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AIBU?

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Original poster

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

535 replies

User748937744 · 01/10/2025 18:18

Ok, clickbait title - for a reason!

I am in my 40s and had my first smear test today. It was so fine and so quick and so painless and so straightforward and I wish I’d been brave enough to go for all the many years I’ve ignored the invitations!

Aibu to tell as many people as I can who might also never have gone to just do it?

I’ll happily go back next time I’m called.

I only went today because I’ve had some symptoms that were concerning.

It was so built up as something embarrassing and possibly painful in my head and it just wasn’t either.

Please, please go. You can always say you’re nervous and would like to be seen by someone really understanding.

OP posts:
Original poster
User748937744 · 01/10/2025 19:50

Rosscameasdoody · 01/10/2025 19:49

I’m in favour of anything that encourages more people to attend OP so more power to you. I’m the same about mammogram. I know it’s uncomfortable and squashy but I was diagnosed with breast cancer early last year after a routine mammogram. It’s lobular cancer and doesn’t present with lumps - by the time other symptoms appear it’s usually advanced. I wouldn’t have known it was there if not for the scan and it saved my life.

Show quote history

So glad it was diagnose early and hope you’re doing really well now

OP posts:
CandleMug · 01/10/2025 19:50

I nearly posted this yesterday but didn’t, though thought this was the perfect opportunity…

I bumped in to a lady yesterday, our children were good friends, so we spent some time together for the kids etc… Kids are older now so we’ve lost contact, albeit still have each others numbers and social media.

I always remember her saying she wouldn’t go for a smear as she was embarrassed - which I found quite strange considering she had two children. I know it’s not pleasant but it’s worth it obviously as it could save your life. I used to say you should really go etc etc but her life and all.

Anyhow she told me she had been off work as she had cancer and I asked what type and she said cervical. I said I’m sorry to hear that etc etc. She’s had weeks/months of intense Chemo/radiotherapy and something else and she’s awaiting the results. I thought what a sad sorry and avoidable situation. What a hard way to learn a lesson. Worse thing is, even if she gets the all clear, she’ll have to go for regular checkups moving forward.

Go for your smears ladies, it’s not worth the alternative.

Noddynoodle · 01/10/2025 19:49

Well done OP! I can factually say that having a smear is a million times easier than having advanced cervical cancer treatment. Whatever you read here please don’t be put off, it could genuinely save your life.

Rosscameasdoody · 01/10/2025 19:49

User748937744 · 01/10/2025 18:18

Ok, clickbait title - for a reason!

I am in my 40s and had my first smear test today. It was so fine and so quick and so painless and so straightforward and I wish I’d been brave enough to go for all the many years I’ve ignored the invitations!

Aibu to tell as many people as I can who might also never have gone to just do it?

I’ll happily go back next time I’m called.

I only went today because I’ve had some symptoms that were concerning.

It was so built up as something embarrassing and possibly painful in my head and it just wasn’t either.

Please, please go. You can always say you’re nervous and would like to be seen by someone really understanding.

I’m in favour of anything that encourages more people to attend OP so more power to you. I’m the same about mammogram. I know it’s uncomfortable and squashy but I was diagnosed with breast cancer early last year after a routine mammogram. It’s lobular cancer and doesn’t present with lumps - by the time other symptoms appear it’s usually advanced. I wouldn’t have known it was there if not for the scan and it saved my life.

Original poster
User748937744 · 01/10/2025 19:49

I’m so sorry if my post annoyed people. Genuinely want to encourage people to go if they haven’t before. It was a non event - for me.

If you’re nervous for any reason, tell them when you book. See the head fanny checker!

But I am so kicking myself for not having had regular smears before now - even if it wasn’t pleasant I still should have done it. I don’t like seeing the dentist but I still go. For some reason I just couldn’t face the whole smear thing. Extreme shyness and head in the sand and assumed all would be ok. Very silly of me.

