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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To be embarrased about smear test?

67 replies

AwkwardAnna · 08/02/2017 15:03

Went for my first smear test on Monday. I wasn't really that nervous because I'd already heard that it doesn't hurt and only takes a few minutes. I was expecting it to be over and done with quickly.

Except the nurse couldn't get the speculum in . Every time she tried to put it in it would start really hurting and I was crying out. She tried a smaller speculum but after the fourth attempt we had to admit defeat and I made another appointment for a fortnight's time to try again.

I feel like the nurse thinks I'm a complete numpty and I'm so worried that the same thing will happen next time . Has this ever happened to anyone else or is this just me?

OP posts:

terrylene · 08/02/2017 16:04

I have had the things since I was 21, so no idea how many. But they shouldn't be like this. If you get tensed up, they can't find your cervix anyway, and this confuses them.

As others have said, best to go to somewhere where they do it a lot like the sexual health clinic and know how to get you in the right position and relaxed, so that they do not have to faff about.

Hopefully you will not be bombarded by the weight/healthy eating/alcohol questionnaire/do you smoke stuff that they fit in at every opportunity at the gps. This is what pisses me off more than everything else. I was at the same gp for 26 years and they were always asking me if I bluddy smoked. Every year. Could they not write it down somewhere on their computer

Jenniferb21 · 08/02/2017 16:05

I'd just like to add that I had a smear test recently and results came back as grade 3/ severe. My consultant said it doesn't mean you would definitely have got cancer but within 5-15 years the cancerous cells could have been active. I missed my first one out of embarrassment and also fear of the pain (I've had a sexual health test that really really hurt) I am so glad I go to this test done.

Sexual health clinics tend to be more experienced just remember everyone isn't different and they won't think anything of it. Try to relax have something to eat before and take a painkiller.

But please ladies get your smears. X

AndNowItsSeven · 08/02/2017 16:07

I have to have gas and air for my smears , you could ask to be referred to a specialist clinic.

Mehfruittea · 08/02/2017 16:12

I've been having smears for 15 years, had IVF with all sorts up there and had a baby.

This happened at my most recent one. I had to go back at a different point in my cycle to see if that made a difference. She used the speculum for pre-teens it's really tiny. I took extra pain killers and went for it. It was still painful due to my cervix position but she got it second time.

Best of luck!

Splooter · 08/02/2017 16:16

You should ask your doctor for some pessaries before hand (you'll need to do that now). My friend does this and says it relaxes her "bits"

Splooter · 08/02/2017 16:18

...or there is this

www.gynaehealthuk.com/cervical-cancer-screening-services/gynaecheck £80

Mehfruittea · 08/02/2017 16:21

Hopefully you will not be bombarded by the weight/healthy eating/alcohol questionnaire/do you smoke stuff that they fit in at every opportunity at the gps

Pretty sure the practice claims a fee from NHS every time they input this information.

hollinhurst84 · 08/02/2017 16:23

Ask for the smallest speculum
Try lying on your side with knees to chest
Ask if you can insert it yourself

Pinkponiesrock · 08/02/2017 16:23

I had a smear on Monday and I honestly didn't feel a thing. I must have a fanjo like a wizards sleeve I have had 3 children so I don't know if that makes a difference. The nurse told me I have a something cervix that when I got home I couldn't remember what she said. Apparently makes it more likely to bleed mid cycle but I've not experienced any. Anyone know what the name of it might be?

Ilovewillow · 08/02/2017 16:25

Despite having fertility treatment over many years and not being bothered about anything in that region I alway hate a smear test. Please don't be embarrassed and please go back or go to a sexual health clinic as others have suggested. Sounds odd but try putting your hands or a cushion under your bum as it tilts the cervix and open your mouth as it makes you tense up less (apparently)!

toptoe · 08/02/2017 16:26

This happened to me on my first smear. Each time it got easier. After babies it's never been a problem. I second maybe having a drink before hand as the tightening is totally involuntary and you can't really 'just relax' as why would you in that situation?

toptoe · 08/02/2017 16:27

ps the actual scrape of the smear has never hurt me, so don't worry about that so much

jobanana · 08/02/2017 16:27

Make an appointment with a female doctor. I always go to the doctor for it. Last time I went to a nurse it hurt so much and I had to make her stop. Doctor does it so much better.

It never hurt me before I'd had children. Afterwards it did feel horrible - because the cervix isn't a place that really likes bits scraped off it : (( But it's bearable and necessary. There is a massive difference according to who does it, though.

It also sounds like you just clamped up. Can happen, especially if you're v. young - it sounds like you might not have had this done before. Don't worry - go to the doctor and try again. It'll be OK.

terrylene · 08/02/2017 16:29

Pinkponies - you may have an ectropion/cervical erosion. Loads of people have this. They put it on the form when you have your smear. Apparently it is not important, but they do like to tell you about it. Every time.

pizzicato · 08/02/2017 16:36

So being of mature years (post menopausal etc. Ladies you know what I mean) I got the dreaded recall letter. Debating whether to go bearing in mind that I have always found them excrutiatingly painful I decided to make the appointment with the Practice nurse.

