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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think I will never be able to have my smear test??

13 replies

StressBall2 · 15/01/2023 20:10

I am 25, and I’ve tried to have my smear test twice. I’m really hot on people having their smear tests, I also have PCOS and often have pain in my ovaries, also pretty bad periods and other symptoms too. I’ve also had times where I’ve been fairly careless with protection in my relationship, which is bad, but I never got pregnant which worries me a little bit fertility wise.

Anyway, I have a very tilted cervix which means that my last 2 smear tests have been extremely painful. I’ve tried the hands under the bum trick, the nurses have simply said they can’t get to where they need to get to. They prod and prod until I’m basically in tears. There was one time the plastic actually popped when it was inside lol. In general, internal scans are painful anyway as I have had vaginismus in the past too.

I really feel I need a smear but I just can’t face the pain! Is there any way I could do this?!

OP posts:
Greensleevevssnotnose · 15/01/2023 20:13

Sedation? Hypnosis?

MyFuckRationsAreDepleated · 15/01/2023 20:14

They should refer you to gynaecology clinic if they’re unable to do it.

Wdib78 · 15/01/2023 20:15

Gas and air, I have a tilted womb too, during internal checks for induction of labour I was in agony, don't get me started on that damn balloon, I couldn't have got through it with the gas and air.

gogohmm · 15/01/2023 20:16

An experienced nurse or doctor should be able to do it, I have the same issue and nurses have sent me away due to my anatomy but the female gp at the practice has the knack

mauvish · 15/01/2023 20:17

Ask to be referred. If the nurse can't do it, she needs to refer on to someone with more experience who can (just as with any other health problem).

There should be a NHS womens' health clinic that serves your area (presuming that you're in the UK). Or there might be a GP in the practice who has more training and experience. The local GUM or sexual health clinic might also be able to help.

Another alternative is to see a consultant privately to have it done, but that will cost plenty ---

BasiliskStare · 15/01/2023 20:18

@StressBall2 apparently I have a weird shape - just went through it but then had to have a more invasive thing not at the GPs but at the hospital and it was fine. I would say - do ask about sedation if you need it - but do do it.

Babyclb · 15/01/2023 20:20

So two separate times they just sent you away because they couldn’t see what they needed to?
I’m surprised some sort of referral hasn’t been sorted.
What was said at the end of the last appointment when they couldn’t actually swab?

Lellochip · 15/01/2023 20:22

You could get an HPV test instead (can get home kits if that seems easier) - it's just a vaginal swab rather than needing to hunt down your cervix. Then if you're negative for that you don't need the smear test.

Sotellmethisandnomore · 15/01/2023 20:22

I have the same problem. They also have to use a smaller instrument on me as I am tiny down there. It usually involves them
nearly lifting me clean off the table with it and yes it is painful but it is necessary. A Valium beforehand helps and then a grin and bear it approach. I do have a high pain threshold though.

NeedToChangeName · 15/01/2023 20:26

Well done for persevering

Yes, these tests are important. And for many people, mildly uncomfortable, but agony for some of us. I think it's important to acknowledge that

For me, the only things that help are (1) one off prescription for diazepam, (2) plenty of lube, (3) smallest speculum, designed for nuns and virgins, (4) i do a count down out loud, which gives me a bit of control, (5) knowing I can tell them to stop any time, (6) knowing that, the moment it's over, it's over and completely pain free and (7) knowing that, once it's finished I dont have to think about it for another few years

Sotellmethisandnomore · 15/01/2023 20:28

NeedToChangeName · 15/01/2023 20:26

Well done for persevering

Yes, these tests are important. And for many people, mildly uncomfortable, but agony for some of us. I think it's important to acknowledge that

For me, the only things that help are (1) one off prescription for diazepam, (2) plenty of lube, (3) smallest speculum, designed for nuns and virgins, (4) i do a count down out loud, which gives me a bit of control, (5) knowing I can tell them to stop any time, (6) knowing that, the moment it's over, it's over and completely pain free and (7) knowing that, once it's finished I dont have to think about it for another few years

Bang on!

CleverQuacks · 15/01/2023 20:32

the nurse at the GPs couldn’t find my cervix for my last smear so I was referred to the gynae department at the hospital. They offered gas and air which really helped and it was over in seconds.

AliTheMinx · 15/01/2023 20:32

Oh you poor thing. I'm the same. Tilted cervix, PCOS,vaginisnus, pain, awful periods. I hate smears, but wouldn't dream of not having one. I was given diazepam, which helped me to relax, and made it a little easier for the nurse. I always ask her to talk to me about something else as a distraction and make sure I have a treat planned afterwards- chocolate, takeaway, etc. I try to regulate my breathing - breathe in for 4 and out for 8. Mine often take a while with a bit of fiddling around and faffing, but as I get so upset, the nurse usually perseveres so that I don't have to go back. Maybe ask to have an experienced nurse? Good luck x

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