Anxious about my smear test, how to make it easier?

[hairymaryssmeartest]

Got my overdue smear test on Friday and dreading it, not had one since before the pandemic where the nurse spent the whole time telling me how much she hated giving smears and hated being face to face with peoples "bits". I've had a couple of bad experiences with smear tests over the years including being left with a speculum open inside me for 20 minutes while the nurse left the room as well as a truly traumatising experience with a male gynaecologist a few years ago so I really, really hate it and am about a year over due for my test.

I am glad I'm going as I know its important to get screened but how do I best prepare? I don't do any hair removal in that area so should I do a bit to make it better for the nurse doing the test?

Obviously I will shower immediately prior and wear fresh clothes, is there anything else I can do to make it easier on my self and the nurse?

So Sorry you had such a bad experience. That should bot have happened and the chances of it happening again are very slim.

Don’t worry about hair removal. But definitely be on top of washing (you would anyway).

If it’s any consolation I had 2 really bad ones, couldn’t find cervix, really painful, but my last I had a very senior nurse doing it (she was actually a smear test trainer) and it went fine. She knew what size speculum to use (always the smallest possible) and it was done in seconds. Tell the nurse you are nervous and that they had trouble getting a sample last time.
Good for you for going anyway despite your reservations. It’s so important.

Don’t worry at all about hair etc! Just try and stay as calm as possible, take someone with you if you think that will help with anxiety, it is over very quickly and shouldn’t be painful. Good luck! X

@HerewegoagainSS Thanks for this its very helpful! That is one of the issues with the male gynaecologist, he went by my age and was determined to use the larger speculum even though I haven't had children and in the end needed the smallest one he had there was more than that, nothing abusive or anything like that just very difficult for both of us I think. Will it be ok if I ask her to use a smaller speculum do you think?

The nurse had to give up on my first one as I squirmed so much!

I've learned just to take deep breaths when I'm there on the table and to try not to tense my body. And to remind myself it will be over with quickly.

I'm sorry you had such awful experiences before though, that's really not going to help.

@Mrsttcno1 Thanks I think my partner will come so I can have a lift back and someone with me.

@Echobelly Yeah I don't think any women enjoys it! It really isn't fun, I will try to remember to breathe and hopefully there will be no issues this time.

Absolutely ask! I am tall but always have to have the smaller one. Everyone’s anatomy is different. Sometimes its technique too

Wear a dress or skirt, so you don't have to "undress" , just take off your underwear.
You'll feel less vulnerable.
Definitely ask for a smaller size, there's a reason they come in different sizes!
Tell yourself it's just a few minutes of your life, it'll be over before you know it.

@HerewegoagainSS Thank you I do feel a bit more empowered to ask for that now!

@SushiSheep The skirt is a good shout, I will wear that and socks so I don't need to undress as you say.

Just to update everyone had my smear test this morning and it went fine. Spoke to the nurse who comes in especially to do smears and she was very kind and understanding. Used the smallest speculum and had me do some breathing exercises, apparently the make the brushes softer now as well which meant it wasn’t painful. It was all over in moments and the easiest smear test I’ve ever had! Hopefully this positive experience will make it easier to go next time as well!

Thanks to everyone who replied to me with advice.