Smear test dread

[bakewellbride]

I've got my smear test today and I'm absolutely dreading it. I woke up this morning crying about it and I'm crying again now which I know sounds pathetic but it's true.

I don't want to cancel but how can I go ahead with it?

I have no body confidence since having my second baby and can't stand the thought of anyone seeing me intimately. I know they don't care but I can't help feeling the way I do. Dh just tells me 'not to worry' about it but it's not that simple.

Would you consider the at home test? I buy from Superdrug online. Complete game changer.

You can just do an at home HPV test if you want? Thats all the smear tests check for anyway now, they don’t even look at the cells they harvest anymore.

I no longer go as I don’t see the point I have only had one sexual partner and have been vaccinated for HPV. If I wanted a HPV test I would just save the humiliation and do it at home soon as the nhs can no longer be bothered to look at the cells.

i didn't know a home test was a thing - great suggestion!

If you can get there by public transport - massive glass of wine before hand will help

Believe me, the nurses do not care what you look like down there.

I agree with the previous poster - get an at home test. If you don't have HPV the smear test goes in the bin - they don't even look at it any more!

I've always found smear tests horribly painful. It's at home testing for me in future now 🙂

You can do it OP. The chances of your nether regions looking freakishly abnormal are extremely unlikely, and as you said, they really have seen all shapes and sizes, shaved, unshaved and everywhere in between. Go and get it done and then treat yourself afterwards. It really is over so quickly that any embarrassment is so short-lived you will probably wonder why you were so worried about it in the first place x

All I can say I that I went the other day, for the first time in about 5 years, and it was literally over in seconds with only the slightest discomfort. It's always weird sitting up there with your jumper on an no pants but honestly, all the times I've been in my 30-40s it's been fine (and that was after a few bad experiences when I was younger). Best of luck OP.

Take a couple of painkillers an hour before you go , it also helps to calm me. Also when your having it done , put your hands into fists and put them under yourself in the small of your back ( just above your bum ) It helps to tilt your pelvis.

How does the home test work? I am due one and they are always v uncomfortable for me. Ironically the only time it didn’t hurt was when done by a male obgyn

Should have added good luck and let us know how you get on.

It’s just a self administered swab @disappointed101 , very very easy, super quick, totally pain free.

Wear a dress! The worst part is looking like Donald Duck with your top stopping at your waist and being naked from there down!

Thanks everyone, much appreciated. I'm wearing a dress. I'm teetotal and looking after baby dd so can't have wine but that was a good idea!

I think I'll give the home test a miss but appreciate the suggestion. At my doctor surgery since covid it's been - and still is - ridiculously hard to get an appointment. They try whatever they can to get you to do stuff from home to avoid coming in e.g telephone appointments with sending pictures... yet for this they want me to come in so there must be a good reason.

Please go my last smear test was absolutely normal 3 years ago, this one I have severe grade abnormal cells which will most likely require treatment. The smear is very quick and not very painful at all. It might save your life so please go.

Hope you're ok, @bakewellbride
Just wanted to know how PP's know that smear tests aren't looked at any more apart from HPV? Am gobsmacked..
Luckily mine have stopped now (us oldies don't matter, lol) but am obviously still interested..

@Meili04 So this presumes that they ARE still looked at?
I'm sorry you've got an abnormal result, I had one in the late 80's, treated, (surgery) & went on to have more children after that, so please don't worry. Hugs to you. xx

I’d like to know this too!

@Meili04 when did I say I was not going?

It’s been that way for years @mamabear715. It’s not new, they just don’t broadcast it I guess. Eventually the tests will all be done from home I’m sure, the NHS have trialled this and it’s how it already works in some other countries.

Hi op I would try not to think about it and occupy yourself with your dd, put some music on a song to dd whilst getting ready and when in the waiting room just talk or play with her and keep your mind on her. Then when your in the room then you can think about it. Easier said than done I know but you will build it up in your head more.

The nurse will have completed smears on all ages, sizes, most who have had baby's, all sorts of public hair styles. They are focusing on making sure they get the right sample of cells they need, and making notes after and putting the sample away safely to be sent. That's their priority.

I’m going in to have LLETZ treatment tomorrow on abnormal cells. Have the smear, the alternative might be so much worse

I also like to book early ones and think that once they see the next women for a smear they won't remember what my area looks like, this helps settle myself. Aslong as I'm clean then I don't care.

I asked about this at my last appointment. They only look for HPV and if that is positive they look for cell changes. The nurse said that you wouldn't have cell abnormalities without HPV. I said but what if your last test was negative and you have the same sexual partner, what are the chances of getting it? And she said its still possible. But I think maybe it's the fact that you can't put your health in the hands of someone else ( cheating partners).

Could you plan a treat after? Nice coffee, or a slice of cake? That's how I get through those kind of things!