Having a Cervical Smear

This booklet explains why cervical smear tests are important, describes the test and the different investigations and treatments, and explains the terms that a doctor or nurse will probably use. There is space at the end of the book for a list of local names and phone numbers, as well as for a personal record of test dates, results and any treatment received. Topics covered include: why regular smear tests are so important; how often they should be done; what actually happens and how the result is communicated; whether the result can be trusted; whether a particular lifestyle can make the patient more likely to have an abnormal smear; whether an abnormal smear means the patient has cancer; what is meant by a coloscopy; whether the test also finds infections; what the treatment involves; and whether it will affect the patient's sex life or fertility. The author formerly ran a support group for women with abnormal smears, so she understands their anxieties and is familiar with the questions that arise.

Table of Contents:
Part 1 Before the test: what is a cervical smear test?; why is it necessary?; when should a smear be taken?; how often should a smear be taken?; where do I go to get a smear taken and will I see a woman doctor?; who should have the test? Part 2 Having the test: how is a smear actually taken?; how can I be sure the smear is taken properly and that I will get the correct result?; how will I find out the result and how soon? Part 3 Understanding the results: what information is obtained from the smear?; what do you mean by a "satisfactory" or an "unsatisfactory" smear?; what are the likely results from examining these cervical cells?; the report said I had an "inflammatory" smear. What does that mean?; what sort of infections may be found?; what other information or advice should the report contain?; what would happen if I had an abnormal or a positive smear? Part 4 Management and treatment of a positive smear: what is a "cervicography"?; what is "colposcopy"?; what is a "punch biopsy"?; what treatments might be considered, and what do they involve?; what is "laser therapy"?; what is "loop diathermy"?; what is "cyosurgery"?; what is "cold coagulation"?; and what is a "cone" or "cylinder biopsy"? Part 5 After treatment: how will I feel after treatment?; will having a positive smear affect my sex life?; will my periods stop after treatment?; what about contraception?; will I have to stop taking the contraceptive pill?; will I have to have my coil (IUCD) out?; can I still have hormone replacement therapy?; would any of these treatments affect my ability to have children? will I be more likely to have a miscarriage after a cone biopsy?; can treatment for an abnormal smear be carried out if I'm already pregnant?; I am pregnant and have had a positive smear which is to be treated after I have had my baby - will these abnormal cells get through to the baby?; will I still have to have smear tests after treatment?; what will be done if the abnormal cells recur?; does it mean I'm in trouble if the cells recur? Part 6 Cervical cancer: what causes cancer of the cervix?; suppose I do actually have cervical cancer - what then?; would I need smear tests after a hysterectomy? Part 7 Other questions you might ask: my smear report showed "early changes" and recommended a repeat smear in six months. I hate to think of something growing inside me - why can't it be treated now?; I haven't had sex since I had the result - I feel dirty. Can sex do me any harm, and can my partner catch anything from me?; the letter says I've got a wart virus infection, but I've never had warts and my partner hasn't either. How did I catch it?; what is the difference between a smear and a swab?; a friend of mine had a brush test. Should I ask for one too?; I was told I had a retroverted uterus. What does that mean?; the doctor said I had an erosion. Is this dangerous and will it need treatment? (Part contents).