Smear test - is it normal to find leaves and twigs?

Your thread title really confused me but then I take things literally.
I am about 18 years over due for one. I had my first one in my late 20s. I felt bullied into it by the GP.
It was very painful and I tried to get off the table with the thing still inside of me. I can not stand people touching me and I really struggle in medical environments.
I think it is sad that some women are being called dumb for not going for a smear. I dont think that happens with any other medical procedure at all.
People who struggle need patience and understanding. Not name calling.

By the way I do not want advice on how to get over my own personal issues with it. I can not switch my sensory issues off.

I had one ten days ago and they’ve seen a growth on my cervix which is now leading to a GP review and then it’ll be referral to gynae, removal and testing apparently. I’m hoping it’s a mushroom, leaf or twig 😆

Interestingly, the smear test I had after giving birth to my first DC, 3 months postpartum, was the most painful ever.

Just because you’ve not been sexually active it doesn’t mean there’s no risk.

I always found them very painful until I mentioned it to a nurse at the local practice, who had a quick look and said yes, it's very narrow up there ... just let me get the speculum we use for teenagers. And lo! It was absolutely fine and she put it in my notes. For the record, I haven't been a virgin for many, many years and she didn't use the word. 😁But I wouldn't have taken offence if she had - I'd probably have laughed.

Mammograms have always been seriously uncomfortable, verging on painful, except once, in Italy. The radiographer was young, male, Italian (this was perhaps unsurprising) and - oh! the horror! - he touched my not terribly impressive breasts, unchaperoned! The oddest thing about it was that this was in the women's area of a hospital, 80% staffed by nuns.

Mine have always been fine.

I’m not sure a clickbait title is needed to draw women in to share their experiences!

Urgh, I’m at the colposcopy clinic in a weeks time. Smears are incredibly painful for me, so I’m really really not looking forward to it. I have a high risk HPV and also had borderline cell changes last time. I’ve also had uterine bleeding that had to be investigated under general anaesthetic, had polyps and fibroids. If it comes back as anything but clear I think I’m going to ask for a hysterectomy. Do you think that sounds like a good plan or should I just keep getting tested? I would appreciate some advice, sage ones x

Unfortunately you are fighting a losing battle. Anything about smear tests inevitably brings out the people who find them very traumatic. Their experience is valid but unfortunately they do seem to shout louder than the majority who find them fine and as a result it gives the impression of smears as something to avoid for younger women.

Post-m here and also.long term single - ask them to lube the speculum.

Of smear tests? What woman isn't aware of them?

But for most people it IS fine.
It’s important that women are able to speak about their pain and advocate for better treatment and pain relief. At the same time every time a smear test is mentioned on social media the overwhelming response seems to be from women who find them traumatic. Their trauma is valid but it’s in the minority.

I worry that young women are being scared off the screening test that could save their lives.

Great work!! My smear test is about 7 years overdue and this post has actually convinced me to call the GP in the morning so your post has been successful :)

Yes.
I’ve seen posts on mn from people who have had the vaccine with CIN , people who have been married 30+ years and adamant neither have cheated , people single 10+ years and even people who claim both they and their partner were virgins on marrying ,test positive for HPV .

IMO, Yes.

I had the HPV vaccine in 2008 when it was first introduced when I was at school.

Went for my first smear age 25 - All normal.

Went for my second smear age 28 - HPV positive.

Went for my yearly follow up a year later - abnormal cells. So had a colposcopy (which had to be done under general anaesthetic).

Yes, this!
I’m so glad you had a good experience and I believe you mean well op but for those of us who do have difficult experiences it can feel incredibly invalidating for people who don’t struggle to tell us that it’s fine.

I’m lucky as my local hospital run a special clinic for people who find it difficult and they’re brilliant…I think they even offer gas and air if you need it.

@CherrieTomaties Apologies if I wasn’t clear - I meant that I have no other medical conditions which would account for the pain of my last smear test not that there aren’t any. I know they can be painful for all sorts of reasons and I’m sorry for the pain you’re in.

Well, I'm not a medic but once you've pushed a baby's head through your cervix then a little speculum shouldn't be a problem?

Did you talk to the GP about the symptoms. Because the smear isn’t a diagnostic test, it’s an early detection screen, so if not, you should, because symptoms need further investigation.

YABU to assume everyone has or will have the same experiences as you.

I`ve always kept my appointments up for a smear if others dont want them thats there choice.
Mine have always been ok and all clear untill my last one came back as HPV.
Hoping its gone by the time i have my next one done.
Id rather be safe than sorry.

So only because you have symptoms did you decide to go.
Women and health care providers have been informing women of the procedure for many, many, many years.
The information is out there. There is A LOT of support for women who are reluctant to go for whatever reason.

I am glad you've been OP, but I find your Public Service Announcement a bit patronising.

FWIW, I had my first one since menopause just last week. After a lifetime of it being only a little bit of a prod it was actually pretty sore.

My smears are horrifically painful. So is sex. I bleed after both.

I am currently going under investigations for endometriosis and adenomyosis. So yes, there are many medical conditions to account for it. Vaginismus, PID, vulvodynia.

So please don’t assume in future.

Just had the all clear following LLETZ to remove pre cancerous cells picked up at a routine smear!
Wont be ignoring that invite again!