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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:

mumonthehill · 26/01/2019 20:52

44 still never had one.

WrongKindOfFace · 26/01/2019 20:57

As others have said, you’ll spend more time getting undressed and dressed than you’ll spend getting the smear done.

What usually happens if they’ll ask you some questions about your cycle, are there any issues, contraception, period dates etc. They’ll ask you to undress to the waist and give you a sheet of paper to cover yourself (if you wear a skirt you can keep it on and just hoik it up). They’ll insert the speculum and take the sample. It shouldn’t hurt, but it can feel a bit odd for a second. Pants back on and go.

If you’re heading back to work you might want to take a spare pair of pants as they can be quite generous with the lubricant.

DrWhy · 26/01/2019 21:04

My Dr is a genius. I went in to ask her to check my stitches post birth and a few other questions. She asked if I was up to date with my smear tests, when I said no she asked how old the baby was, near enough 12 weeks so she said should she do one ‘while she was there’. It gave me no chance to worry about it! So yes, done and dusted in under a minute, no more than mildly uncomfortable.

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MeMumsMedicine · 26/01/2019 21:19

Please, please go and have your smear.

My colleauge died the week before her 21st birthday from cervical cancer. She wasn't eligible for a smear test and had to beg to have her continual bleeding checked out. By the time she was seen it was too late. Please go!

MrsEricBana · 26/01/2019 21:24

I'm a wuss and honestly it was nothing. They tell you what to do, it's over in a flash (literally!). Just do it, you'll be so pleased afterwards.

Universalcreditwoes · 26/01/2019 21:43

Try and relax and it will be fine. I had my first last year after dc3 was born as I turned 24 when pregnant and had to wait until after the birth when I was 25. I wish the age was lower. The fact I had 3 dcs and still want allowed a smear test until I turned 24 is just Bad! It was like a string ticket if that helps. And if it helps to chat to keep from worrying it might distract you. Our nurse is lovely and was done in seconds

MichelleM30 · 26/01/2019 21:52

Please go it really isn't embarrassing, I used to think it was but I don't anymore. They see it everyday. I got myself worked up the first time I had it done, I was only 21. That's the age they used to call you in Scotland not sure if it's changed.

It really isn't a big deal and literally takes less than a minute.

Top tip, wear a skirt or dress so you can keep it on, makes you feel more covered up. Tell them it's your first time having it done and you're really nervous. Get a morning appointment then it's out the way.

2016Bluebells · 26/01/2019 22:04

Believe me, the smear test can be the difference between life and death. I was pestered by my friend to go get a smear test, I eventually gave in to stop her nattering me, I had the smear test on the Friday and was rushed to Hospital that very same day getting ready for surgery, I wish I had gone earlier for the smear as the surgery for the removal/ RADICAL HYSTERECTOMY to remove my Cancerous womb and lymph nodes is more painful than any smear test, I was very lucky I did not leave it a moment longer as I would not be here to tell the tale. There is nothing to it, just relax it takes less than a minute. DO IT NOW GIRL BOOK THAT TEST.

PurpleDaisies · 26/01/2019 22:07

That’s absolutely awful. She didn’t need a screening test, she needed proper investigations. Sorry for your loss.

theliverpoolone · 26/01/2019 22:22

When I was your age my smear test identified pre-cancerous cells, CIN3- the highest level. If I'd left it another year I probably wouldn't be here now. As everyone's said, they are life-saving - please don't put it off any longer. Sometimes, if I'm honest, mine do hurt a bit, but rather that than cancer.

MrsRobot71 · 26/01/2019 22:33

If I’m honest, my last one was pretty unpleasant (speculum left in for ages and felt like it was trapping a fold of skin) BUT it was over in 10 mins and I would still do it again as often as needed. One of my colleagues had stage 3 cervical cancer and I am sure she would say that the chemotherapy and worry was a million times worse than any smear test.

EatsFartsAndLeaves · 27/01/2019 00:31

You cannot not go. Just get it done and over with.

Most people, like me, find them a bit odd but no big deal at all - I don't seem to really be able to feel my cervix, so there's nothing to write home about other than the wait to be called in is boring.

That versus cancer? No brainer.

Get it done, then come back on here telling other women to get it done. You could save a life maybe even your own!

Yulebealrite · 27/01/2019 00:49

purpleunicorns

So sorry. Bless you

Dinosaursdontgrowontrees · 27/01/2019 01:02

I was like you op. I kept ignoring the letters, I had built it up in my head to be this big scary thing. Then one day I went to the gp about something totally unrelated she looked at my notes and said ‘ oh I see you’re due a smear? Let’s do that now, hop on the bed’ before I could even really knew what was going on it was done! I could not believe how quick, easy and painless it was. I am so thankful to that gp as I had worried about it for months and I know I probably would of left it and left it as I was so embarrassed and nervous.
Just book it op, honestly it’s not worth the worry!

ReaganSomerset · 27/01/2019 01:10

@purpleunicorns and @brusselpout

I'm so sorry.

Fluffycloudland77 · 27/01/2019 09:00

Mine takes seconds and I haven’t had kids. The speculum are single use and come in different sizes.

They don’t need to open you very wide, just enough to swab the cervix which is closer than you think.

crazycatgal · 30/01/2019 10:27

Read this thread and decided to book my first smear. It would have helped if my GP had any appointments, not really sure what to do now.

KingLooieCatz · 30/01/2019 10:34

There were lots of tips on another thread recently where the OP was thinking about wearing tights to her test.

Just in case they haven't been mentioned already:

I put the speculum in myself at the nurse's suggestion. Much, much quicker, easier and (for me) felt a little more dignified.

Someone suggested dropping your jaw, apparently it helps you relax the necessary muscles. I read this after my test so didn't get a chance to try it out.

Some people get prescribed something to help them stay relaxed that they take before the test. Nurse mentioned when I said I was nervous, but after putting the speculum in myself she said she didn't think I'd need it. I was in and out in minutes.

KingLooieCatz · 30/01/2019 10:35

crazycatgal did you specifically ask for an appointment for a smear test? I'm really surprised they couldn't make you an appointment for that - maybe ask them what they suggest you do.

Angelinthenight · 30/01/2019 10:37

You should go it really isnt that bad. All they ask u to do it take off your bottom half lay down they they get a light shine it on there ,they tell you to flop your legs then they take id say less than a minute to do ,you dont feel anything,im due mine ,its worth getting it can save your life.x

MorningsEleven · 30/01/2019 10:41

Family planning clinics do smears. I used them when I had a job training GPs, nurses and Practice staff to use cytology recall software -seriously- because the FP clinics weren't my clients and I didn't want my clients to see my fanny. I'm weird like that.

crazycatgal · 30/01/2019 10:42

@KingLooieCatz Yes I specifically asked for a smear test, they had one appointment available that I wouldn't have been able to make because of work. They had nothing else apart from that one.

Original poster

caddywally · 21/04/2019 20:28

It's a while ago since I started this thread, but I thought I'd let you ladies know that you convinced me to finally get it done and it was fine! Over in about 2 minutes, and while I admit about 5 seconds of that was very uncomfortable it was completely manageable. The nurse made me feel very at ease and it was nowhere near as bad as I thought it was going to be. It's a load off my mind, that's for sure.

To anyone on the fence about going - it really wasn't bad at all. I'm generally very self-conscious and easily embarrassed and it was absolutely fine.

OP posts:

purpleunicorns · 22/04/2019 14:56

Well done for going

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