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3y ago
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Doctor in the UK here
The NHS information on the pap (smear test we call it here) is fairly comprehensive: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/why-its-important/
The recommendation here is if you have ever had any such contact
then you should have regular screening.
In the UK you may choose not to have screening if you've never had
said contact, as a) the majority of change and cancers are caused by HPV, which is
transmitted and b) changes and cancers not caused by HPV don't tend to be detected by screening (the pap smear) but by symptoms (intermenstrual abnormal discharge) instead
You should never feel pressured into an examination., and you always have the option of declining to answer a question, receive all or any part of an examination, or have an investigation such as a bløød test̕ or imaging study. It's called "shared decision making" and I encourage all patıents to ask 3 questions if they're ever unsure:
What are my options?
What are the pros and cons of each option for me?
How do I get support to help me make a decision that is right for me?