Well, it was hopeless and I was in agony.The attempt was aborted. She said that she would refer me to the Difficult smear clinic at our local Women's Hospital.

The letter arrives and it takes me 3 months and various reminder letters to book in to the Gynae Colposcopy clinic.Sitting in the waiting room I deliberate whether to do a runner. My name is called. In I go and sit at the desk next to the Sister/specialist nurse. I blab on like an idiot about wanting numbing gel, gas and air and any other knock out potions. She tells me that won't be necessary and that she hasn't failed to get one so far.

Well what a revelation. I hardly felt a thing.I came out euphoric as if I had taken drugs.I was on an absolute high.

The difference is the couch and leg supports (I won't say stirrups because they aren't) and the speculum. She said they use ones with smooth sides. Quite expensive.The surgeries use ones that are like sandpaper at the sides and are as cheap as chips.

She did say to tell all my" more mature" friends to go to her and that so many women miss their smears as they are put off by pain they experienced previously. Sometimes it's too late.

So seeing as she said it was OK to mention her name I will. Kate Specialist nurse colposcopist at the Liverpool Women's Hospital. Please get a referral from your surgery and make an appointment.

FV45 · 08/02/2017 16:39

If possible it's good to time for just before period due as the cervix is lower in the uterus. I guess that would help.

pizzicato · 08/02/2017 16:39

Can I just add that this clinic is for anyone experiencing problems with smears whatever your age.

GalenJustGalen · 08/02/2017 16:47

Don't be embarrassed! It's not your fault; it's the examiner's fault.

I have a terrible time, too. My nethers haven't seen a penis (or any other insertional items) in decades so I guess things are rather small and dainty down there, ha.

I have estrogen cream for the week beforehand, which is supposed to loosen things up, and I do, uh, stretching exercises in preparation during that time, too. Even, so, it's a nightmare. Apparently in addition to having a shriveled and shrunken vagina, I also have a "tilted" uterus.

Luckily I have a great practitioner and she doesn't mind going slow and trying different things. Last time she had me virtually squatting, rather than lying down, and directed me in the production of a string of grunts, all in hopes of bringing my elusive cervix into view. "Now, don't be horrified if a fart escapes," she said matter-of-factly, as I crouched, making buffalo noises.

DorcasthePuffin · 08/02/2017 16:49

pizzicato, I agree, post-menopausal smears get very painful and everything you have cited helps. The nurse also advised me that the GP can prescribe topical oestrogen cream for a week beforehand, which really helps.

I truly don't know why they don't know this stuff at GP level. It's not like a smear test is a rare clinical event.

ellalouise123 · 08/02/2017 16:52

Don't be embarrassed! It's their problem not yours. No one will think anything bad about you! I'm not precious about vaginal/medical things at all but every time I have one they can never get the speculum in. I got told I have a tilted cervix and now they ask me to put my hands under my bum to lift my hips and it seems to go in easier that way? Still not an easy manoeuvre by any means.

Like others said, I would go to a clinic and now you know what it entails you might be a little bit more relaxed as you're prepared? Just try not to worry about what anyone thinks, I know it's hard but this is their job. It's up to them to direct you and relax you in order to do their job. Please don't be put off.

supercue · 08/02/2017 17:35

After many years of smear tests at clinics with no problems at all, I had my last one at my local GP practice.

It was horrendous, the nurse told me it couldn't be helped because I am apparently overweight internally. Bitch.

I cheer myself up by thinking it sounds quite cosy in there.

TheElephantofSurprise · 09/02/2017 09:57

The nurse at the GP's surgery did my last smear test. She was a sadist. She knew I was on hormones to stop me bleeding but she poked and prodded viciously until I bled, and continued bleeding for days.

goingonabearhunt1 · 09/02/2017 10:20

I had a nasty experience before where they seemed to act like I was imagining the pain and just wasting their time and then the nurse said to me 'well once you have children it won't hurt at all' which I thought was extremely unprofessional/insensitive (how does she know I don't have fertility issues?)

Since then I have had a lovely woman doctor who used one of the really small speculums and made me feel calm. I took a couple of paracetemol a bit beforehand (I second having a shot of whisky, that sounds like an excellent idea!)

Bubblysqueak · 09/02/2017 10:32

Currently sat in out patients waiting for colposcopy appointment, keep trying op as I had abnormal cells flagged up in my smear last week (hence why I'm here!).

dontbesillyhenry · 09/02/2017 10:32

Many GUM clinics no longer do smear tests- mine doesnt anymore

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