Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

First smear test booked - reassurance and tips welcome!

67 replies

Pariswhenitdrizzles · 13/04/2017 14:03

Hi everyone,

Have name-changed (promise I'm not the user who posted about tea tree oim and smear testing!)

I've got my first smear test coming up soon. I've looked up details of smear tests on other sites and on here, and heard that smear tests done at sexual health clinics can apparently be less uncomfortable than ones done in GP surgeries. Because of this, I looked into having one done at a sexual health clinic if possible, but no clinics near me seem to do smear tests unfortunately (I'm based in south London).

I've now booked the smear test at a local GP surgery next week. I know there's been a ton of threads on here about smear tests but even so, being the scaredy-cat I am, I would really appreciate any tips or advice (or general reassurance!) before the test :)

Thanks everyone!

OP posts:
user1489226029 · 13/04/2017 16:03

Ooh errr feel for people who find them painful but surely that's rare. I have had quite a few before and after childbirth and can't imagine it hurting or is that just meBlush . You will be fine of course it's a bit awkward due to the fact a stranger is having a look down there but other than that it's ok.

MrsELM21 · 13/04/2017 16:07

It'll be fine! It's a bit weird and kind of scratchy but over really quick.

Definitely agree with a skirt or long top, also they might give you a blanket or a piece of the kitchen roll type of stuff that they out on the bed, the first time I didn't know what to do with it! Put it over yourself like you would a blanket from the waist down, they do it underneath the 'blanket' if you see what I mean!

roywoodsbeard · 13/04/2017 16:09

I've had loads of smear tests (was on yearly tests after an episode of pre- cancerous cells removal), and they have never been anything more than moderately uncomfortable for me. And I'm a total wuss, have fainted after a blood test, terrified of needles etc.

My tip is, if you're nervous/anxious is to let the nurse know and ask her to chat to you while she does it. I find the distraction helps me relax and stops me tensing up as I'm not focusing on the procedure.

Good luck OP.

Freshprincess · 13/04/2017 16:17

Was quite painful for me, but I've had endometriosis and so some scarring in just the wrong place.

I prefer going to the dentist tbh.

But, it's over quick enough. The embarrassment quickly passes.

And more importantly, I got the all clear.

Chocolate1985 · 13/04/2017 18:25

I hate smears but religiously go and I do find the family planning clinic are much better than practice nurse . The family planning clinic nurse had it over and done with in seconds basically said take a deep breath and it was done whereas each time I have went to the GP it's been longer more painful and the nurse usually decides to do other checks while I'm there which in all honesty just aggravates me as it's stuff like weight blood pressure etc . I always tell whoever is doing it how much I dislike them and how uncomfortable I feel and they use the smallest spectrum . There is a huge sense of relief when it's over for me though .

ExpatMrs · 13/04/2017 19:13

This topic came up amongst a group of females recently (9 of us) and only one person had had any issues and she acknowledged that it's because she works herself into such a fankle beforehand and she's overly stressed which makes her tense up.
Going for a full bikini waxing is much more painful and embarrassing plus these docs and nurses have performed the procedure so many times that they're unconsciously competent.
Let us know how you get on, wishing you well but confident you'll be grand. It's only once every 3 years for peace of mind - treat yourself to a Wineafterwards

NecklessMumster · 13/04/2017 19:18

Wear socks, I feel self conscious with my feet near their face

mangomama91 · 13/04/2017 19:20

I had my first one in January (turned 25 in Dec)
She asked me if I had had any vaginal examinations before, I said well I've had two babies and she said oh you'll be fine then. And it was
It was a little uncomfortable when she swabbed me but it was over so quickly!
Possibly take a panty liner or sanitary towel with you for afterwards as you may spot a little bit
Otherwise you'll be fine :)

HerBluebiro · 13/04/2017 19:29

I had my first as a virgin. Nurse was brilliant did it easily.

At the repeat failed miserably.

Then I got too nervous so now i have to go slightly inebriated to relax me. It is silly. But tried hypnosis etc and just can't do it.

Aridane · 13/04/2017 19:44

Why would you have a smear as a virgin- I thought you only had them once sexually active?

