Anyone else had trouble with smears?

[Rainywindy1234]

I’ve only ever had one done before. Anyway, went for one at the start of last week and got so nervous that it felt painful and couldn’t be completed. Felt a bit idiotic.
Trouble is I’ll have to go back. Not really keen on taking diazepam beforehand.
Anyone else been in this situation?

I've been lurking in the hope someone would reassure you before I post this.

I've had One smear where it was painful, I gritted my teeth and got through it.

BUT I've always had regular smears so I knew there was an issue, because the whole process was agony painful enough that I was breathing in gasps & blowing to stay calm and yelped/squeaked a couple of times.

It can be a lot worse depending on which bit of your cycle the appt falls on as well.

Don't feel idiotic, It could be a sign of something, even if it's just a heavy period on its way.

I don't do great smears but there's a few things that help.
If you're tense it will hurt more so close your eyes, breathe and try to do whatever you can to relax as much as you can.

Position. Hands under bum for me as I'm a bit tilted but I've also done it on my side!
Honestly. Tell them it really hurts, can you stop for a second. Can they suggest a better position etc.
I've had some that have barely hurt because I've been honest and we've worked together which has helped me relax.

Good luck

Thanks so far. Wonder if something like being on my side would help..

I've been having them from age 25. I have only had one that hurt. The nurse wasn't very gentle. I had my last one last week and it was absolutely fine. The nurse was lovely and kept asking if I was alright. She said she has some women come in with headphones on with relaxing music.

It might be worth asking about different positions. But I'd be very open from the start, I think it's better to be open about nerves etc and then you're not trying to be brave.

I have taken diazepam to help before.

My local nurse is amazing as she knows I struggle, she uses a smaller than normal speculum, lubrictaes it with water and lets me “open” it. I can’t say how grateful I am to her

I strongly recommend finding a GP you like and trust. Tell them your fears. Ask for them to use the smallest size speculum and to be gentle. I've asked before for them to stop a moment and to reposition. My GP sometimes asks me to put a fist under my bum to change the angle, that helps.

Mine used to be pretty awful. It is very dependant on the HCP doing them. Current one is amazing she’s in and out and it really isn’t uncomfortable (but that’s after two decades of pretty awful experiences).

For me the main reason is my cervix points into my back. I recall one HCP rummaging around painfully for ages then going ‘Where is it, I cants find your cervix’ (like I’d know from where I was lying).

Once I found I have a retroverted uterus I tell any HCP who needs to know before we start, I also tell them I find pap smears uncomfortable so the nurses usually chat away about other things which helps, I also find breathing deeply when it’s being done helps and the fists under lower back also helps.

Tell your HCP you find smears uncomfortable though. Hopefully they’ll be able to help keep you calm.

Did she try a different size of speculum.

Definitely make sure they are using the smallest speculum possible. I tried with an ordinary one and it was horrendous. They switched to a smaller size and it was fine. I also found it easier after childbirth than before. And make sure you get a nurse you trust who isn't rushing for time. I got a lovely nurse who when I said I'd had a bad experience before said she'd book us in for a double appointment to make sure there was plenty of time, and that it wasn't a problem if we didn't manage it and I needed to come back. I think the fact that she did all those things made it much easier, and we only needed the first appointment and it was fine.

I’ve always had trouble with painful smears. I dread them. I had to go to hospital recently for an investigation (for something else) and I commented about how much easier the process was than when I go for a smear. I was told it was because you normally lie down flat for a smear but the position I was in at the hospital was more raised up with feet in stirrups. My uterus is tilted and that’s what made all the difference. I was also advised to tell them in advance that I needed a long speculum. When it was my next smear I asked if there was anywhere I could go to have it in the more raised position but there wasn’t which seems ridiculous as it’s not an uncommon problem. Thing is I think it’s stressful for the nurse too when it’s a difficult smear.

Cervix not uterus.

I was in exactly the same boat as you, OP. I’d only ever had one before and I’m 41 now. And last week I had my second one! I was so happy and relieved. I think what helped me was using a lot of the hypnobirthing techniques I learned when pregnant with DD2. A lot of ‘mind over matter’ type thinking, relaxation, and getting myself in the zone beforehand. If I can do it, you can do it. I’m convinced it’ll be easier for me next time because I’ve now got that one under my belt and it was a positive experience. Good luck.

MoiraRoseVibes... thanks. I know a lot of it must be mind over matter. I tried to get in the zone beforehand but found myself back in the anxious zone when I was there and she started. I need to try again.

Ask them to check if you've got a tilted cervix. Mine always hurt until one day a nurse who carried out a totally painless told me that I did. I've since always told the nurse before the start and it's been fine

It's also called "retroverted uterus" as the poster above mentioned

Don't discredit the idea that the nurse/doctor makes a difference. I had mine done for years by the lovely practice nurse, and couldn't understand all the fuss. Until I changed GP practice and the GP did both a smear (at my six week check) and coil insertion. It was horrendous and that woman is never going near my cervix again! I had to use my breathing techniques from labour and couldn't drive home for half an hour as I felt so sick. (Not to mention the bloody coil fell out. Had another one done at the local sexual health clinic and barely noticed, totally different experience).

Tilted pelvis is usually behind the painful smear !!!!!

I always dread them too, and usually put the success of them down to the skill of the nurse.

As others have said putting your fists under your bum can help. I've also asked before if I can put speculum in.

Also laughing can really help, I laugh when I'm nervous and the nurse said it really helped.

Coughing I think can help too.

I'm having a procedure on Thursday which will start with a speculum, completely dreading it.

Would you be happier to insert the speculum yourself? I’ve been offered this before as I get so nervous, although it didn’t help me feel any better it might help you. The only thing that works for me is to have someone’s hand to squeeze while they do it, I close my eyes and just get through it. It’s not painful for me though it’s just not pleasant.

Yep, I get what you mean @Rainywindy1234 - last week it was almost the same for me - I was sooo determined to do it but as soon as I was lying there I began to freak out. The nurse was so lovely though and I said ‘Give me just one minute’ and I tried again. It wasn’t painful at all and I was walking on air when I left. You can do it