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General health

Will smear test after birth be painful and is it essential?

22 replies

NineUnlikelyTales · 20/02/2007 15:52

Hi

I have been sent a reminder for a smear test, which is long overdue. But I am very reluctant to go because I had a very painful, traumatic birth with DS 5 months ago (includiung infected episiotomy scar) and I'm worried it will hurt. Am I just being a wimp?

Also, is it absolutely necessary for me to go? I have only ever had sex with my husband, and he has only ever had sex with me.

Any advice would be welcome..

Nine

OP posts:

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Cashncarry · 20/02/2007 15:58

Hi Nine

I think you should definitely go for your smear. Obviously, you are higher risk the more sexual partners you have but that's no reason to assume you're not at risk at all.

I had some problems after a traumatic birth and had a smear roughly the same time as you're having one. It was psychologically uncomfortable more than anything else but it's over in a jiffy and one less thing to worry about.

Belated congrats on the birth of your little one by the way

Themis · 20/02/2007 16:00

If in any doubt whther it will hurt ( which I doubt its will not) then speak to your practice nurse.

It is important to have a smear test , it is a methond of trying to prevent and detect cancer in the cervix. Does n't matter how many sexaul partners you have had.

Believe nobody likes it but prevention is better than cure !!

bubblymummy · 21/02/2007 06:23

Hi Nine

I felt exactly the same as you and felt I didn't want any more pain for at least a year.I've also had a positive smear in the past and all that entails.

The way I saw it is that I've now got a child to look after and I need to look after my health to look after his.

Go for it (I had a pain free smear and negative result and so its one less thing to think for for a while).

Good luck
x

NineUnlikelyTales · 21/02/2007 15:06

OK, I promise I will go and get it done.

You're all right - it will be one less thing to think about, it's important, and I do have to look after my health now I have DS.

Thanks also for the congratulations Cashncarry - I can't believe how quickly these last 5 months have passed.

Nine

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funkimummy · 21/02/2007 15:11

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE GO. I have never been promiscuous, and there is hereditary cervical cancer in my family. I had very severe pre-cancerous cells at the age of 21, and have to be monitored yearly until I'm at least 31. If I hadn't bothered to go for that or any other smear test. I wouldn't be sitting here talking to you now.

It won't be painful after childbirth. It's just uncomfortable like it was before.

xx

hermykne · 21/02/2007 15:21

go and just relax, take a bach flower rescue remedy to ease you into the situation. and maye meet the nurse before hand to discuss your anxiety.

franca70 · 21/02/2007 15:26

please go. and it takes one minute.

juicychops · 21/02/2007 15:35

i had mine at my 8 week check up after ds and although its uncomfortable, it doesn't hurt and its over in 5 seconds. Just go and get it out the way

AbbyLou · 21/02/2007 17:32

I found my smear after chilbirth less painful to be honest. As someone else said, once you've been through labour nothing down there ever feels painful again!

LadyTophamHatt · 21/02/2007 17:33

TBH, after each baby I've had the smear test has got easier and easier, really it didn't hurt at all.

I've just had number 4 and I'll have to warn the nurse incase she falls in and gets lost up there

NineUnlikelyTales · 21/02/2007 23:01

OK OK I promise I promise! I'll make an appointment on Friday (can't tomorrow as I'm out for the day).

I'm glad to hear it might actually hurt less...fantastic.

LOL Ladytopham I'm a bit draughty down there myself now after DS was 8lb 12oz. My other concern is that I'll get a nasty chill if I expose myself

OP posts:

Twinklemegan · 21/02/2007 23:09

Oh Nine, I posted a thread almost identical to this a few weeks back with exactly the same worries. No sex here since DS was born 7 months ago so the smear could be the first thing to break my self-imposed virginity lol. No, must make sure that's not the case.

I'll go if you will!

NineUnlikelyTales · 22/02/2007 20:47

Yes, let's go together (figuratively speaking)

I'll let you know when I've booked my appointment...

OP posts:

NineUnlikelyTales · 23/02/2007 21:07

Going Monday afternooon

And you, Twinklemegan?

OP posts:

Waswondering · 23/02/2007 21:11

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

FoghornLeghorn · 23/02/2007 21:15

OK can I be completely thick and ask a question .....

I am 22, have DD1 (2.7 years) and DD2 (13 weeks nearly) have never had a smear test in my life, have only slept with DH and one other, have been secually active since my mid teens.

Do I need to have one ? I think I recall NDP saying something about them not being necessary until you are over 25 now ?

ManchesterMum · 23/02/2007 21:16

I had a smear done as part of my post natal check with the GP. Hadn't had a traumatic delivery though did have stitches and I can't honestly say I have the slightest recollection of it, so must have been very uneventful.

Would definitely recommend going if only because a former colleague (in her early 30's) who hadn't been "for a while" was in hospital within 48 hours of hers having a full hysterectomy. I don't say this to frighten you but simply to point out that it's just not worth the risk of not going - for you, dh or ds - and no smear is ever likely to compare to a painful labour.

Good luck

Twinklemegan · 23/02/2007 21:56

Ahem - I've not made the appointment yet Nine To be perfectly honest it was so busy at work today that I simply forgot. I will make it on Monday I promise.

pucca · 23/02/2007 21:59

I had a terrible 3rd degree tear having my dd, and a couple of months after the birth i had a smear.

I just explained that i had a real fear and the nurse was lovely, very gentle and took it slowly, it was fear even though i knew i had healed.

Just explain before hand, you will be fine. x

itwasbanou · 25/02/2007 20:32

Agree with the others on here- it won't be nearly as bad as you are imagining. Had one 6 months after dd and explained to the nurse beforehand that things were still rather uncomfortable down there. She was great- there are different sized speculums (sorry if too much info!) so they will be gentle with you. Actually found it quite reassuring to have her check how things were healing in there too (sorry again if tmi!)You could always take painkillers before the appt if you're really worried. Sure you will be fine!

NineUnlikelyTales · 26/02/2007 16:20

OK I went! Nurse was not at all sympathetic even though I told her like you suggested Pucca (cow - nurse not you Pucca!) but it didn't hurt and I'm glad I got it done. Thanks everyone for making me go.

Twinklemegan.....?

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itwasbanou · 26/02/2007 19:47

You poor thing- how unlucky to get stuck with a miserable old boot. At least it's out of the way though!

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