Again, sorry if you’ve had a bad experience but they’re fine for the majority and I’d hate people to be put off. As others have said, I think gynaecological cancers sound way worse.

OP posts:
GrandTheftWalrus · 01/10/2025 19:45

Is just England that'll be posting them out or will it be scotland as well? I am about 10 years overdue mine.

Original poster
User748937744 · 01/10/2025 19:43

WannabeEDIOfficer · 01/10/2025 19:38

I had a horrific experience with an inexperienced nurse some years ago and it stayed with me for a long time. She couldn't find my cervix.

Now, I make sure I see an experienced nurse and tell them about the horrific experience before undressing. They tell me really clearly how to position myself to find my cervix and last time it was OK.

Soon I will be at the age that I dont need smear tests abd I will be rewarded with manograms. The joys of womanhood.

I’ve had 4 mammograms. The first was awful. The rest have been fine. Not relaxing or fun particularly but fast and not painful - just a bit, um, squishy.

I never look forward to them but will happily go to any routine mammogram screenings, knowing they’re not too bad.

OP posts:
cordeliabuffy · 01/10/2025 19:43

BusySittingDown · 01/10/2025 19:16

Oh really? Thanks for that. I might try that next time. Mine always hurt, I'm not sure if it's because I have a retroverted uterus. My friend does too and says that hers hurt as well.

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Yeah, there’s a few articles about it should be offered if you google left lateral position there’s well, a diagram!

Poodlelove · 01/10/2025 19:41

I love the title.
Thank you for raising awareness.
I am sure some ladies that i know have cobwebs and dust up there.

Original poster
User748937744 · 01/10/2025 19:40

WestwardHo1 · 01/10/2025 19:33

Let others decide for themselves rather than telling them that YOUR experience was easy and painless.

Yes. Thats the point. People can find out on their own but I want to encourage people who haven’t been to try.

OP posts:
bumbaloo · 01/10/2025 19:39

DoAsYouWouldBeMumBy · 01/10/2025 19:16

Since childbirth, my cervix is very hard to find, so the tests are horrendous, thanks, and that’s why I avoid them.

You do realise they aren’t for anyone else’s benefit don’t you? Don’t have one. No skin off my nose if you develop something

Original poster
User748937744 · 01/10/2025 19:38

JustStopItNorasaurus · 01/10/2025 19:22

Im 52, have a tilted cervix and had a traumatic birth where i had a major PPH and third degree tear that was both badly managed and badly repaired.

I'm glad your experience was okay, OP, but tbh I find your post a little patronising. For me and alot of women the experience is both painful and traumatic.

I’m sorry. I’m not trying to patronise.

While it’s unpleasant and painful for some it’s fine for most (it seems) and it’s so important. I just wanted to encourage anyone who has never had one to try.

OP posts:
WannabeEDIOfficer · 01/10/2025 19:38

I had a horrific experience with an inexperienced nurse some years ago and it stayed with me for a long time. She couldn't find my cervix.

Now, I make sure I see an experienced nurse and tell them about the horrific experience before undressing. They tell me really clearly how to position myself to find my cervix and last time it was OK.

Soon I will be at the age that I dont need smear tests abd I will be rewarded with manograms. The joys of womanhood.

Littlemrsconfetti · 01/10/2025 19:37

I've been putting mine off for ages. I'm well over due. I've booked in with the nurse now.

It's not that bad pain wise well I didn't find it was just uncomfortable.

OttersAreMySpiritAnimal · 01/10/2025 19:37

bumbaloo · 01/10/2025 19:30

I’m astounded at the lack of knowledge of women. And we expect men to understand our bodies better.

not having had sex in a decade doesn’t protect you from cancer.

