Smear test...

[namechange161]

Hi everyone...

I've just been invited (again) for my first smear. I have an awful feeling about going (due to past trauma) the thought of it would quite literally make me sick!!

I'm finally getting to a place where I feel I could ring and book my appointment. I'd like to hear about others experiences with it, I really don't know what to expect. Can I ask for a muscle relaxant? Can I ask for a female nurse? I normally shave/wax everythinggggg but is that fine? Will they pass comment on anything down there?

I've also got fear of waiting and then hearing something is wrong... I think I just need some hand holding while I work my way up to it.

I'm aware I'm overthinking but it's honestly taken me years to get to this point so please be kind ☺️

Nobody will pass comment on anything. They are kind and gentle. You shouldn’t need a muscle relaxant but I suggest you ring your surgery and ask to speak who ever will be doing your smear to put your mind at rest. I’m afraid waiting for the result is just par for the course.

I was terrified of having a smear after being given a non-consensual intimate procedure while in labour. I explained this to the receptionist who booked me in, and also to the nurse. They were really kind and understanding, and the nurse couldn't have been more gentle.

I've only ever had female nurses. They aren't bothered at all about what you look like down there. They've seen thousands of women. It's a very quick procedure and it's over before you know it. The nurse will ask you to remove your pants/trousers, either behind a screen or she will leave the room, and get onto the couch. Wearing a long skirt is a good idea as you can keep it on and feel less exposed. The nurse will talk you through everything that's happening and afterwards will again give you privacy to get dressed. You might be able to request a chat over the phone with the nurse before you go. They really do want to do smear tests and make sure you have a good experience so you keep going. The wait for results is usually a week or so, could be longer due to covid.

There is a lot they can do to help you feel more relaxed. I agree with the advice to ask to speak to the nurse before your appointment. Did you know you can ask to put the speculum in yourself? That may be something that helps you feel in control.

They honestly won't be making comments. .you are entitled to ask for a female nurse. I would ring the surgery and explain what you have said here..No one likes the thought of having it done. .,but it takes seconds and is so important.

Given the NHS has stopped bothering to look at the samples unless you test positive for HPV, there’s actually no need to bother having the invasive test at an inconvenient time. You can get a self swab HPV kit from Superdrug online for less than £50 so if you can afford then I’d personally do that instead, especially if you’re anxious and have been putting off getting tested. But seriously no one cares about what type of wax you get.

You can ask them to use a small speculum and tell them that you are nervous.
The nurses have done so many smears, they aren't at all bothered whether you shave, don't shave, plaited it or dyed it bright pink.

It's a bit of embarrassment and maybe a minute of being uncomfortable but it could make a huge difference.

Don't be afraid to book an initial appointment so you can simply talk about your fears, ask about the process, even ask the nurse to show you the instruments to help you mentally prepare. They won't mind.

At a recent smear, I explained to the nurse that I had birth injuries so am I little more sensitive. She was lovely and used a different speculum. She said she loves women's health and is known as queen of the smears because she loves making the women feel happy and comfortable. Hope you get someone like her!

I had one last week with a female nurse. I was asked if I wanted a chaperone. She gave me paper towel to put over me so you're not lying there exposed. Then she explained every single step ie I'm putting on lubricant, it will feel cold, next I'm going to........

I've been having regular smears since my 20s, I'm now in my 50s, and they are so much more dignified and the emphasis now is on the is patient's comfort and feelings.

Luckily for me they've never been painful but I always focus on my breathing and try and be as relaxed as possible as it makes it easier for them to do the procedure if your not tense. It's over very quickly.

I was told I'd been receiving my results within 5-7 days.

I always feel like the build up is worse than the actual procedure. You will feel like a weight has been lifted once you’ve been and don’t have to think about it anymore.

I’ve had many smears, after an abormal one I had to have yearly ones for 5 years at hospital. It’s over really quick and I’ve never had any pain, but I too suffer not being able to relax. You lie on side with one leg bent under and the other bent upwards. I’ve just been invited and rang to book this week. Appointment is not for another 6 weeks. Nobody likes having them done, but it’s important.

Having a small speculum doesn't necessarily help. Having the correct size speculum does help - depends how far back your cervix is

I recently had my first smear in about ten years. The lovely nurse explained beforehand that they now use plastic speculums, not the old metal ones. She assured me that it would be more comfortable and it really was. It was over and done with in a couple of minutes and I really was worried about nothing x

A smear test saved my life last year.

I wasn’t over due. I booked it straight away once the letter reminder came.
I had no symptoms whatsoever.
Yet they found stage 1 cervical cancer.

It’s very very important that you go.