smear test(girls only really)?

Question

hiya guys my friend mum waas saying that if you have stinky discharge then u should demand a smear test what is this how would u no the differance between this and thrush i dont undersatnd(i went to get a smear and they told me i was to young)she said u only need one if u have discharge has any one got any info on this thanks

Answer 1

Explain to ur dr ur worries but if ur dr suggests ur too young for a smear they are probably right! You dont say how old you are but now they dont usually give smears until ur 25. If you have a discharge they could just take some swabs which doesnt involve a speculum being used, or urine tests. If you think you may have thrush or are worried about a discharge tell ur dr, or maybe consider other possibilities. ur dr will ask if ur sexually active, or if ur using birth control (ie the pill, condoms etc) and general health questions. Many things can cause a discharge, hormonal changes at different times of the month can contribute, an yeast or bacterial infection or an STD. This is probably unlikely but as ur worried explain to ur dr, and if you want a smear try to explain ur reasons why to him/her. If they dismiss ur concerns, get a second opinion, or if you really want a smear u could pay to get one privately.

Answer 2

A smear test is generally to check if you've got any cancerous cells. Smear tests, in England at least, i'm not sure about elsewhere become complusory after you turn 25, when your risk of cancer gets slightly higher. As your doctor has said you are too young, then you obviously don't need a smear test.

If you have a discharge, go to the doctor and tell them. Its is almost certainly thrush and thats really easily rectified by a couple of pills from your pharmacy, no worries.
Everyone gets thrush too as its just an increase in the number of bacteria and occurs because of loads of things like stress or how close you are to your period.

If you're ever worried, go and see the doctor, they're there to help. Nurses are pretty good too, as they are often less busy and have a bit more time to talk about these things.

Answer 3

I hope you don't mind me trying to answer this question, I am a male GP.

Firstly I really wish so many people would stop using the word DEMAND when talking about what they are going to do when they get to the doctors. It is entirely inappropriate. These days even the most basic GP has spent 5 years at medical school, 2 years as a houseman in hospital and 3 years general practice training as a registrar, and generally has also studied for the Royal College of General Practitioners exam. That makes 10 years minimum, even if, which is unlikely, you are meeting him on his first day in practice! It is therefore most definitely up to him/her based on experience and training to decide which tests if any are needed.

Generally smears are not carried out at all in very young girls under 20 years, since their cancer risk is negligible. From your spelling and grammar I suspect you are under 15 years.

If a discharge occurs in a girl who is not sexually active, a simple high vaginal swab is the most investigation that is required. If the girl is sexually active, especially if she has had more than one partner, STDs are always a possibility. (Sexually transmitted diseases). If this is a possibility then referral to an STD clinic is advised in order that comprehensive investigations can take place.

Answer 4

The procedure for diagnosing the cause of a discharge is to take a smear (an applicator dipped into the discharge is transferred into a tube with a few drops of saline solution and then smeared onto a microscope slide) and a potassium hydroxide slide (the potassium hydroxyde lyses vaginal cells and makes it easier to see yeast cells, which aren't affected). Looking at it under the microscope then gives an idea of what's causing the discharge. This differentiates between yeast vaginitis and bacterial vaginosis. Obviously, there's no reason to ask the question unless one wants to know that particular answer.

Answer 5

As far as I know, smear test are a routine thing and they call you in for one every so often. I was told after the birth of my son, I was 19 at the time, that I would have one 6 months after baby was born. I am nearly 22 and still have not heard from them, but I have to say I have the worst doctors in the world. If your discharge is a bit smelly I would just book an appointment to see a female doctor and see what she says. I think 18 is around the right time for your first smear test?

Answer 6

A smear test is when they scrape a few cells from the neck of your womb to check for changes that might lead to cancer.

If you have a smelly discharge, or if it's a different colour or heavier than usual, or maybe if there's itching or stinging down there, best to tell the doc who can take a swab to check for infection. Having a swab taken (which looks like a big cotton bud) does not take as long and is not as invasive - it will be over in a couple of minutes and it will give you peace of mind either way.

Answer 7

hey, did u have unprotected sex? it cud be an std smear tests, r routine, u dont demand them. if you have thrush your discharge will, be white,clumpy & have a yeasty scent. if this is the case consult your gp or just get canestan of the till. its seems that you are too young for a smear test so go to your gp and get checked out. remember discharge is normal, but not if it is as you put it stinky so just pop along to your doctor. dont be scared honey x

Answer 8

Hi ya, i had my first smear test when i was 18, they have always been abnormal(unusal cells)which can cause cancerious, i wouldn't worry too much if you have abit of discharge. From time to time alot of us have discharge, with thrush it is very white and uncomfortable. Depending how old you are i think another reason why they will give you a smear test is if you are sexually active.

Answer 9

you need to ask for a swab test honey not a smear. A smear will hopefully pick up cervical changes including early cancers but a swab is to check for signs of infection like thrush ect ..... there are lots of infections that can cause discharge, most are normal yeast infections caused by normal bacterias that live in your body. But remember if you are sexually active check for std's & always be careful! x

Answer 10

you get discharge when you start puberty really and you can get yeast infections from wearing tight underwear which is also known a sthrush, if your discharge is a funny colour maybe yellowish and smells stringer you may want to see your doctor for advice u dont have to be certain age for smear but ring up and ask your docs for smear or go to a hospital day where they do it and u stay anonymous