REFERENCE TO TERMS USED
INTRODUCTION
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?
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?
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?
MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT OF A POSITIVE SMEAR
What is `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 `cryosurgery'?
What is `cold coagulation'?
And what is a `cone' or `cylinder biopsy'?
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?
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?
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 got 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?
My friend had a CIN lesion and had to have a hysterectomy.
Why don't I need one? Wouldn't it be safer?
Is it true that cervical cancer is more common in promiscuous women? I have only had one partner!
My result was positive. What would have happened if I hadn't had a smear?
Does it run in families? Should I tell my sister to have a smear test?
Why aren't smears done more often?
Does having a positive smear mean I'll be more likely to get cancer somewhere else?
At what age can I stop having smear tests?
CONCLUSION
ADDITIONAL READING
USEFUL ADDRESSES
LOCAL ADDRESSES AND PHONE NUMBERS
PERSONAL RECORD OF DATES AND TREATMENTS
PROBLEMS/QUESTIONS TO BRING UP AT NEXT VISIT