First cervical screening tomorrow - please calm me down.

[JammyGem]

I'm having my first cervical screening tomorrow and am pretty scared and trying not to get myself worked up.

I've not intentionally avoided it, but became pregnant just before I had one booked, and then since having DD (now 2 years) time has just passed me by. Finally got round to booking it but as it gets closer I'm dreading it.

During labour, at one point the midwife checked my cervix (or it may have been a sweep, I can't remember too well) and said not to worry, it's just like when you have a smear test. Obviously I didn't know what to expect as I haven't had one. Whatever she did to my cervix is still the most traumatising part I remember of giving birth. The shock and the pain alone were bad, but I was raped as a teenager and instantly had flashbacks to that, and just wanted to scream and run away.

I've now got myself all worked up and am scared to go tomorrow. I'm scared of having another flashback and freaking out the poor nurse. I'm really scared of the pain. Any calming words or tips would be really appreciated.

Hi OP, I had my smear test a few weeks ago after ten years!! I put it off for so long cos I was scared. I told the nurse straight away and she was amazing. So please do tell them, there's nothing you can say they won't have heard before. I was worried that I was going to make a fool of myself but she put me so much as ease that when she'd done it I didn't even realise!!

To add, OP I was raped at 21 and am freaked out by even the thought of anyone going near me and honestly was so proud of myself for getting through the smear test.
I had my daughter 12 years ago and honestly everything hurts in labour so whatever she did then would be different to a smear test when you're more in control.

Please do explain your history to the nurse so they can take things slowly and explain things.

In my case, the hardest part is finding my cervix, because I have a retroverted uterus. I find the actual brush tickly rather than painful.

I'm not sure if you know the process step-by-step, but if not, I'm happy to explain it?

Oh bless you OP.

A midwife tried to break my waters during my first Labour and it was horrendous, traumatic. It was worst than the birth itself so I completely understand how you feel with that experience hanging over your head.

You’re going to worry either way but I promise you that a smear test is nothing like when they examine you during labour. The nurse will use lube and she talks to you during it and it will take no more than about 30 seconds of actual “procedure”. It feels a bit like a soft scraping inside - it’s weird and bit uncomfy but not painful.

I would really encourage you to talk to the nurse when you go in, tell her you’ve never had the procedure before and you are worried and nervous, if you feel able you could say about the assault and trauma? Nurses are very very aware of the feelings that smear tests can bring up for some women, I would really suggest talking it through first.

Some women take Valium or have a glass of wine / alcoholic drink before - alcohol does relax your muscles so you might find it helps you physically.

You’re very brave for even making the appointment OP, talk to the nurse xx

I have done many many smears for women.
Having a smear is uncomfortable but does not compare at all to having a stretch and sweep during advanced pregnancy ! - the midwife was talking rubbish..
Tell the person going your smear why you are worried, wiggle your toes when the examination happens, do your belly breathing.
Plan something nice following - coffee and cake.
You will be fine.💐

Ive had a few smears over the years and have had two babies.
The cervical check by the midwife was way more painful and uncomfortable than any smear test. The test is unpleasant and can be a little uncomfortable when they widen the speculum but in no way comparable to the soreness of midwife exam.
Try to breath and relax, it is very quick and really not as bad as you'd expect

Another one who agrees the midwife was wrong! Smears don’t feel anything like a sweep in labour .

It’s uncomfortable but not painful. Please tell the nurse how anxious you are.

Thank you, I have a rough idea of what goes on but don't know all the ins and outs.

I'm glad to hear others don't find it painful, I think that's what worries me most as it was the feeling of the pain that reminded me of what has happened to me before.

I'm so relieved to hear it isn't like the sweep during labour! That's immediately made me feel so much better, thank you

My tip is to ask to put the speculum in yourself - honestly, that makes it so much easier and I think it should be recommended to everyone. It just feels like putting in an applicator tampon and then they do the rest. It really will be fine though. Like others have said, coffee and a cake after! Good luck.

I'm sorry to hear of your past experiences.
As others have said explain to the nurse before you start.
Also I always ask for the smallest spectrum.

Like others have said, please do tell the nurse you’re worried about this and try, try, try to be relaxed for it. I know that’s difficult but it will make it easier. A lot of it is in your head. I do it too - I’ve given birth twice and still get myself worked up for a smear. Once it’s over I always say “I really need to stop worrying about this”.

You will be okay and it’s definitely worth going.

I had my first smear some time after having my first DC too. I had a traumatic birth with ongoing gynae treatment for the year or so leading up to the smear, so I was very anxious. I told the nurse and she was great, she just chatted away to me and it was so quick and painless. I had a sweep too which was painful enough that it made me make a noise and my eyes water so absolutely not comparable to a smear at all!

OP you prob had a sweep done (which hurts!) a smear honestly truly doesn’t Xx

Oh goodness a sweep is very very different to a smear! If you're comfortable let them know about your history they will do everything they can to make you comfortable.

I'm feeling so much better about it now that I know it won't be like I had in labour. I'm definitely going to talk to the nurse beforehand and explain I'm nervous - hopefully that will help.

I had a sweep and it was bloody painful, smear tests are much quicker, a second or two of a scratchy feeling, not painful.

They get you to strip from waist down, with a sheet or paper sheet across your lower half.

Generally ankles together, then relax your legs down either side. Sometimes you will be asked to sit on a pillow, or your fists to help lift the pelvis to visualise the cervix better.

The nurse will lubricate a speculum (generally disposable and plastic nowadays, no longer metal!) which is a device they should gently insert, twist a screw and it opens 2, paddle like sides. This holds back the side of your vaginal canal and makes seeing the cervix
easier.

They then insert a small, plastic brush which collects cells from the cervix. I find this bit tickly as said in my earlier post. in some cases they might offer a chlamydia check also, which is a swab at the same time.

They unscrew the speculum and remove, then you can wipe yourself and get dressed.

I recommend wearing a panty liner. Its not uncommon to get some light spotting after the procedure. Some might get light cramps, so have some paracetmaol at home, but I never needed it. Best of luck OP x

Wear a skirt. I feel less exposed with lifting a skirt and have it around my hips than having to remove trousers.

Concentrate on your breathing - breathe in - hold and count to four and slowly exhale. I did this last time and omg I did not feel anything like I had in the past. I have a funny cervix that is hard to find so a lot of jiggery pokery.