Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Do your smears hurt?

86 replies

Bostyrone · 26/06/2019 22:58

Mine couldn’t be completed today as my cervix was awol and after 4 goes she abandoned speculum and rebooked me in 2 weeks time. And it HURT. It was this morning and I’m still uncomfortable.

And what if they can’t do it next time?

OP posts:
HandsUpHere · 26/06/2019 23:38

I was told to get my smear done mid cycle because the cervix is in a better position to take the sample. It doesn't hurt.

OldAndWornOut · 26/06/2019 23:39

My smears feel like the most terrible, deep, dragging period pains, along with really sharp digs.

AfterSchoolWorry · 26/06/2019 23:40

Always. I have a retroverted cervix and it's always 5-10 minutes of rummaging. Agony. Once the nurse told me to request a long speculum in future, which I always do now. They don't always have it though. Sad

Lozz22 · 26/06/2019 23:45

The actual smear itself doesn't hurt, although I do find the scraping of my cervix a bit icky. It's afterwards for me and I end up with terrible tummy cramps. I have a retroverted uterus though and things like smears, internals and intercourse leave with in agony

Frazzled2207 · 27/06/2019 20:14

Mine couldn't be completed recently. Too much discharge apparently Blush. Anyway a fortnight later was fine. Fingers crossed.

Yeah it hurts for me too but not afterwards, just at the time.

TanyaChix · 27/06/2019 20:20

Yes, and because I’m in my 40s they assume I need a medium or large speculum when I actually need the smallest one: twice I’ve asked for one, they’ve decided they know better and then really hurt me. I now do the hpv virus swab kits at home and never need to endure a smear again, as long as everything keeps coming back negative.

Oysterbabe · 27/06/2019 20:21

Mine don't hurt at all.

hiccupgate · 27/06/2019 20:33

Yes. Once the nurse felt like she literally rammed the speculum into my cervix. I went through the roof and by way of explanation she said "ooh it just appeared'. Hmm

Original poster
Bostyrone · 27/06/2019 20:34

I’m still aching and cramping. Sad

OP posts:
AKAanothername · 27/06/2019 20:36

I'm 52, I've had loads of smear tests, up until four weeks ago I'd have said they don't hurt, it's fine. However, the last one I had was really painful, I don't know if it was the nurse or my age but I now understand why some women put off going.

ncdforthistoday · 27/06/2019 20:36

I find them very painful, I usually feel sore and have cystitis for a few days afterwards. I have a high pain threshold with other things but the smears are always really unpleasant for me.

Sallyseagull · 27/06/2019 20:38

I have a tilted cervix and I ball my fists up and put them under the base of my back which makes it much better for the nurses carrying it out. Easier angle etc. It never hurts me.

Soubriquet · 27/06/2019 20:40

Mine didn’t. I was surprised because I used to find speculum examinations when I was pregnant excruciating

Yet smears were literally 2 min session

AlexaAmbidextra · 27/06/2019 20:41

Smears were a breeze for me, never knew what all the fuss was about.......... until I hit menopause. Now, it feels as though the speculum is a red hot poker. It’s fucking agony and I too have the problem of the disappearing cervix. It’s an age thing. The cervix atrophies along with everything else. 🙄😢

Pipandmum · 27/06/2019 20:42

I’m 57 and my last smear was very painful. Nurse recommended that I get oestrogen cream for the area to help with the elasticity of the tissue. It’s not enough to do anything except help the tissue stretch making a smear more comfortable (or rather, less painful!).

BackforGood · 27/06/2019 20:42

None of mine have ever hurt.
Not trying to be unhelpful to you, OP, just want to put the balance so others who might read this thread, aren't put off. It is so important to go.

apparently they can refer you to the Awkward Vagina clinic.
Grin
I really hope there is a clinic somewhere actually labelled this ^
Sorry OP, Blush I know it isn't funny for you, but it did make me laugh Grin

Whatelsecouldibecalled · 27/06/2019 20:44

I have a retroverted uterus and shy cervix and no it doesn’t hurt. Tell the nurse beforehand if there is a known issue. Ask for lube for the speculum. Breath out as it goes in you can tense and breath out at same time and sit worth fists under bum to tilt in the way it’s needed.

Toddlerteaplease · 27/06/2019 20:46

Yes. Excruciatingly painful.

Chwaraeteg · 27/06/2019 20:49

The first few I had weren't uncomfortable at all then I had a horrendous one where the speculum came out covered in blood and I had cramps so bad afterwards that I ended up doubled over in the street in tears. The cramps went on for about 5 days afterwards. I have no idea how that happened.

The last one I had, the nurse somehow managed to punch me with the speculum during insertion but other than that there was no pain.

Chwaraeteg · 27/06/2019 20:49

*pinch, not punch

LittleLongDog · 27/06/2019 20:52

So painful!!! I’ve had absolutely loads due to some gyne issues and there are a few things that I find help:

  1. Take painkillers before your appointment and again 4 hours after.

  2. Ask for the smallest speculum.

  3. Breathe. Slow, deep relaxing breathing. Breathe out through your bum (not a euphemism for farting).

  4. Some places have a sort of reclined chair and stirrups - it’s much better. But if they just have a regular table then make a fist with your hands and put them under your bum/lower back to lift and tilt you.

  5. The person who’s doing it makes all the difference. If that nurse didn’t work for you then ask for someone else.

Hope you have a much better experience next time Flowers

Idontwanttotalk · 27/06/2019 20:56

They always hurt me. I'm overdue but can't bear the thought of having one. Apparently my cervix is "tucked away" and they need to use the long thinner speculum.

I bled last time the nurse at GP surgery did it and it was very painful. Whenever I've had it done by Consultant Gynacologist privately I haven't felt a thing. Damn him for retiring.

Downinthetubestationatmidnight · 27/06/2019 21:00

I think a lot depends on the person doing it - the last smear I had was so smooth and quick I couldn't believe it was over and had to check with the Nurse who did it. Nurses who do it all the time are usually better than Doctors who don't do as many.

Idontwanttotalk · 27/06/2019 21:01

@TanyaChix

"I now do the hpv virus swab kits at home and never need to endure a smear again, as long as everything keeps coming back negative."

Can you tell us more? I've never heard of this.

Meyoumeanmeh · 27/06/2019 21:01

Does everyone lie on their side to have it done nowadays?

No. And our nurse felt very uncomfortable by having a woman insist on lying on her side for her smear when she has only ever done them the other way.

Op take paracetamol at least 20 mins before your appointment.

the nurse somehow managed to punch me with the speculum
Best typo Grin