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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:

HairsprayBabe · 09/02/2017 11:22

If you ahem "play" with yourself just before you go it should make it easier to get in, I always do this before a smear or coil fitting, relaxes everything down there nicely.

meettherussians · 09/02/2017 12:04

OP- I have a twisted uterus so same thing happened to me, 10 years ago at my first GP smear test. I also find it had to relax so kept clenching, she couldn't get it in and then to top it off another dr walked in by accident . Had to return when she had a special curved speculum. My results were abnormal, had to go into hospital and have a letz procedure where they removed pre cancerous cells, then have 2 colposcopy's a year after that. Am used to it now, but have to say the gynaecology department at hospital where I was seen was just awesome comapred to my GP. They look at fannys all day! So much less embarrassment and there was always a lovely nurse holding my hand while the consultant was down the other end. After a few years my results were ok so they discharged me but I've requested rather than my GP, I'm seen for smears at hospital- they agreed and I'm going in today. Still not exactly excited at the thought but after getting my abnormal results, and this happening at the same time Jade Goody sadly died, it is so worth enduring just think of this when you go back x

Roomster101 · 09/02/2017 12:29

I have been having smears for over 30 years and still sometimes find them a bit painful. I agree that it depends on the skills of the person doing them so I would try somewhere else.

redexpat · 09/02/2017 12:40

I find that the nurses in the uk just crank it open really fast and I kind of clamp shut in response. I was once very clear when I said after a couple of clanks wait there!, was able to relax and then she could continue.

Elphame · 09/02/2017 12:57

I must be lucky then - I've never found the test painful. I had my first post menopausal smear on Tuesday and it was no more uncomfortable than any of my previous smears. My cervix though decided not to co-operate and went and hid.

The practice nurse cracked a few jokes about that it must be there somewhere and after a change in position it emerged shyly from hiding and was duly scraped.

user1484578224 · 10/02/2017 21:20

ok so masturbate before clinical procedure?

GalenJustGalen · 10/02/2017 21:25

That's like masturbating to relieve cramps. Like, it's the LAST thing you want to do when you have cramps. Or when you're about to go get a pelvic exam.

Pineappletastic · 10/02/2017 21:41

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.

Don't google it though, do not google it. One nurse decided to tell me this (because she'd got blood in the sample and thought they wouldn't be able to read it), but didn't explain it further than 'when they can't read your results (making it seem like that was my fault) you'll have to have another in 3 months - get the DOCTOR to do it', because she was chatting to the other nurse.

Yeah, I thought I had cancer for sure. I didn't, results came back normal.

Back on topic, I agree with PPs about going to GUM clinic if you can OP, they do loads of this sort of stuff and are nicer a lot of the time. Try to relax, and don't be embarrassed, loads of people have this, and a lot of women hate smears for one reason or another.

Also, take pads in case you do bleed a bit, because let me tell you there's nothing worse than them making you bleed and then not having any pads to offer you, especially if you need to walk home.

It might help to let them know what happened this time, my last one I opened with 'Nothing's been down there since the baby came out so I have no idea what you'll find, also I'm a bleeder, so be prepared for that'

DorcasthePuffin · 10/02/2017 22:06

Last time I had a smear I necked down a triple gin in the carpark before I went in.

emma6776 · 10/02/2017 22:15

I make a GP's appointment a couple of days before and get a prescription for diazepam - he usually just prescribes me 4 tablets - 2 to take the night before (otherwise I wouldn't sleep with worry) and two to take an hour before the smear. I find that really helps. Always let the nurse know you're nervous - and the receptionist when you book in - they can make you a longer appointment if need be.

BeaLola · 10/02/2017 22:54

You are not a numpty at all. I have had womb surgery, IVF, and countless smears - had a bad result once and ended in having monthly smears. With One of our practice nurses I had a similar experience to you and went home and cried. Other Nurse is fab - gets it done quickly and whilst a little uncomfortable it is over very quickly. I have been told I have a high cervix and so she uses a different type of speculum - this really helps.

Hope it goes well

PossibiliTea · 10/02/2017 22:59

Yeah This has happened to me! The more embarrased and awkward I got the worse the situation felt...but it's not worth the risk not to go. So don't worry they will have seen and experienced all sorts. The first one I went I nearly sneezed... can you imagine..?!

Mrstwiddle · 11/02/2017 05:07

This used to happen to me every time. My doctor started prescribing me 2 valium pills to take beforehand and no problems since.

identityhidden · 11/02/2017 05:57

Would second seeing a doctor instead of a nurse, my GP has put a note on my file saying nurses are not to attempt anything like it and any examination she should be in the room with me unless emergency - said nurses do not have the experience nor empathy to help me (which does sound a bit harsh to be fair) . I have a history of surgeries and post traumatic issues relating to that - have had hundreds of internals starting at age 7 or so..

She did my smear in November, took 5 attempts but we managed in the end. Best thing she has told me is to imagine blowing bubbles, relaxes my face which seems to help everything else. I was offered a GA or IV sedation at hospital but said I would rather just get it out of the way. They made a 20 minute appt at the end of surgery which helped as could take as long as needed.

BusyBeez99 · 11/02/2017 07:05

LAst smear they let me put it in myself. For first time ever it didn't hurt!

smurfit · 11/02/2017 09:10

Not at all. It there's no need to be, they're fairly invasive and exposing but they've seen it all.

Personally, I've only had 'uncomfortable' smears. My colposcopy was mildly more uncomfortable but generally fine. I have a friend who grew up as a dancer and her muscles just won't relax so there fairly painful for her and occasionally the speculum will get stuck.

Flucker · 11/02/2017 09:18

My smears are terribly uncomfortable. I have to have a pillow under my bottom to move things to the correct angle because apparently mine are crooked

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