to think this shouldn't happen following a smear test

[YBR]

Basically since my smear test I've been weeing myself . It's when I sneeze and sometimes just can't get to the loo quick enough. It seems the process has wrecked my Pelvic floor.
My DD is nearly a year old and since her birth [and a saga following episiotomy stitches unraveling] I'd managed to get control back IYSWIM but this has taken it back to square one.

Is this normal? I don't recall it happening following previous smears.

[Coffeeformeplease]

Oh, sorry if I spread wrong information about sex being ok.
And I wasn't in the least making little of horrible smear test experiences, but try to make those who avoid smears face the reality:smear tests save lives. And they should be offered yearly. In other European countries it is done 6 monthly for over 40s.
WELL DONE for booking your appointments!

[StateofConfusion]

These threads always make me worry, despite having children I'm not yet old enough apparently for routine smears, not that its something I want but I'm an anxious person and prefer the idea of a smear than the alternative, I'm 24 when should I expect to get a letter about it?

[McChristmasPants2012]

if you are in england it is 25

[puds11]

Morning all! Hi smooth, slightly embarrassing, but i haven't booked yet as i think i may have thrush. Ive ordered the treatment for the thrush and once that's done, i'm going to book promise. I will come back and recount t n all its gory details

[SmoothOperandus]

Well puds isn't that just convenient????
We'll be checking on you, don't think you're off the hook....

[StateofConfusion]

Thanks pants another few months to wait then.

[puds11]

smooth i swear this isn't a cheap ploy.

[YBR]

Am I trying to put people off? No. Notice I've been for a smear test, and I am no disenting voice against the general encouragement.

I don't think it is honest to be saying "go, it's quick and painless" to women. I'm sure it is for some, perhaps most. I think it is more honest to say it might be a bad experience, then women can prepare themselves. This is how I feel.

[CheerfulYank]

I so feel for some of you on this thread!

I was raped at 19 and had my first smear a few months after. It was much, much too soon and the doctor far too impatient. It was traumatizing.

I've despised them ever since, and I'm American so supposed to go every year. It's every 2 now if the last one you had was fine, thank God.

I had to have one on Monday as part of my prenatal appointment. I was terrified but took the time to explain my issues to the doctor and she could not have been nicer or more understanding, she talked to me really calmly through the whole thing (about my cute shoes :o) and used a plastic speculum which was much better than the alternative. Also, the previous time I'd had it done another dr had explained to me that my cervix is hard to find, so to make sure anyone doing it from there on out knows to use the long skinny speculum so as to save a lot of fumbling around.

I can honestly say this is the first smear I've had since I was 19 that was tolerable. I felt so good afterward because it wasn't terrible, and I know I can do it from here on out. Going to request Lovely Doctor every time! :)

It is so important, please please get it done.

[valiumredhead]

Oh God yanky

We don't have pre natal smears here in the UK or post birth - just every 3 years.

[TheLightPassenger]

I have had three smears, two of which were dismal, one was great by comparison. The "good" one was by a sympathetic GP who did an internal first to locate my cervix before even attempting the smear.

[CheerfulYank]

We don't have them post birth either, which is good; I can't imagine!

I understand the need for them, as obviously it's good to catch cervical cancer as early as possible. Also the doctor usually feels for suspicious breast lumps and asks questions about your home life (generally feeling for victims of domestic violence). Quite glad I'm good for two years now, though!

[TooImmatureGhostiesAndGhoulies]

I wish I hadn't clicked on this thread. I finally booked a smear test a couple of weeks ago and it will be on Tuesday. I wasn't scared a bit when I booked but I am now! My last one was in 2005 - I moved house twice since and it took them a while to catch up with me, and then I was pregnant twice in quick succession. I have been putting it off a bit, though. Here in Scotland it's either from 21 or when you become sexually active, whichever comes first. My mum recently had a slightly abnormal smear - she had a polyp removed from her cervix, which spurred me into action.

My GP receptionist didn't ask at all about my cycle - as it happens I'm bf 8 mo DD and my periods haven't returned yet. Does anyone know if it's ok to have a smear test when bf? I meant to ask when I booked it, but I forgot. Oh bugger, it has just occurred to me that I'll have to take DD with me.

[addictedismoving]

Too I'll be taking my just 2year old and my 9 month old! :s
Getting really scared now, had to sit on my hands to stop myself canceling.

[TooImmatureGhostiesAndGhoulies]

Addicted, you have much more reason than I do to be scared! I'm just a wuss in general. Good luck, you can do it!

[addictedismoving]

I'm sat in the waiting room, really scared. someone remind me why this is a good idea.

[Blatherskite]

Because it will take seconds but could save your life

[valiumredhead]

It's a good idea because we live in a world where this is available and it can SAVE YOUR LIFE.

It'll be fine xxx

[addictedismoving]

It's done its over and now I'm back home.
I explained why i was so nervous and she was really lovely. it was obviously uncomfortable and when I got back in my car I cried partly through relief, partly because I'd done it and partly because it bought back alot of feelings. but thats something to discuss with my theripist.

But its done and if I can do it, anyone can. :o now I can live guilt free for the next 3 years :o

[valiumredhead]

Well done you!!!! xxx

[McChristmasPants2012]

Well done addicted :)

I am getting a little nervous now, but I will not cancel.

[SmoothOperandus]

Same here!

[CheerfulYank]

Good for you! I usually cry too. Didn't at the one on Monday, but that was a first. It is such a relief isn't it???

[whizmum]

The best thing is that you will not get another letter for 3 years. :)

Enjoy it