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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To not want to have a smear test?

61 replies

bubalou · 22/08/2012 09:27

Before some of you pounce - I am fully aware of the medical reasons behind having them done.

I'm not deiberating over whether to have 1 or not - I will and I know that I have to - but have heard some horror stories and am scared.

I'm 26 and know I need to have 1. Am I worrying over nothing?

OP posts:

GirlWithALlamaTattoo · 22/08/2012 09:30

Some people have a really bad time, and these are the people who are more likely to post, because for most people it's a bit uncomfortable, a bit of a nuisance to have to go, and then all over and done with for the next 3 years.

It's not very nice, but it's not that bad, and you know you've got to do it so grit your teeth and plan something nice for afterwards.

sashh · 22/08/2012 09:31

No one actually wants a smear test so YANBU.

I personally prefer it to be done by a woman, nurse or Dr, I don't care, but not have it done by a man.

Wear a skirt so you can stay fairly covered up.

Bananaketchup · 22/08/2012 09:35

I had one yesterday, it was fine. Less than 3 minutes start to finish including putting my knickers back on It was a bit uncomfortable but it really is only for half a minute. The HCA who did mine was lovely, chatted away and put me at ease throughout.

Personally I find smears less uncomfortable now they use plastic speculums and the little brush thing, so maybe the horror stories you've heard are from back in the day? It really didn't hurt, at all.

Honestly, I am a bit of a wuss with anxiety issues and it really was fine. Good luck.

nannyl · 22/08/2012 09:35

personally i would rather have a smear than go to the dentist

i would actually rather give birth than go to the dentist

my sister lost her best friend to cervical cancer aged 25...... it took less than 6months from realising there was a problem to being dead

[goes to call Dr to book mine now (having tried yesturday, but failed, as they had a problem with their phone system)]

gobbledegook1 · 22/08/2012 09:36

Yes. I think 'horror stories' are probably rare / in the minority. I've been having smears since I was 19 without issue, I'm 27 and have just received my notification for my 3rd which I will definitely be going for as I think the benefit far out weighs the risk. My DP's wife died of cervical cancer at 27 and so it is also a big deal for him that I go.

Davsmum · 22/08/2012 09:37

Yes,.. you are worrying over nothing.

If you relax and take deep breaths whilst they are doing the smear test you can hardly feel anything.
I used to tense up when I first had smears and they were uncomfortable but once I learned to relax they were no problem at all. TBH - I have had sex that hurts more :)

nannyl · 22/08/2012 09:37

Wow, have an appt for 10.20 this morning!

at least that doesnt give me time to "stress" about it!

Mrsjay · 22/08/2012 09:38

yes you are worrying over nothing dont listen to horror stories and just go for your smear it really does take minutes to do , it isnt the most pleasant thing but it shouldnt hurt if you can have a midwife up there then you can have a smear

alistron1 · 22/08/2012 09:39

I've been having smears since I was 19, I am 38 now. My last 2 smears have been done at the same time as having a Mirena IUD fitted, and TBH I've not noticed them do the smear!

Take 2 ibuprofen beforehand, and have a glass of wine afterwards. It's really quick and straightforward.

squeakytoy · 22/08/2012 09:39

Having treatment for cancer that could have been detected and treated earlier is more horrific than the test, honestly. A smear is a tad uncomfortable for a couple of seconds and then over and done with.

Paiviaso · 22/08/2012 09:39

You will be fine. I'm 27 and had one two months ago. The nurse was very nice and kept me chatting through it to distract me, and it was over in no time. It's slightly uncomfortable but that's all.

It is slightly nerve-wracking waiting for the envelope to confirm you are healthy though! But it's so important to know.

winnybella · 22/08/2012 09:43

It doesn't hurt. First they put a speculum in and if you're not tense, that won't hurt at all. Then they swab with a brush for few seconds, take the speculum out and it's finished. Nothing to worry about.

SlightlySquiffy · 22/08/2012 09:44

It's embarrassing and can be a little painful (think penetration without the foreplay, though they do use lube) but I've never found it as bad as I imagined. In Australia we have them from 18/first sexual intercourse so they have a 'bench mark' to go from for further smears and it makes me furious that I couldn't get one here until I turned 25 (after moving over when I was 22. Used to get a holiday smear at my GP when I went home to see my family!)

Anyway, make sure you go to a Dr you trust, talk it over with them and maybe make a list of questions you may have as you may be a little flustered on the day. If you're so inclined maybe have a bar of your favourite chocolate in your purse for when you're done

There are some scary stories on here but at my fairly tender age of 26 I've already had 5 smears an a full internal exam, none of which has cause anything more than a little embarrassment and a small twinge.

HTH

SlightlySquiffy · 22/08/2012 09:48

AND! As someone up thread said, wearing a skirt will minimise embarrassment as you can slip your knickers off and back on with much less fuss.

Tigresswoods · 22/08/2012 09:50

YABU Suck it up & go. You'll be 100 times more uncomfortable with cancer.

Mrsjay · 22/08/2012 09:50

I had my first smear at 18 that was years and years ago scotland the age is lower , TBH i find it shocking that it is 25 in england

GragPop · 22/08/2012 09:55

Had my first a few months ago. I found it surprisingly speedy, I could feel it but it wasnt painful.

PeshwariNaan · 22/08/2012 10:02

The real horror story would be dying of cervical cancer (Jade Goody). A smear is really nothing - a few seconds of minor discomfort.

Original poster

bubalou · 22/08/2012 10:05

Thank you for al the reassurance - I think that's all I needed.

As I said Tigresswoods - it wasn't a choice about going, I just wanted to know more about them and other peoples experiences.

I will take on board the skirt idea, ibuprofen, chocolate & wine I think.

Silly question - does it matter what time during your cycle you go? It doesn't matter if it's just after AF has finished or mid way through etc?

OP posts:

JarethTheGoblinKing · 22/08/2012 10:10

I think you have to be about halfway through your cycle, but they will most likely ask you about this when you book.

I know 2 people who both had abnormal cells detected as a result of a smear. Both were in their early twenties and both had treatment, both had the all clear recently. One of them is my Sister.

I dread to think what could have happened if they'd not had their smears (and it spurred me on to have mine recently as well).

uselfullife · 22/08/2012 10:11

I think mid cycle is preferable

It's really nothing, don't worry about it being painful

Bananaketchup · 22/08/2012 10:12

When I booked mine the receptionist said you should be 10-14 days into your cycle, I don't know why. Also at the test I was asked the first day of my last period and I didn't know it so take that info with you!

Ithinkitsjustme · 22/08/2012 10:15

It's not that big a deal, and definitely go with the skirt idea! I've never been offered a smear by a male doctor, I think I'd find that a bit weird. Just try to relax, the more you do the less traumatic it will feel.

EnjoyResponsibly · 22/08/2012 10:18

After qualifying as a florist the first job I had was for a 35 year old that had died of cervical cancer. Her dad was ordering her coffin flowers. He was a big, capable bloke, but he sat in my office and cried and cried.

They're not a picnic, but don't put it off. Treat yourself to something nice afterward.

KateSpade · 22/08/2012 10:23

Being a hypochondriac I asked for a smear test last year, but being too young I couldnt have one.

I hope it goes alright & treat yourself to a new lippy/book/cake after. Good luck!

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