"I feel unimportant"

I am a young female experiencing spells of irregular bleeding and pain, both happening at random points as well as after intercourse. I was referred to a gynaecologist by my GP after an exam that showed my cervix wasn't looking 100% and had an appointment at the BMI Priory in Edgbaston, Birmingham.

I had another exam at my appointment where the doctor said my cervix looked fine, which I happily accepted as previously I was told otherwise. The doctor took a swab test which would confirm if I had any STIs or other infections, which I did explain would come back negative, but the doctor said they weren't prepared to take a smear test as I "wouldn't need one". I understand that a smear test is unusual for my age but I did say I would have liked one.

Anyway, the results for that came back negative as expected, so I rang up to book another appointment to further the investigation.

The doctor's secretary said I would need to go back through my GP again to do this. I said I didn't think I needed to because I'd already had a referral. Anyway, after a few minutes debating this, I just gave up and left it. However, 3 weeks later, I received a phone call telling me I had missed an appointment! Turns out they had sent my letter to the complete wrong address!

Rang back a total of 10 times as they kept cutting me off or letting the phone ring out. Finally spoke to someone, who although was very nice, wasn't helpful really. The member of staff said they would book me in and would book me a new appointment in the Birmingham Women's Hospital (no idea why I couldn't just stay at the Priory) but I would have to wait 2 weeks for a confirmation letter, and another 4-6 weeks for my appointment! I explained I was very concerned with my problem and that I was feeling very anxious that this could be a more serious issue (cancer scare, e. g- the right symptoms for it) but was told I would still have to unfortunately wait for those weeks.

I am horrified by the way I have been dealt with considering this issue is affecting my daily life. Extremely disappointing service all round, and ultimately I think this is down to my age- being under the usual age for a smear test clearly means I am unimportant.