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Original poster

Please can someone talk some sense into me about smear tests?!

99 replies

caddywally · 26/01/2019 16:55

I'm 26 and have had a few reminders to book a smear test, but so far I've ignored them. I know I should book one and there's a little niggle in the back of my mind but so far I haven't done anything about it.

My main reason for not going is embarrassment, which I know is ridiculous. I'm also worried about what will happen if I tense up and the nurse can't get the speculum in (do they even use a speculum?!) Will they just reschedule the appointment for another day?

Please can someone talk some sense into me and put me at ease? I know I should book one but I keep talking myself out of it.

OP posts:
Jenfur · 26/01/2019 17:00

Definitely book one. It can be a bit embarrassing but they've definitely seen it all before and won't remember yours when they go home at the end of the day!!
I've only had one - it wasn't the most pleasant way to spend five minutes but honestly now can't really remember much about it. I wore a skirt so I couldn't see anything that was going on which I think helped to reduce any embarrassment.

Mabelface · 26/01/2019 17:00

The nurses are very respectful and used to women who may be embarrassed or anxious. If you look on the BBC website, a lady yesterday had one done in BBC breakfast. Would be worth you watching as you can see exactly what's happening

squee123 · 26/01/2019 17:01

You can request a female nurse if that makes you feel better. I like to focus on the fact that the woman doing it does it day in day out and has seen it all countless times before. She will have seen all shapes and sizes and won't even register what I look like down there.
You lie on the couch with a little cover to go over your lap which gives an illusion of modesty.

It is all done super quickly and will be over before you know it.

If you are worried about odor (which you shouldn't be but I know some women are) book one for first thing in the morning so you can have a shower just before you go.

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LEMtheoriginal · 26/01/2019 17:02

Nurses are very good at putting you at ease. The speculums are often single use plastic so no worries about cold metal Grin

They are just used to gently hold the walls of your vagina back so the nurse can see your cervix. They have different sizes so no worries about it not going in.Putting the speculum in is the longest part. The smear itself is a tad uncomfortable but over in milliseconds.

Worth it for peace of mind.

No need to be embarrassed- you'd not be embarrassed if they looking up your nose and to the nurse its just another body part.

Ive had a lot of gynae stuff done, i frankly couldnt care less if thete was a studio audience so long as the job gets done.

Once youve had your first they are simply an inconvenience. One that can save your life though.

Original poster
caddywally · 26/01/2019 17:04

Thanks everyone. Does it really only take a few minutes? I've had visions of the nurse wrestling to get the swab in and it taking about an hour!

OP posts:
Alwaysatyke · 26/01/2019 17:04

Tell the nurse you're nervous, they'll understand. If the speculum is too tight they'll use a narrower one, and they use plenty of lube to make it easier. You'll feel so much better after you've been, knowing that a) you've tackled it and b) it's done for a few years

LEMtheoriginal · 26/01/2019 17:05

It will take you longer to get undressed!

Aaaahfuck · 26/01/2019 17:05

Please go. I've had a few examinations recently as I've been getting thrush lots and having irregular bleeding. So I understand it's grim getting your genitals out for a stranger. But they've seen it all before and do it all of the time. They let you get undressed behind a curtain and tell you what to do. I think you would have to be pretty tense to not get the speculum in. Also plan a little treat for afterwards even if it's just a nice coffee as a reward.

SexNotJenga · 26/01/2019 17:06

Usually it takes seconds.

squee123 · 26/01/2019 17:08

I've always been in and out within 5 minutes including taking my knickers off and back on, even my first one when I was 18 (they used to start them younger).

Personally I find it helps to strike up a random topic of conversation and just not think about what she's doing

shortgreengiraffe · 26/01/2019 17:09

The nurse really isn't interested in your nether regions.

It will all be over and done with in less time than it would have taken to write this post.

I had mine done last week. Took me longer to get my tights off than anything else.

Just crack on.

Rarfy · 26/01/2019 17:09

Definitely go. The nurses have seen it all before and you are covered over for your modesty which always makes me feel a little better as i am really shy when it comes to things like that.

I find it helps to tell them you are nervous and they will do their best to try and put you at ease and be gentle.