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It's not a test for cancer anymore though, it's just a test for HPV.
I appreciate that the gov thinks that HPV is responsible for cervical cancer in the vast majority of cases, but for older women who are HPV negative we're now no longer getting checked for abnormal cells that would be the first indication of cancer in our age range as the new 'cervical screening' is no longer a smear test.
I'd looked briefly into getting it done privately for the proper smear but haven't yet found a provider who does anything aside from the HPV test.

bumbaloo · 01/10/2025 19:37

OttersAreMySpiritAnimal · 01/10/2025 19:07

Thanks for the tip @cordeliabuffy I might try that if I ever go for another. Mine are painful and I'm about a year overdue for the latest one. I'm just not sure it's worth the pain now it's just a HPV check and not looking for abnormal cells anymore. I haven't tested positive for HPV any of the previous times so can't understand why they think it would change when I'm in a long term monogamous relationship.

Because HPV can be dormant for decades. When dormant the viral load is too low to be detected but it can re-activate many years later.

Original poster
User748937744 · 01/10/2025 19:36

Starwomanwaiting · 01/10/2025 19:23

Some women do find them painful. They are in the minority and I do worry that these stories put young women off. Waiting until 40 until your first smear is neglecting your health, and I can understand that you may have been apprehensive but this is not good. I think we need better speculums and a better understanding of trauma in the health service. But also I don’t want women to be put off.

Things women I know have found helpful re the pain include paracetamol and ibuprofen beforehand, or in a couple of cases a joint!

I know it’s not good that I always ignored the smear requests. That’s why I posted today. I understand completely how daunting it feels the first time. I do have children so I’m not new to people peering at my bits but this felt different somehow.

OP posts:
Zanatdy · 01/10/2025 19:35

Looks like HPV tests will be sent by post to those not attending smears by early 2026. I think this is a good idea. I attended all mine regularly but since finding out they only test for HPV and i’ve always been negative, I am late for my most recent. I might buy a home test actually. Smears aren’t painful for me, just not very pleasant. But I guess neither is cancer.

Original poster
User748937744 · 01/10/2025 19:34

DrCoconut · 01/10/2025 19:16

I've never had a problem in the past but things are not the same as they were at my last appointment due to perimenopause and being long term single. I am incredibly worried about having to go again and I've had a letter telling me it's time.

So as this is anonymous I will explain that I’m

perimenopausal and have been single for more than 8 years. It was still fine.

OP posts:
Iloveeverycat · 01/10/2025 19:34

Apparently this is happening next year.
From early 2026, if you are eligible for cervical screening and have a history of not attending, the NHS will send you a self-sampling kit at home.

WestwardHo1 · 01/10/2025 19:33

Let others decide for themselves rather than telling them that YOUR experience was easy and painless.

Poppyseed14 · 01/10/2025 19:33

No leaves or twigs here. Plenty of cobwebs though 😆

Devilsmommy · 01/10/2025 19:32

User748937744 · 01/10/2025 19:30

It didn’t hurt for me. It wasn’t “amazing” but it didn’t hurt at all. It’s a plastic speculum and a brush on your cervix. I have no doubt it’s painful for some people but there was zero pain or discomfort for me.

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Lucky you, but as you can see by this thread there are many women out there who have really horrible painful experiences with it.

bumbaloo · 01/10/2025 19:30

TeddySchnauzer · 01/10/2025 19:27

My smear tests are very much not fine! As my cervix is very high and very far back so I have to get into ridiculous positions and it hurts like hell. Thankfully I don’t get them anymore as I’ve not been sexually active in over a decade

I’m astounded at the lack of knowledge of women. And we expect men to understand our bodies better.

not having had sex in a decade doesn’t protect you from cancer.

Original poster
User748937744 · 01/10/2025 19:30

Devilsmommy · 01/10/2025 18:51

I went for my first one at 38 and it was painful as fuck so that's the one and only time I'm doing that😅 yours sounds way worse than even mine was, it's annoying when women say oh it doesn't hurt it's amazing. Yeah fucking right🙄

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It didn’t hurt for me. It wasn’t “amazing” but it didn’t hurt at all. It’s a plastic speculum and a brush on your cervix. I have no doubt it’s painful for some people but there was zero pain or discomfort for me.

OP posts:
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