I was unable to complete a smear test at the doctors far too painful. I am looking into trying a self smear test.
1] Are there any available via the NHS free - (or at least prescription charge) It seems very unfair that we have to pay over £50 for these!
2] The YouScreen study un by NHS England, Public Health England was completed in Dec. 2021. Does anyone know what the results were?https://www.england.nhs.uk/2021/02/nhs-gives-women-hpv-home-testing-kits-to-cut-cancer-deaths/
3] Has anyone bought and used one of the tests, did you have a positive/negative experience of this?
Many thanks in advance I look forward you your replies.
I’m fairly certain that HPV self tests are not available from the NHS. I think the soonest this might happen is if the results of the YouScreen study are good and get the offical go ahead.
I was recently looking for the results of the YouScreen study but drew a blank. Might be worth calling Jo’s helpline and asking if any more is known.
I empathise with the lack of support for those who struggle with the smear test and understand it feels unfair to pay for self testing, but at least it’s an option and you know about it. I wish I’d known about. and had access to. HPV self testing, from back in 2007 when I stopped going for smear tests (various reasons including pain) only to be diagnosed with stage 2 cc in 2017.
I can’t comment on using the tests, hopefully someone will come along to share their experience.
Another option might be to ask for a referral to a colposcopy clinic for a smear test; the staff are gynae specialists and have a lot of equipment to hand that should enable a comfortable smear.
Hi, I was positive for high-risk HPV on my NHS smear, I then bought a home testing kit two weeks later and I was negative for 16 and 18, and negative for all other high-risk strains. I just don’t know which one to believe. I’m going to get a private smear now. The at home tests are apparently extremely accurate, so I’m hoping that my private smear comes back negative x
Hello, I’ve had a similar experience but negative on NHS test, positive for high risk strain that wasn’t 16 or 18 on self test. Did you get a private smear? I have one booked for the end of the month.
Hello, I can’t comment on the HPV self test kits. However you can ask to be referred to the colposcopy units for your smears. I have to do this as I too struggle with pains with speculums. It is still uncomfortable but because they are gynaecologist/colposcopy specialist that are much better at doing it. As they use speculum day in and out, they offered me gas and air at my colposcopy due to pain with the speculum. The proper chairs that get you into the correct position definitely help me too.
I have even heard that they can give you a GA if you really can not have it done awake. But Ive not experienced this myself.
Hi I’m having my smears done in colposcopy due to HPV. I’m waiting on my 1yr smear results,due any time soon.
I didn’t know that you could get hpv at home kits.
