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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Smear test

113 replies

Snowwhite22 · 07/05/2014 20:23

Aibu to tell you all I had a smear test today?

The nurse was lovely, it wasn't embarrassing and it didn't hurt.
Nurse said she still can't convince some of her patients to have it done.

When it's your turn ladies, make sure you go, it might save your life!

OP posts:

Blondiebrownie · 07/05/2014 20:27

YANBU; I'm 22 so I'm still too young at the moment but I will be having one done the day I turn 25

TheEnchantedForest · 07/05/2014 20:28

In find them really embarrassing but one of those adverts from years ago sticks in my mind that have the voice over person saying, 'Do you really want to die of embarrassment?'.
So I go and get it done every 3 years. not nice for me but over and done within 10mins.
thanks for the reminder.

MyrtleDove · 07/05/2014 20:30

I am 25 but have never been sexually active. The leaflet I got about it said I didn't need one in that case, but is it worth doing anyway?

PrincessBabyCat · 07/05/2014 20:31

I hate those things, they always come back inconclusive because my cervix is so far back and they can't get enough cells.

S'ok, I got a vaccine against cervical cancer. Let's hope it works.

PeachTrees · 07/05/2014 20:34

omg are you me? I had my first one today and it was totally fine. no pain and the nurse was lovely. I had awful examinations during and after labour so this was a doddle. A friend recently died of cervical cancer age 45 , she never regularly went for smear tests, so this gave me a kick up the arse.

seriously ladies , get it done!

CinderToffee · 07/05/2014 20:35

I haven't had one for 5 years but I'm going tomorrow. Was meant to be last week, but they bloody cancelled my appointment at the last minute. I've been dreading it, and had steeled myself, so was gutted. I hope everything will be OK!

Shakirasma · 07/05/2014 20:39

I'm going tomorrow too, about 2 years overdue but I've finally forced myself, even though I hate hate hate it.

I'll think of you tomorrow cinder

Hoolit · 07/05/2014 20:41

I had mine yesterday, no problems not something I look forward to but for my own benefit. Nurse was great and very matter of fact that helps.
I also discussed it with my dd who is almost 10 after her asking why I was going, not sure if it was too early for this talk but she's full of body questions at the moment and so not embarrassed at all so think now was as good as any to get her educated. She did ask though how a man is checked after a bit discussion and it appeared they don't get much lol they should see their doc for a wack just to even thing up!!

PicandMinx · 07/05/2014 20:46

The nurse shouldn't convince her patients. The nurse should offer a smear test.

Too many women are put off visiting their GP/nurse appointments because they fear being pushed into having a smear test. It should always be optional. Lots of women hate them. I understand. I'm a practice nurse and even I don't have them!

Well done OP for getting a pain-free smear.

Original poster

Snowwhite22 · 07/05/2014 20:47

It could be worth having test anyway myrtledove, can't see it would do any harm getting checked out.
Good luck to those of you getting it done tomorrow, I'm sure you will feel so much better once it's out the way.

OP posts:

ICanSeeTheSun · 07/05/2014 20:49

I once mentioned on one of these type of thread, but thanks to the lovey ladies here I had it done and thank god I did.

My coil came out with out me knowing so saved an unplanned pregnancy.

Tbh it wasn't as bad as I expected.

GreenEyedGoblin · 07/05/2014 20:50

I don't really understand the embarrassment side of it, not for women who have dc anyway.

The world and his brother have had a look at/hand up my ladybits whilst giving birth. Any dignity is long gone, nothing left to really be shy about!

mumteedum · 07/05/2014 20:52

Could you get vaccinated myrtle? Worth asking about whole thing. I think majority cervical cancer caused by hpv but some rare ones aren't. Sadly someone I know died aged 30 from this form.

AndreasVesalius · 07/05/2014 20:53

PicandMinx I wish you worked at my practice. I have to avoid going to the doctor as much as possible so I don't get the smear test pressure.

Original poster

Snowwhite22 · 07/05/2014 20:53

I think that's why the nurse used the word 'convince' because they were ladies with dc.

OP posts:

PourquoiTuGachesTaVie · 07/05/2014 20:55

I'm not 25 until later in the year but received a letter inviting me to make an appointment for my first smear earlier in the year. I booked an appointment but then I found out I am pregnant so I have to wait according to the NHS guidlines.

My mum hated having them but did so from the age of 17 (apparently there was no lower age limit back in the early 70s?) and when she was in her 40s the test picked up pre-cancerous cells. I was a teenager at the time and it really brough home how important they are.

crazydashboard · 07/05/2014 20:55

I've booked mine in...reaaaaly don't want to, but as you say, it might save your life

tassisssss · 07/05/2014 20:57

Mine's overdue...but I've made appointment.

Mine is actually always sore, cervix tilted or something. I'm already dreading it (which of course doesn't help)

LEMmingaround · 07/05/2014 20:59

I would be dead now, and would have been for nearly 20 years if i hadn't had smear tests.

Sandthorn · 07/05/2014 21:00

I've had at least my fair share of smear tests (and booked for another next week), plus a colposcopy and loop excision. I'd say the smears are uncomfortable, but rarely painful, and never much, or for long. Of course nobody should be bullied or harangued into having a smear test, but I do wonder where I'd be right now if those dodgy cells had been developing for the last six years.

Myrtle, why not book an appointment to talk to your doctor/practice nurse about it. And if you think you might become sexually active in future, you might want to talk to them about HPV vaccine at the same time.

LEMmingaround · 07/05/2014 21:01

Myrtle - talk to your practise nurse, i would imagine it would be quite uncomfortable if you haven't had sex. I could be wrong though.

MyrtleDove · 07/05/2014 21:03

mumtedum unfortunately because of my age I would have to have a vaccine done privately which costs a fortune - they only offer the vaccine up to age 18 on the NHS because you need it before you become sexually active. I was over 18 when the vaccine was brought out unfortunately, otherwise I would have had it done.

Nobody has seen me naked since I was a small child so for me it's a big thing having to let a doctor or nurse do a smear - I know it's just their job and rationally I know it shouldn't be a big deal, but it's very scary.

MyrtleDove · 07/05/2014 21:04

sandthorn I'm too old to have the HPV vaccine on the NHS.

londonrach · 07/05/2014 21:04

I so worried I was really old when had first. Nurse showed me what she do, talked me through it and spent over 1 hour with me answering questions. Result I now back every 3 years with no problem due to my first time being so stress free....(Now very quick). Please get yourself checked. If worried ask for time..it doesn't hurt and could save your life...

harriet247 · 07/05/2014 21:04

Same!had mine 6 weeks ago and was perfectly comfortable. Nurse was fab!

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