Pap tests how often?

[Mildez]

I am slightly confused at the moment.
I just got a letter saying my pap test is over due (last time was Oct 08) I had it done by a Gyno who told me I needed another one in Oct 10 (2yrs later) which I thought was the norm. So why does this letter say I am due now not even 18motns later. My one in Oct was normal.
In 07 after the birth of my DD at my postnatal check up my pap test said it showed minor cell changes. Then I had it repeated and it was normal. The Gyno said it was from pregnancy hormones and I do not have HPV (which is suppose to cause the cervical cancer and at the time all the info on HPV and the Gardosil vaccination was coming out) so I was freaking out thats what it was.
Anyhow now do I go have another one or wait for the 2yrs until the Gyno said I was due again? I had a lap in November and I questioned the Gyno then about having another pap test (as he was going to be down there anyway) and he said I was right till Oct 2010 (in which time I hope to be pregnant but I am not holding my breath) After the op he told me my cervix looked perfect and when talking to him (I know him personally ) he said that the cervix with cell changes or Cin what ever do not look normal.
Any advise is appreciated. I have been back and forth to the Gyno that much I was looking forward to not seeing them for another few months (due to fertility problems) so do I run of and have it done just to be safe or take there advise and wait until I am due according to the Gyno?
I live in a small town and GP's aren't an option although I could possibly go to the nurse (whom I also know) but they only do it monthly. What to do?

[Winter]

If it were me sweetie, I'd pop in and get it done & then I wouldn't have to worry about it again.

HTH

[AnyDream]

If it were me, I would just get one done now, then no worries if you miss it in Oct from being pg . Never fun, but important.

[Miss H]

I'd get it done so I don't have to think about it at all for another 2 years. You should get it done before you TTC anyway.

[Turkish Delight]

I have mine done every year and have always since i was 23 (when i first DTD). I am now especially careful to not miss it or go overdue since mum had endo cancer 18 months ago. Just go and get it done. It's not a hard procedure to have done as you know. Our private parts are not so private once we start DTD and giving birth!

[Muppity]

If you have had irregular cells before (for whatever reason) and there is a chance that you wont be getting one when you are due then I would be getting one now - not pleasant but better to be on the safe side.

[HotI]

Can you ring the gyno and check with them? I wouldn't neccessarily have another one now unless there was a need. It's possible that the letter was sent prematurely. Yes, it's important to have them regularly, but if you are not due for another 6 months, i personally wouldn't be rushing to have it done now.

However, if i was TTC i would probably get the smear down first so i didn't have to worry during the pregnancy.

[Mildez]

Thanks for all your replies. I had it done when I started ttc thinking I would be pregnant when I was due for it again. I am just surprised that its not 2yrs later which is what I thought the regular time was to have them done. I don't mind having them done. Its not that bad. The worst is having the Gyno who I work with looking between my legs and then having a normal conversation with them the next time I see them. I'll go see them again soon and have it done and maybe get some more answers about our fertility problems anyway.
Thanks again for your advise.

[Mak]

My GP recommends yearly but the national guidelines are every 2 yrs. Better to get it done and act promptly if necessary. xx

[AliB]

Having had one abnormal smear years ago. I always err on the side of too often (ie every 12 months). I think it's an awesome opportunity to have knowledge about the health of one part of your body given the remainder is a mystery to us most of the time!