ToadsforJustice · 13/04/2017 19:55

When you have decided to go ahead with your smear, don't let the nurse take your blood pressure, talk about contraception or weigh you. Be quite firm if she/he pressures you. This will reduce the length of your appointment and hopefully help reduce any anxiety.

ifcatscouldtalk · 13/04/2017 20:00

I've had some completely painless and others were more uncomfortable and i had to breath through it (for a few seconds). My attitude is it's a few minutes of my life and I'd rather be checked. It is usually over quickly.

ShowMePotatoSalad · 13/04/2017 20:08

Take deep breaths and try not to clench up too much. Think about something totally different like books you want to read or TV programmes you used to love watching or something completely random like that. I was terrified of having my scheduled smear about six months after I gave birth but I can promise you it was absolutely fine and the thought of having it done was much worse than the reality.

Heard a strange story on here about something washing themselves with tea tree oil beforehand - don't do that whatever you do!!!!

Chattymummyhere · 13/04/2017 20:15

I had my first one easier this year at my gp's. Had a lovey friendly nurse who seems to be the smear nurse as she said it had been very busy lately. Anyway got to the job in hand and to be honest I wondered why I had got myself so worked up about it. No pain, no bleeding or even spotting during or after. Results where back all clear within 2 weeks.

Chattymummyhere · 13/04/2017 20:15

Earlier

Bloody autocorrect

SecretNortherner · 13/04/2017 20:16

I put mine of till I was 27 Blush. The nurse was great told me to relax and talked me through the procedure with a giant lamp focused on my foof and then popped the thingymajiggy in and did whatever it was she did.
I found it fairly painless. In and out within 5 mins. She was lovely about it and could tell by my notes I hadn't had one so took everything at my pace.

Meekonsandwich · 13/04/2017 20:17

Haha!! Reading your title literally my first thought was "DO NOT FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DOUCHE WITH TEA TREE OIL"

I'm glad you have more sense than that ;)

DobbyLovesSocks · 13/04/2017 20:18

Relax an breathe Op

And well done for going. Sorry if that sound condescending but it does amaze me how many people ignore/refuse routine screening

Good luck

Meekonsandwich · 13/04/2017 20:20

Even if you're not sexually active, after 25 I believe certain areas recommend going for regular smears.

Questioningeverything · 13/04/2017 20:28

I've had to have several since I was 18. They keep coming back with dodgy results so they need to keep an eye on me. First one was a breeze. But they did put a coil in after which was hell (needed injections and all kinds and my uterus is tilted so it was a nightmare) So maybe that made it seem ok.
Since then I average one a year or so, mine are now done in hospital in clinic, but whilst uncomfortable, they're never painful. I just feel a bit embarrassed with everything on show down below

Alconleigh · 13/04/2017 20:41

I've not had children and I have no problem with them at all. I'm old enough that they started us at 21 and used the metal speculum; the plastic ones now are much better. I do have to put my fists under my bum usually due to a tilted cervix or something.

I've also had colposcopy and loom diathermy treatment after a run of abnormal results. Again all fine, nothing to worry about. A good nurse is in and out in a flash!

I am quite a relaxed person about getting my genitals out though; I've got a VCH piercing and prefer a full Hollywood wax, so that probably helps with general relaxation 😀

Fl0ellafunbags · 13/04/2017 20:44

First one was a breeze

I read that as Febreeze. I think all the talk of tea tree oil has messed with my head and now I've got a mental image of people febreezing their fannies so they're fresh for the nurse.

I need a gin!

PandoraMole · 13/04/2017 20:53

Ah, you'll be fine.

As the nurse at my first smear said to me as she approached weilding the speculum..."just lie back and think of Brad Pitt". Grin

Leontine · 13/04/2017 20:58

I'd recommend wearing a skirt or dress. It makes this so much easier (and quicker)!

laureywilliams · 13/04/2017 21:01

I was a virgin and absolutely fine. It was nothing. Slightly weird and I felt a little bit embarrassed. But not painful, not even uncomfortable. Very quick.