Smear test - diazepam - if that doesn’t work then what?

[ohohohmerrychristmas]

I’m due a smear , overdue by a few months .

Had a try last month, two nurses and GP and they couldn’t get the speculum in at all . Doesn’t surprise me, there are reasons I find it very traumatic and upsetting . My muscles sort of clamp together even at the thought . Even if they mention it on TV I get a bit panicked .

GP has said she wants me to try again, in two weeks . Meantime I’ve to use something called ‘replens’, diazepam to be taken before the appointment and also codeine
and naproxen to take about an hour before .

She said if even after all that fails they’ll get gynae to take it in clinic with stirrups etc - said they are a bit less forgiving than GP surgery which has left me a bit panicked .

The reason I have these problems is due to having being forced - literally - to undergo painful and distressing examinations as a child, I don’t want to be in that position again.

I’m very tempted to say I’d rather just not have the smear altogether but think that’s not a good idea !!

Snear tests now test for HPV and only if you test positive are the cells then examined. I believe you can get private HPV urine tests you do at home. If you did one and it was negative you wouldn't need a smear at all.

It’s not a legal requirement for you to have a smear test - they can’t force you, but obviously it is a good idea.

I found diazepam very helpful. Also, a smaller speculum and the last time the nurse let me open it myself.