Is your smear test overdue? If so you’re not alone. 28% of UK women between the ages of 25 and 64 are currently due a smear test. Despite the fact that it doesn’t take long, doesn’t cost you any money and doesn’t hurt that much, if at all, we put them off. Some experts think it’s due to embarassment, others think it’s fear, or finding the time. The consensus amongst team Grazia is that it’s probably a combination of all those things.
But what if you didn’t have to have your smear test done at a doctor’s surgery or sexual health clinic? What if you could do it yourself, at home?
Women who struggle to find childcare in order to get their smear could do it while their kids were watching Peppa Pig. Those of us who blame work being too busy could fit it in between meetings. And if you’re being put off by the unfounded but understandable perception that having someone look at your vulva is embarrassing, you could circumvent the whole knickers off, legs in the stirrups.
The BBC reports that the technology is being called ‘promising’ and a ‘potential game-changer’ by health charities. But, it hasn’t arrived yet.
Lots of people are reporting today that the home smear test is coming very soon. And in terms of scientific progress, it is soon. But that means a year, two years, maybe three. ‘Soon’ in science means ages and ages and ages in normal person speak.
The danger is that women will decide to put off having their smear test done at the doctor because they’d rather use a home kit. It’s an understandable sentiment - what’s six months or a year in the grand scheme of things? But the problem is, when it comes to precancerous cells, six months can be a lot. And waiting a couple of years could mean the difference between having some cells lasered, an uncomfortable but not horrific experience, and full blown cervical cancer.
We know that getting your smear test is not a fun day out. We understand why you might look for any excuse to put it off. But it’s life saving, essential, brilliant medicine which we are lucky to have access to. So please don’t put your smear test off until home testing arrives. Smear tests aren’t fun, but they’re also not worth risking your life over.