To ask if metal speculums are still used anywhere in the NHS?

[2Terrified]

Just that really. I've always found smear tests agonisingly painful (no I don't just mean a bit uncomfortable). I'm having to go back to having it done at my local GP surgery (because my local area have removed the option of having it done at a CASH clinic which I preferred). I've had one telephone conversation with the nurse who said that they have the smallest size speculum so I am going to ask for that but I've just realised that I didn't ask if it was metal and (having had a few particularly painful experiences with metal speculums) I'm now panicking that it's going to be metal because it is a GP's surgery not somewhere that specialises in these kind of tests and would have all the latest equipment.

Can anyone advise me - or let me know what they had if you went for the test at your GPs?

The test is coming up this week and I don't think I will be able to speak to the nurse again before the test date . Everyone on social media seems to be sharing these posts about how smear tests are just a breeze and only stupid or vain women would put them off and it's just constantly reminding me about it and making me feel more and more panicked and upset and that I'm the only person who has this experience.

Haven’t had a metal one for years, they don’t have autoclaves at GP’s for the sterilisation. It’ll be an individual pre wrapped plastic one. Hope it goes well for you.

I find them incredibly painful. The most painful thing I've ever experienced. I have a tilted cervix. I've put my off for years. I'm currently talking to the nurse at our GP practice to try and build up to having one done.

I left Gynaecology 7 years ago and they were used with no plan to stop. But could have changed since. They were single use ones.

Slightly off topic but I know we're meant to have a smear every 3 years but is it every 3rd year or every 4th (iyswim)? I had my last one in Feb 2016,so am I due this year? We've just moved and changed Dr's so not sure if they'll have my records up to date in time to send the letter.

We have single use metal ones. The plastic ones are cheap and I have known one brrak mid smear. Metal much better. They are then melted down so your fridge might be made of old speculums!

Myusernameismud you would be due this February then as that is 3 years since your last one.

If any GP practice is using metal speculum, you should be asking how they decontaminate them. They should not be used where there is not access to an accredited decontamination centre which ensures they are properly clean.
A worktop boiler/steriliser just doesn’t cut the mustard. Each should come with a bar coded wrapper that is intact until use.
Generally only gynae clinics and obstetric units use them nowadays. Many of them have moved to single use.

@Myusernmeismud Screening records are kept on a database and this links to you GP system. Practices are asked to check a list of eligible women a few weeks prior the first 'call' letter being sent inviting you to attend for screening. If you weren't registered at your new practice when the list was sent it should be picked up when you get the reminder (recall) letter. If you have any queries speak to the practice nurse and they can take a sample if you are due. Your last result will be on your GP records.

Plastic one at my last 2 smears at the GP surgery. Good luck, they are not a walk in the park for all of us. A smear test in my early 20's detected changes & I've had treatment twice. I don't look forward to it but know the value of going.

I've only ever had plastic at the Gp, and always ask for the virgin speculum (lol, riiight) because anything bigger feels like torture

Not sure but if you find them very uncomfortable how about a couple of painkillers an hour before. When you get home a nice bath and hot water bottle and pj's.

I find them very uncomfortable (actually, the first 2 I had when a metal speculum was used were excruciating!).
The nurse advised taking 2 ibuprofen and 2 paracetamol together about an hour and a half before having my smear test. I did this and it did seem to make a difference but that might have also been because they'd moved to plastic and I asked for the smallest speculum. I'm due my next one in a few weeks and I'll be doing the same again.
I hope you're experience isn't as horrible this time.

Dear OP, I had mine last week and it was a plastic speculum. It was a lot easier than the metal one. Maybe call the receptionist and ask if you need reassurance? I was terrified about going but I followed the advice on here and spoke to the Nurse about being nervous. She was amazing and I can't believe how easy it was.
Don't be ashamed of being nervous. You're not bad or lazy or any of those things. Just do what you can to help you feel better. If that includes a glass of wine, speaking to the Nurse beforehand etc. then great xx

Very few if any gps would have the equipment required to sterilise speculum. So they will be using single use either metal or plastic it depends on the senior clinicians preference usually. I would want them to use whatever they are must comfortable and confident using!

Metal at mine (rural NI though so that might make a difference) going next month and not looking forward to it

Our gps use the plastic ones and even at the gyno unit I’ve only ever had plastic ones used there.

Yes, metal is still used, yes, it's uncommon. Often you can ask for plastic if you'd rather.

I personally think the amount of throw away culture we have is abhorrent, given it is perfectly possible to sterilise metal, as was done for years, and is still in many other health systems.

I don't think metal was used any more as they can't be totally decontaminated. Obviously bacteria and viruses could be removed by autoclaving but not CJD.

My last one at the GP was metal (last year, rural practice in the midlands). When the nurse got it out I said “oh no, it’s a metal one, they look so much more scary”. I had just been telling her I’m rubbish at smears and find them very painful.

She was lovely and actually said she as a patient prefers metal ones as they don’t “pinch” as plastic sometimes do. It reassured me a bit and actually it was the best (least painful) smear I’ve ever had.

I prefer metal ones too and wasn't happy when they switched. Interesting that they don't seem worried about CJD anymore in some practices.

I had mine yesterday. It was plastic.

Surgeries can choose which ones they use. Most have swapped to use single use plastic ones. But without asking them first you can't be 100% sure till you get there.

Having done smears for women before (I'm a nurse), I find the plastic ones MUCH easier to use than the metal ones. It takes practice to be able to find the cervix properly with a metal one. Plastic ones, for whatever reason, seem to just slide in and open everything up so it's easy to see. Some plastic specula are also designed so that you can put a procedure light inside the speculum, through the bottom. This makes it even easier to see.

When I first had a coil fitted i was not expecting that clamp thing that keeps the cervix open. I would have 100000 speculums in over that any day! Makes me cringe to my bones

How would you be able to tell if it's plastic or metal? I never see the speculum as I'm on my back with my knees up, looking at the ceiling. I find smears painful and undignified (like many medical procedures) but you just get on with it. A 3-yearly painful 10-minute procedure is better than risking undetected cancer.

Have you asked your doctor about medication you can take before a smear?

My friend takes a 5mg diazepam tablet (prescribed by GP in advance) before her smear as she has PTSD from past abuse. Apparently it helps her relax and also relaxes her muscles which makes the smear easier and less painful.