Having a Cervical Smear

Sally Haslett, RGN, RM, RHV. 21pp, 210x148mm, 1994, 0906584388
£2.50 (UK postpaid £2.90)

For the patient - explains why the test is important for a woman, what to expect, and what
questions to ask that may relate to her individual circumstances.
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Why are regular smear tests so important? How often should they be done, and when can I stop having them? What actually happens and how will I get the result? Can I trust the result? Does my particular lifestyle make me more likely to have an abnormal smear? Would an abnormal smear mean I've got cancer? What is meant by colposcopy? Will the test also find infections? If I need treatment, what will this involve? Will treatment affect my sex life or fertility?

This booklet answers these and many other questions that you might want to ask about cervical smear tests. It describes the test, the different investigations and treatments, and explains the technical terms that a doctor or nurse will probably use. There is space at the end for a list of local names and phone numbers, as well as for a personal record of test dates, results, and any treatment received.

Sally Haslett is a Registered General Nurse, Midwife and Health Visitor, with additional qualifications and counselling experience in family planning and women's health. She has recently retired from the post of Senior Nurse Manager of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Services for West Lambeth Community Care Trust. Here she ran a support group for women with abnormal smears, so understands their anxieties and is familiar with the questions that arise. She is now active in writing and speaking on topics relating to women's health.