About putting off a cervical smear

[Fakebook]

I know I probably am, but I would just like a bit more advice about this.

I'm 29 years old. I have only ever had one sexual partner and my dh has only ever had one sexual partner. We have 2 children together, the first I had when I was 24 and the second at 28. I've had second degree tears with both labours. I have no doubt about my husband's faithfulness. My periods are regular, a bit heavy (nothing unusual) and I am not on any kind of contraception.

Going from the above, that would put me at low risk for cervical cancer wouldn't it?

I am really worried because I have received a letter through the post from my surgery, telling me that my doctor is worried I have never been for a smear test, and that it's really important. I know I should go and get it done but I had a really horrible experience with a stretch and sweep and breaking my waters with my first baby, that even after a second baby, I still feel traumatised by it. I know they have to go a far way in to get to the cervix and it would hurt/be uncomfortable. I still find sex a bit uncomfortable in the missionary position after my second baby, so I can imagine how having a smear test would feel.

Also, I have this stupid thought in my head, that if they take a sample and cause a bit of erosion on the surface, it might trigger cell proliferation and cause cancer. I know this is really highly unlikely, but I can't get the thought out of my head, as my mum's liver cancer was aggravated with a biopsy.

So, just want a bit of advice really!

I have a retroverted uterus and cervix.

Well done booking the appointment, I had mine done recently and it's all fine, dd asked what the letter was and I explained it to her, that in itself reinforced to me how important they are.

I didn't even feel my last one. I told her my one before was bad, asked for the smallest speculum and felt nothing. And I haven't had children. Was over v quick

my cervix is very far back & difficult to find

It's not painful anymore. I had them in the past when they used the metal speculum and that was a quick sting. Now they use plastic ones with brushes.
Most woman don't feel any pain anymore and it is so quick.

That said, I had issues with clamping down so they couldn't open the speculum. In the end I was given valium and I barely even noticed what was going on down there! This is always an option if you DO have difficulty or are terribly nervous.
My issues revolved around internal trauma from giving birth.

Well done for booking the appointment. Talk your fears through with the doctor or nurse; they'll get you though it and you'll be fine. It's a quick thing anyway, 5 mins that might just save your life. And then you'll be done for another 3 years!

So glad to hear you booked the appointment too.

I am a wimp and haven't had any children yet-the two are related!! Had a smear last week after delaying it for a year and it was truly fine-over in 2 mins and actual thing is prob 30 seconds. Do it! Good luck x

OP, can I make a suggestion? Make an appointment with the practice nurse that does the smears. If it is a male GP, he may not fully understand your worries, but the nurse that does these smear several times a week will be far more understanding, and I am sure will be able to put your mind at rest :)

I apologise again for pushing you so hard, but its such a simple thing and it really could save your life! I am so pleased that you have dug deep and found the courage you need to do this :)

Fakebook if it helps you can take someone with you, to hold your hand and distract you. ( They do sometimes object to it being a man incase you want to talk about abuse or something, or the man is bing weirdly controlling ).

Also just take deep breaths and really relax , it's over so fast. Wear comical socks too as its at least a talking point

Don't let us down - we'll be thinking of you next Friday. Well done for taking the first step

Yes, wear pop socks. Keep them on. How ridiculous you look will give you something to think about been there .

Well done for making the appointment Fakebook. It will be fine, will be over in minutes, and you will not regret it.

I'm off to have a colposcopy on Tuesday (fun times), and it's worth remembering that even if they find 'something', you can go and have it zapped off if needed. Having an abnormal result doesn't mean you have cancer, or that you are going to have a hysterectomy etc. Take some painkilers before you go if you are nervous, try and relax. Oh, and try not to laugh, the nurse was worried I was going to shoot the speculum out and giver her a black eye after she gve me a case of the giggles.