All the above being said it is literally over in a few minutes and is completely worth it. Maybe make the first step and book the appointment.

WitchesWeb · 26/01/2019 17:11

As someone who has had cervical cancer please please go.

Don't be embarrassed, they really have seen it many many times before.

PerfectionistProcrastinator · 26/01/2019 17:12

It honestly takes a few minutes, if that. I think mine have taken about 60 seconds.

Tiredeyes21 · 26/01/2019 17:12

@caddywally please don’t put it off... I did! Ignored the letters at 25 and kept doing it for a few years, had my DS... still put it off. Eventually a receptionist at my GP pinned me down on the phone and wouldn’t let me hang up till I’d booked an appointment (aged 29). I’m so thankful she did.

I had pre cancerous cells, CIN 3, the highest level of pre cancerous and had a procedure to get them removed. I thank my lucky stars that I didn’t have cervical cancers and the receptionist for forcing me into having it done.

So please OP please go have one done!

Bathbombs · 26/01/2019 17:17

Definitely tell the nurse you’re nervous. I did and cried during mine and she was great. It’s not as bad as you build it up to be and however horrible it is it’s over in a matter of minutes.
Making the appointment is the hardest bit.

Verbena37 · 26/01/2019 17:18

Ask for a smaller speculum before you begin.
I once had the nurse remove the cell sample, leave the speculum there in place, whilst she walked off to other side of room...whilst I started tensing up !

She apologised but I wasn’t very nice to her.
Since then, I’ve always asked for a small one and told them what happened before. They’re always sympathetic and it also makes sure nobody leaves it in again.

Please go for your smear. It’s a couple of minutes of waiting.

Celebelly · 26/01/2019 17:23

Yep, it really doesn't take long at all. They'll ask you to lie on bed and might ask you to stick your fists under your bum to raise your hips a bit so they get a better angle. Then it's just a very quick process.

My first one took a bit longer as they couldn't reach with normal tool so needed a slightly longer one (apparently I have a long vaginal passage!) but now when I go I just remind them and they use it from the get-go. Mildly uncomfortable for a few seconds but then over. I've never had any pain or bleeding after.

Original poster
caddywally · 26/01/2019 17:33

Tiredeyes21 This is what I'm worried about! I think it'll never happen to me, though I'm sure everyone feels like that.

Aaaahfuck A treat afterwards is a good idea!

I think I'll get it over with and book an appointment on Monday.

OP posts:
clydeonabike · 26/01/2019 17:33

The test itself takes only a minute or so, it'll take you longer to get undressed! Nurses are not interested in what your lady garden looks like or any of that jazz, just looking to get a good sample from your cervix. Tell the nurse you're anxious, we always do our best to make it as easy as possible...and take a look at Jo's trust website too for lots of information on the test, the process and results etc x

AprilShowers16 · 26/01/2019 17:33

I’ve just booked my first one and I’m 32 and have had two children so very used to people seeing down there but for some reason I’ve put off my smear for so long (I’m fine with giving birth but I hate the examination bits of labour 😆). I’m booked for next week so helpful to read all this, if I can do it you can too!

Scotinoz · 26/01/2019 17:38

Definitely go. The nurse or GP isn't in the least bit embarrassed, and nothing fazes them.

My OB used to tell me his (wholly inappropriate) jokes as he did mine. I doubt he told all his patients...

BringItOn88 · 26/01/2019 17:45

It's only a few minutes of being uncomfortable, the impact of putting of a smear can last a lifetime.

BringItOn88 · 26/01/2019 17:45

*off

NigelsBird · 26/01/2019 17:46

I had one this week. The nurse was at huge pains to put me at ease. Admit it's easier to have someone fiddling with your fanjo if you've previously given birth - I have, twice, so it doesn't bother me that much - but even so, it really was nothing, took literally 30 seconds. I didn't even feel speculum or brush going in.
The nurse sees all kinds day in, day out. Old, young, hairy, bald, flappy or neat - I promise you, she doesn't care!
The only tip I would say apart from generally not to work it up in your mind as more than it is, is to wear a dress or smock - so the minute you're finished, you stand up, and your bits are covered over. Just gives you a bit more dignity than standing there in a shirt or short top, trying to get your knickers back on with your bum hanging out!

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