Problematic smear tests

[Aridane]

Smear tests have always been challenging for me- something to do with the way my cervix is positioned (I forget the precise explanation).

So for the past 25+ years, my excellent GP just booked me in herself for a double appointment with her and she does the smears (although the practice policy is for the nurses to do them).

My GP has retired so I booked an appointment with the lovely (experienced) nurse who was unable to do the smear, despite x3 gos, and was unable to get sight of my cervix. (Nurse was very nice, explained what she was doing, took it slowly and didn't persist when it became too painful).

First time, she had to stop when it became too painful; second time she gave me the option of dilating once the speculum was in - which I did until it became too painful. She didn't want to do a 3rd time - didn't want to traumatise me and put me off coming back - but I invited her to do which we did in a slightly different position (still on my back but with a pillow under my pelvis).

I was reasonably relaxed (to the extent you can be!) and was not clenching my internal muscles.

Nurse has prescribed some hormone cream I'm inserting with an applicator which she thinks will do the trick and I'll go back in a few weeks for another go. She says that in most cases this will do the trick.

Has anyone else had problematic smear tests of the type I describe and how did you resolve?

My cervix is high up and positioned to the back so a bit hard to reach. I grab my knees and bring them as high as possible to my chest while lying down (thankfully I'm quite flexible). This position makes it a bit easier to reach which is just enough for me.

Yeah, I'm a pain in the cervix with smears and coils. A long, narrow vagina and retroverted uterus, apparently. Generally I have to be on my back with my fists under my bum for them to get at my cervix. It's never easy. It's always better when they believe my history and start with the smaller speculum, rather than try with the standard one and then realise it's not working for me.

I once had a smear done by a gynaecologist (female, kind, gentle - sadly retired) where she had me lying on my left side with my knees drawn up, exactly how I birthed dc2. It was uncomfortable but not painful.

My cervix is high and tilted. So I lie on my back with my fists under my bottom to tilt my pelvis, feet together and knees relaxed open. They always use a long speculum and manage ok. It also has a tendency to move 🤣
Hope they manage to sort it for you though!

Thank you.

Yes, certain things you are saying is ringing some bells. I also apparently have a long narrow vagina and with the speculum, they once used the one they use for internal examination in suspected child abuse (sorry TMI). Though the speculums they have now don't seem to be the monster sized cold metal ones from years ago!

Fingers crossed for next time. Not sure what then happens is 2nd appointment is unsuccessful. Still, will cross that bridge when I get to it...

Went back for smear today - again unsuccessful

Lovely nurse tried x3 times, including with a different speculum. She managed to get a glimpse of the cervix - tilted apparently - but wasn’t able to take a sample (too painful).

She got a doctor in who tried a couple of times but didn’t want to try further because of the pain and not wanting to traumatise me (!) - so have been referred to hospital for my smear (colposcopy department or something).

3rd time lucky?

ps

I asked the nurse why a hospital appointment would be successful with a smear when she had not and she said they could get me in a different Position to what could be achieved in surgery - eg stirrups.

Can anyone tell me what’s involved in a hospital colposcopy appointment?

I had one where the cervix "wasn't coming up?" I never understood what that meant, I was too much in pain to ask the nurse! I always struggled badly with things being inserted in me. Muscles just clench immediately. Never could use tampons and losing my virginity well, it was like a rusty knife being shoved up again and again. Euwww. I do nto like smears much.

When I had my colposcopy they had me in stirrups. The beds are much more adjustable etc so hopefully it'll work for you.

I'm completely unable to tolerate smear tests too. Tried different positions ect but not been successful. I'm unable to use tampons or moon cups either.
Currently awaiting a hysteroscopy for gyny issues and they will do smear at the same time under general anaesthetic

compulsiveliar2019 you sound very like me. I do have PCOS but no endo or anything like that so unsure why I have this issue? I have never coped well with anything being put up there.

I had to go to the hospital and have a smear ‘in the big chair’.

Two nurses, 6 different instruments, the cervix finder general and two cotton buds later and hurrah, my smear test was done.

the cervix finder general.

🤣😂

I have the exact same issue. My last smear test took 20 minutes, 3 attempts and I was shaking/very tearful at the end.
It’s one of the reasons I get pissed of when MNetters cry ‘it takes 20 seconds and I never felt a thing’ at anyone reluctant to go.

@maddie - yes, it irritates the fuck out of me when posters assert as a universal truth that smears do not hurt, take 20 seconds and what’s the problem

@JayAlfredPrufrock

😂

Thanks for the explanation, @amazedmummy

(andn@JayAlfredPrufrock)

I was given two Valium and 2x strong codeine last time and that made a world of difference - I was very drunk, and sleepy; nurse just got on with it whilst I dozed ! Suggested next time I can do the same or have a GA or entonox - I’m tempted to just go for a GA, be easiest !

So I had my smear in hospital yesterday. Like @JayAlfredPrufrock, it was in the big chair which meant Cervix Finder General had maximum ease of locating the elusive cervix.

She was very kind and gentle, explained everything as she went along and was able to do it on the second go.

She said that for my next smear, I was not to have this done at my gps practice as she didn’t want me to go through multiple unsuccessful attempts and pain and associated trauma but just to ask for a referral to colposcopy at the hospital.