Gemma posted on her Instagram 22/01/19
[Update: this turned into an impromptu Q&A which is now in my highlights 😂] Let’s talk about smear tests! Oh the joys. Coincidentally, I only had one a couple of weeks ago, so I can freshly reminisce on the experience and tell you... it’s fine. Let’s be honest, I don’t think anyone relishes making an appointment for a stranger to stare directly into their vagina (more power to you if so) but file it under ‘one of those things’. The reason for making a discussion out of it is because scary proportions of women in the UK aren’t going for theirs - but they prevent 75% of cervical cancers. @joscervicalcancertrust started #smearforsmear to try and change this, so here I am with sub-optimal lipstick boundaries to try and help a bit!
I’m not going to say the ONLY reason people don’t want to go is embarrassment, because that’s not true, but if it is mainly the thought of whipping your pants off for a nurse that’s stopping you then pleeeease make your appointment. They really aren’t bothered I promise - seen it all before and (in my experience) it takes all of 30 seconds before they’re back behind a curtain and you can pretend nothing happened, carry on making small talk. I actually tend to make small talk throughout just to feel less awkward but... maybe that’s weirder. Whatever. If you just keep forgetting then consider this your reminder! If you’re still too young then just get in your head that this is something you’re going to do when you turn 25. Done deal.
If you’d like more information or help with smear tests or cervical cancer in general, I’ll leave the link to @joscervicalcancertrust in my bio.
PS, something of note from the NHS website: if you require a good ol’ cervical inspection but are listed as male on your NHS record they won’t automatically contact you to make an appointment - but you are encouraged to ring up and make one.
