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General health

smear test anxiety

13 replies

EnlightenedOwl · 30/09/2017 17:57

I have never had a smear test as I haven't been able to face having them done. However now I'm having some trouble with periods etc and GP wants me to have one done and also an internal exam so booked in with GP again this week to have both done. However I am really thinking now about cancelling the appointment. I've got blood tests booked and an ultrasound scan so that would show up anything wouldn't it?

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silverking · 30/09/2017 18:17

A smear test is to detect abnormal cells on the cervix. Please don't worry, it really isn't that bad. It only takes a minute or so and it is not painful.

Yes it's not very nice as it's pants off and legs apart but you really should go.

Be brave, once it is done you will honestly wonder what all the fuss was about.

Good luck.

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Bumdishcloths · 30/09/2017 18:18

Blood tests and US are unlikely to detect cervical changes, the smear is a necessary evil unfortunately

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ScimitarsAndScarves · 30/09/2017 18:39

I used to get diazepam from my GP (although I had to really push last time for it). It helps with the anxiety around it before you get it done. You can also get referred to a specialist unit in a hospital I think - apparently they make it a bit easier (happy for you to pm me if you want.)
My last GP didn’t really seem to know what I was talking about though so you might have to push and ask for a referral. A nurse last time I went said it’s really common that women struggle with them.

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ToadsforJustice · 30/09/2017 20:20

I don't see why your GP would do a smear test for period problems. He/she probably thinks that while you are there with your knickers off for an internal, you might as well have one. Its up to you. I would have the blood test and scan first to see what they show.

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SuburbanRhonda · 30/09/2017 20:22

I have always found smear tests painful so saying they aren't isn't true for everyone.

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Fernanie · 30/09/2017 20:34

How painful they are tends to depend on two things.

How relaxed you are. So before you go try practising some slow, deep breathing exercises to calm yourself down. The kind of "out breath" that you do when you do a heavy sigh is particularly good for relaxing your pelvic floor.
Where your cervix is. If it's very far back then it can be more painful because the nurse obviously has to go a bit further in to find it. There's not a lot you can do to change the position of your cervix, but unless you have good reason to think yours is far back, it's much more likely that it's not.

It's definitely worth getting it done. Irregular bleeding can be - but usually isn't - caused by cervical cancer, and a smear would help the rule that out as part of their investigations.
Tell the nurse that you're nervous, so that she can put you at ease. If it helps, ask if you could put the speculum in yourself, and then she just position it (usually involves tilting it up or down a little) so that she can see what she's doing.

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WhiskyChick · 30/09/2017 20:37

I put it off for ages but had a few now and the worry beforehand makes me ill but it's so quick and the nurses are brilliant

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FakePlasticTeaLeaves · 30/09/2017 20:44

Please don't cancel. I can relate 100% - I had put my smear off for so long because of anxiety. I was very anxious when I got there, told the nurse I was and she was very sweet to me. Just tell them have anxiety around it when you are there, and they will help you through it.

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EnlightenedOwl · 05/10/2017 15:36

I only went and bloody did it!
and it was fine. I feel stupid now. It was admittedly a bit uncomfy but it didn't hurt and in fact she started with a small speculum then asked if I'd mind if she used a larger one just for better access and I was fine with that too. She was amazed I'd never had one and I admitted i felt a bit stupid about it.
I've had a small amount of bleeding after which the doctor said was normal and its a bit uncomfortable but not painful.
would be fine going back for another one now i know I can do it!

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WhiskyChick · 05/10/2017 17:51

I'm so glad you did it, well done. I felt so silly for being so scared after my first one. Then I got all stressed about waiting for the results

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EnlightenedOwl · 05/10/2017 17:54

Couldn't believe how relaxed I was in fact halfway through I said "Is that it!" lol
so pleased with myself gone through a huge mental barrier today

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ScimitarsAndScarves · 06/10/2017 19:01

Well done! It’s horrible feeling so anxious about it. Really pleased you came back to update - hoping other women will read this and be inspired to go for theirs too.

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EnlightenedOwl · 08/10/2017 10:19

I can honestly say I've had worse dental appointments than that. I am really annoyed with myself for not going before.