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Original poster

Anyone had difficulty getting a smear

19 replies

Summerwinter235 · 25/10/2022 00:17

Having a bit of a panic tonight as ashamed to admit I’ve not had a smear for nearly 8 years.
I have been for appointments but because I find it so traumatic they haven’t been able to do it.
The last one I had was only done because a consultant practically forced the speculum and managed to get it.
I had a small bit of blood tonight which would be in the middle of my cycle and now I’m panicking.
im going to phone tomorrow and I’ll pay privately if I have to to get seen quickly.
I’ll just have to make myself get it done but is there anything else they can do to help get it done if it’s traumatic for someone. I practically end up screaming which is completely embarrassing and it’s my fault they can’t get it, not theirs. Thanks for any advice that can be given.

OP posts:
PineapplePear · 25/10/2022 00:20

Don’t have any advice but bumping for answers. I feel very guilty for not getting a smear done, but I find it horrendous.

Got2besoon · 25/10/2022 00:23

Oh OP, I'm sorry you find them hard too.
Last time, I screamed so loud. It was utter agony.
The nurse had to use 3 speculum and finally she found the "right" one and the pain was much better, although it was still uncomfortable.
She told me she had to use one that was longer than expected, and having the wrong size can make it a lot more painful.

As the bleeding was mid cycle could it have been ovulation bleeding?

Original poster
Summerwinter235 · 25/10/2022 00:24

Thank god there is someone else who finds this. I don’t know how people get it done. I’m embarrassed that I find it so traumatic and just want to give myself a shake and get it done.

OP posts:

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Dillwyninthebath · 25/10/2022 00:24

Adding myself, my last one was awful but I really need to go as I have mid cycle bleeding.

Original poster
Summerwinter235 · 25/10/2022 00:25

I’ll need to google ovulation bleeding, thanks for reply

OP posts:
spartanrunnergirl · 25/10/2022 00:25

I have got a prescription for diazepam in the past from GP to take prior to the smear. Helps.

spartanrunnergirl · 25/10/2022 00:28

Also you are not alone OP. I hate them, find it a violation, and the taking of the sample is painful. I do try and get it done tho as I've had abnormal cells in the past and know it's important to keep up checks.

antelopevalley · 25/10/2022 00:29

I have found Well Woman Clinics tend to be better for less painful smears. Not every surgery has these, but some do.
Nurses do smears so you should be able to get an appointment quickly if you explain you are bleeding and worried about cancer.

Bouledeneige · 25/10/2022 00:29

I've not had difficulty booking one but I recently realised it's been quite a long time since I had a smear. I had one today and was wondering whether it would be uncomfortable but it wasn't at all. I've not had sex for 8 years but I have had two babies with very big heads! (A long time ago).

Original poster
Summerwinter235 · 25/10/2022 00:29

Thanks re the diazepam advice. I was worried that I’d panic that I’d feel out of control but I might just need to try that

OP posts:
antelopevalley · 25/10/2022 00:30

And I am surprised that your surgery has not hassled you about coming in for a smear. Most do.

Pixiedust1234 · 25/10/2022 00:30

Call your GP and mention you are struggling. They might be able to offer something.

There was a thread here last week about smears and there were lots of useful hints on how to make it less painful. Do an advanced search.

Mine is to do a deep breath, then wiggle everything top to bottom to relax(ish), wiggle your fingers, your butt, your toes. Then tilt your pelvis upwards and place your fists under your buttocks. It your cervix is tilted then it helps with the angle and makes it less painful.

Original poster
Summerwinter235 · 25/10/2022 00:31

That’s a good point - hopefully there will be more availability as the nurses do them

OP posts:
krill · 25/10/2022 00:33

Could be a number of things rather than cervical cancer. Even peri menopause or thyroid connected, just two possibilities.

Don't be embarrassed as many people find it traumatic.

YukoandHiro · 25/10/2022 00:39

Yes I saw a really long Twitter thread about exactly this lately - lots of women are having trouble booking it.

nodogz · 25/10/2022 00:46

Can't you just do a self swab via Superdrug or another online pharmacy.

That's what they do anyway in nhs, look at hpv status and then, if positive, look at cells.

If it's clear, great. If not you know to get the smear and any extra prescriptions to help.

My drs doesn't have an option for a smear for online booking so I just didn't get round to it. But I sorted it via self test for £50/60. It was worth cost for me

Lady929 · 25/10/2022 12:57

Hi 👋

no advice but I’m in the same boat and posted a thread about it yesterday.

Have you got a nice GP? When I last had a smear the GP did it instead of the nurse and she was really good with me. She booked a double appointment so it wasn’t rushed as well.

I hope you get on ok, I know how scary it is x

Chloefairydust · 25/10/2022 14:30

Just get a at home HPV test from Superdrug… HPV is all smear tests check for nowadays anyway, they don’t even bother looking at the cells harvested if your HPV negative… So there really isn’t much point now.

Original poster
Summerwinter235 · 25/10/2022 18:18

Chloefairydust - thanks, I will do that. In Scotland and someone said to me it’s just England where you get these so I’ll see if I can order online

OP posts:
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