Student Life | Issue 40

My Smear Test
BY APRIL GANT
For most women, approaching the
age of 25 may not seem significant
in many ways, it’s just another year
you’re growing older and wiser (?). It
does, however mark the time when
your first smear test is due. I have
always felt that 25 was a bit too late
to only be having your first smear
test but there is obviously a reason
it’s set for that age. If you haven’t
turned 25 yet but are due to within 6
months you most likely have received
a letter telling you about smear tests.
If you’ve already had your first smear
test you’ll know that they are due
every 3 years unless you’ve been told
otherwise...some people need to have
them yearly but that can depend on a
whole host of reasons.
I put off booking my smear test
for quite a few months (I couldn’t
really book it during a pandemic
anyway) and I know I’m not alone
in this feeling. I think when you
finally get round to booking a date
it begins to feel a bit more real and
the anticipation kicks in. Please don’t
put it off though, the sooner you
get it booked the better. I ended up
booking mine whilst at the doctors
having a blood test so it was kind of
sprung on me but I think that was
probably the best thing for me. I
didn’t really have any excuse to back
out of it. I’m definitely the type of
person that will put something off
and then finally face it when I don’t
have a choice.
I think it’s important for not only me
but others to share their experiences
in order to raise awareness of having
a smear test and helping others
feel less nervous about going for
theirs. I shall leave links to a few
helpful resources I used before
going for mine as I believe it’s best to
educate yourself by not only talking
to others that have had it done but
by doing your own research. Please
remember though that not everyone’s
experience is going to be the same.
Some people have told me absolute
horror stories about their smear tests
and then others have told me it was
a breeze.
If you have any other questions
about your smear test, please ring up
your GP surgery or wherever you’re
having your smear test done, they
will be happy to help and answer any
questions. Whether that be about
if you’re worried you’ll be on your
period or what you’ll need to do.
It’s always best to be armed with as
much information as possible.
41 41 •• MARCH ISSUE 2019 40 •• STUDENT LIFE LIFE