving here without booking my smear.” This is a celebration of misogynist harassment and medical violence against women. But wait there’s more, how would you feel if you got an “invitation” to screen printed on pink paper?
At the end of the article they attribute an increase in screening uptake to recall and opportunistic screening. So in other words, the women were bombarded and ambushed. Not to mention degraded and infantilized by a barrage of pink party decorations. SO MUCH FUN!
Hey everyone! I’m entering anonymously once again, as I have come here a few times before and I’m happy about the support I’ve received. So, I’ve been needing to renew my prescription for my birth control pills. I am married, so yes I use it to prevent pregnancy, but my main reason for using it is because I used to have unbearably painful periods. However, they said I NEEDED to come in for a pap smear, and this time, they did not give me a choice. Last time, they didn’t even bring it up. But now, for SOME reason, now that I need more pills, I guess my reproductive health is just gonna deteriorate just because, right? I am literally shaking right now and I can’t stop crying, because if I don’t go in for the exam, they won’t give me another refill. THEY DID NOT. GIVE ME. A CHOICE. Guys… what do I do?? My husband won’t be able to go with me to support me because he has to work that day, and I’m still crying about it. I’m also afraid that they might be rude if they see me crying during the exam because I’m a “big girl now” (I’m 25) and “I should get used to it because I’m a woman now and this is how it’ll be for the rest of my life.” Uh no… Being a women does not make me born with cancerous cells. What do I do?! If I don’t go they won’t give me another refill, and I really just feel powerless now because they didn’t give me a choice this time. Why does needing more birth control pills mean we HAVE to get checked??? This is why I wish pills were just on the shelves at stores, like, ya know… condoms are, because seriously getting a prescription for them is SUCH A HASSLE. There is NOTHING wrong with me! Why did they force me into this? Last time, I said no, and they said “okay maybe another time just let us know.” But this time, I was forced. I didn’t have the choice to say no. HELP!!!!! 😦
I do put off going to doctors because of pap smear coercion, but this time I had to call my doctor because my prescription was taking forever to refill, the doctors were not getting any requests about prescription refills because I guess my pharmacy (Walgreens) was just not doing it right I guess I dunno, and I am on my last week so I need my next pack asap. Now of course, they said I need the stupid “wellness” exam. I am so enraged…
You an refuse the wellness exam. Stick to your guns
Requiring a pap test to access birth control constitutes an “undue burden” on the person to get access to birth control. See
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3745305/
and
https://law.justia.com/cases/california/supreme-court/3d/27/285.html
The only test that is truly indicated in order to use birth control pills is a blood pressure test.
Just order online via an app like Nurx
They offer birth control online?! Dang I wish I knew about this before!! This is why I want birth control to just be available OTC!! Thank you for letting me know about this… I will look into it ASAP
I’d go to another doctor if I have the time, or I’d show this one the law.
They LEGALLY CANNOT withhold the Pill from you from an ELECTIVE test.