Abuse and smear tests

52 replies

me2oo · 26/11/2010 20:56

I'm posting this here as I don't want a questioning of the validity of abuse and subsequent reaction response, so value a feminist perspective.

I suffered sexual abuse in my teen years. As a result, I really really struggle with going for a smear test. The letter sends me into floods of tears, as do all the reminders, and the thought of going makes me physically recoil. So I avoid them, and I know it's not good.

Has anyone experienced anything similar? Is there anything you can suggest?

OP posts:

earwicga · 26/11/2010 22:17

Do you have a family planning clinic where you could go instead of the doctor? That's where I go and always get a female doctor.

I'm sorry about what happened to you.

I hope somebody can come up with something of help to you as (as you know) smears are essential. I've pre-cancerous cells removed once so far and was very grateful to my smear test detecting them. Or else I would be dead now.

canyou · 26/11/2010 21:06

Hun I am sorry I also react very badly to them as I was raped many years ago and walked away refusing smears for years
I now make sure I have some one with me [my Mum/DP] and I INSIST they come in with me.
A Dr does it and I speak before hand to them they know I am stressed etc
I get a double appt so no pressure/rush
I don't take a relaxant I need to be in control
I will not tell you what you already know
Could you ask the GP to guide you and let you do it yourself? My Gyne produced a mirror a light and talked me through it, it was weird but gave me control but this was a very nice male who instantly understood my hell no reaction to him.

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