My first experience with a smear test was when I was 22. I was literally told they couldn’t do it because they couldn’t fit the speculum in. I was then afraid to go back and put it off until I was 28 and had 2 children. I thought it would be easier. It ended up being very painful but I was just pleased it was successful and thankfully, the results were all clear.
Today I went for my routine smear. I explained to the nurse about my past experiences and she was really lovely to me. She said we’ll just take our time with it and do some deep breathing etc.
So the first speculum, she couldn’t get in. It actually literally shot back out when it was partially in. She then said we could try a smaller speculum but there were no guarantees we’d be able to reach my cervix. We used the smaller one and she had to fiddle around with what she called ‘a brush’ to find my cervix. I had to place my hands under my bum and she asked me to bear down whilst she looked for my cervix. I started bleeding but luckily she managed to find my cervix and took a swab.
She then let me know that there is a chance the swab will be rejected due to there being too much blood. If that happens, I will need to return in 12 weeks and have another smear done.
I just don’t understand why I have so much trouble with this when 2 babies have clearly managed to fit through there. I tried to be as relaxed as I could today. I’m actually on antidepressants for anxiety and I thought they really helped me relax, along with some deep breaths but it still wasn’t enough.
I understand the importance of smears and I know how life saving they are but I just find the whole thing such a horrible experience 😢
I always read threads on here with everyone saying how painless they are and I don’t understand why my experiences are so different to everyone else’s 🥺 It really puts me off the whole thing.