How were you not terrified of getting a smear test?

[Fluffycookie]

So I received a letter from my surgery today regarding the cervical screening test. I'm 25 , and I dread every smear test visit to my GP. Every time I'm in that room, no matter how hard I try to mentally prepare myself, the mere thought of the procedure causes me to panic. I'm not sure where you got your courage and strength. I continue to believe that the sample collection procedure is oppressive. I'm sure there must be a better, less painful way to collect a sample.

Its just a medical procedure, done by a medical professional 🤷‍♀️

Same as a dentist, physio, xray visit.

I'd rather not go the same way as jade goody, thanks.

I'm fine with smears. I needed cells removed once they numb you thenburn them off or something, which wasn't pleasant but needs must. My exs sister died of cervical cancer in her early 30s so I'd never not go or I'd be insulting her and her young child.

I had my first at 21 as was advised to have one as I'd just had a baby. I was nervous about it but not terrified as I'd just given birth and had had many pelvic examinations, ending up in an emergency c section so I wasn't really that bothered about a smear test. It was a good thing I did as I had abnormal results.

Tbh I agree , I bad no clue the test has changed until recently!

@tickticksnooze Of course it is, don't be obtuse

Everyone's cervix is placed slightly differently though. Mine is exceptionally high and tilted so I have to get in some ridiculous positions and is excruciatingly painful. Not far off giving birth was for me and that was done via Neville Barnes Forceps!

Yes, it is not pleasant for you can bear it for the brief time it takes. It can be difficult for the doctor if you have a tilted cervix, as I do, and so I now have it done in a hospital by a gynae doctor. Same procedure, but they are more familiar with the area and can do it more easily (with a camera last time I went!).

I'm actually OK with smears now but I hate getting blood taken to the extent I have nightmares the night before so I understand your fear in that sense. I have slow circulation and tiny veins so its always sore, and I just ask the nurse to chat with me and we have a wee laugh, then I relax and do something I enjoy.
How I got over my smear worry was simple to be honest - my mum held my hand while I delivered mine and DH's son (who was born sleeping) and I couldn't bear the thought of me not going and getting cancer and making them both hold my hand while I died of something I could have prevented. It sounds dramatic, but it helped me.

I've got a colopsony booked next Friday as I've had 3 HPV positive tests, but thankfully no abnormal cells have been found. After having a baby, all dignity has gone so it doesn't really bother me anymore. But I'm hoping that the colopsony comes back okay.

Well none of mine have been painful, I just go in, lie like I am asked to and relax as much as I can and it is over relatively quickly

I hate them but just have to get through it. It's not pleasant but it's over quickly enough. The last time I saw my GP for something else and she mentioned I was overdue a smear and if I wanted to get it there and then? She was so matter of fact but extremely kind and encouraging I just said fine and had it done. It was fine! She was great though.

I find smears scary and painful as well. Had two babies. Second one syntocin induced without an epidural (my choice) so I am not a complete wimp. Had a vaginal tear with first baby. Had a coil put in when she was a few months old and it was excruciating due to the tear scar. I’ve been scared of smears ever since. I had a real wobble first smear test post baby. I am totally honest with the nurse about how unpleasant I find it. They use a small speculum which helps. Dose up on paracetamol and Calms beforehand. Stiff drink afterwards.

It's just a wee brushy thing up your chuff for a matter of seconds. Grow up.

It's not fun for sure but what are you scared of?

When I got my smear done earlier this year, I told my gynecologist I was incredibly anxious. The expression on her face softened in such a kindly and concerned way. She said 'I understand. Its not very nice, but I promise you I will be quick and very gentle.' She narrated what she was doing, which I think she thought would help me but kind of made things worse, but she was so lovely.

This woman who puts things up women's 'chuffs' day in, day out, and who clearly knows the purpose of the test, never told me to get over myself or grow up. If a doctor who specialises in reproductive anatomy could see my point of view, and empathise with it respectfully, what gives certain posters such a high horse?

I'm not sure telling someone who is scared to 'grow up' is a particularly grown up thing to do, tbh.

A stat for you: Dr Angela Raffle from Bristol did research which found you would have to screen 1000 women for 35 years in order to save one life and of that 1000 around 80 would require further investigation and about 50 would have treatment for something which in some cawes would never have harmed and would have reverted to normal on its own. I genuinely don't get the hysteria around this rare cancer?
I don't dismiss that one life, !and it's everyone's individual choice what they do, but really this is a rare cancer. I'm begging you all do some research. You might be surprised what you find
Get hold od The patient paradox by Dr Margaret McCartney. An interesting read covering all sorts of healthcare and procedures including screening

I do love a smear test thread on MN. I'll just get my bingo card out.

I had my last smear done privately so the cells were tested. I'm HPV negative but have borderline abnormal cells meaning I have to go back in a years time rather than 3 years.

I'm lucky that I was able to go private (it wasn't intentional, I was there for another gynae issue), the whole experience was far less unpleasant than last time I had one at my GP's surgery as she used the colposcopy chair. Any woman who has an issue with smears should have the option to have whatever they need to make it more bearable, it shouldn't come down to money.

Oh fuck off.

What is it with some posters on MN at the moment? Is there a competition to see who can make the OP fee worse?

Not read the rest of the thread so apologies if you've had replied but I've tested positive for hpv for almost my whole adult life, I've also had lletz and have tested positive for hpv after. I've had the same partner for years.

Hate smear tests! I bleed loads and they’re agony for me. No nurse has ever accepted I have a sensitive cervix but they soon find out!

I get them done though. Just have to grin and bear it. Thankfully they’re not done often.

I dont like them so I count in my head. I try and relax and just count or imagine different scenarios I like. I.e on a beach, in a forest, shopping, what my Christmas tree will be like etc etc. i just talk myself down in my head I suppose. I just tell myself that soon it's not going to be happening that moment and it will just be a memory soon.

Probably not helpful but it's what I do.

It’s not oppressive. It’s anatomy. Wise up.

Really helpful @Herejustforthisone 🙄