Really Nervous About My Upcoming Smear Test

[ChaiLatteLove]

I got a letter from my GP's surgery asking me to come in for a smear test, but honestly, I'm really scared about going back. The last time I went for a screening, it was agony. It was my first one and although the nurse tried to reassure me, it ended up being really painful. She said my cervix is tilted and very sensitive. And instead of just a bit of spotting, I bled like it was a full-on period. Now, I am really scared to go for another smear test due to that last experience.

Phone up, explain your worries and ask for a consultation prior to the smear. It's important that you go, if you make them aware of your worries they should work to support you. If not, maybe contact another GP surgery. A lot now have staff who have specialised in women's health who are really great.

I would arrange a GP appointment beforehand, cancel the smear if you need to first, explain that you find them extremely painful and will require pain relief, that you've previously taken ibuprofen/cocodamol before previous smears and they don't touch the sides.

It's beyond barbaric that women are expected to go through this without pain relief. Yes it's important to have them done, but we need to start speaking up about it and demanding we are treated with compassion and appropriate medical care instead of being expected to just suck it up.

You can either have a chat with the GP first to see if you can be prescribed something to relax you before the procedure or get a private HPV test (it's a swab of the vagina rather than the cervix) that you do at home - given the NHS only test for HPV these days anyway.

PS. you will get nasty 'I suffered and you need to as well' or 'I was fine, you're overreacting' responses on here. Ignore them. It is genuinely excruciating for many of us.

You don't have to go. I've never bothered with them. If the benefit of going is outweighed by the fear and pain then...

Please get in touch with your GP and discuss this with them in advance, even if that means rearranging your smear, please do still attend it.

I was so nervous to have my smear a few months ago, I had a chat with a nurse in advance, I was able to take someone with me to help keep me calm during, and it genuinely was over in less than a minute and I barely noticed. Thank God I went as unfortunately my results show I have abnormal cells so have now been for Colposcopy and had biopsy done, I’d never have been aware if not for my smear as have had no symptoms!

It’s also worth, if you can remember, working out which part causes the pain. For some women the speculum they initially use can be too big/too uncomfortable, if that is the case they can use a different one which is plastic rather than metal and is smaller. They can use more lubricant. If you really struggle with it pain wise then you can have it done in the hospital and use gas & air during which will help with any discomfort.

Good luck OP x

You really should go OP, the NHS doesn't waste resources on unnecessary screenings.

A few years ago a nurse pointed out to me that my cervix was quite far back and I needed a longer speculum. The difference in discomfort was amazing - went from painful to just a bit awkward. Now I always ask for a longer speculum. Perhaps discuss with the nurse whether this could help you?

Do not listen to this advice.

....explain that ....you've previously taken ibuprofen/cocodamol before previous smears and they don't touch the sides OP, don't say this if it's not true

I do feel for you. I usually find them very painful too, although some have been easier than others. I now get a one off prescription for diazepam and that does help me. I think I get 2 tablets of 10mg, one in the morning and one 30 mins before the appointment

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It's reassuring to know that I'm not alone in feeling scared and finding the procedure a bit barbaric. I know it's for my good, but I'm worried that the procedure itself hasn't changed in decades, and we are still using the same methods that cause women so much anxiety, pain, and stress. I will try to speak to my GP, obviously, if I manage to get an appointment, as GPs are like gold dust nowadays

I get it. My last one was horrendous and I almost fainted from the pain. Are you suitable for an alternative at home test which is nowhere near as invasive? Or would the GP give an alternative test? I know it was trialed for loads of patients recently

The NHS test the sample for HPV then discard the sample unless you are HPV positive. If you really want to avoid you can do a HPV test at home (£55 from Superdrug as an example) which is much less invasive, then rebook the appointment if you are HPV positive.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cervical-screening-description-in-brief/cervical-screening-helping-you-decide--2#:~:text=An%20HPV%20negative%20result%20means,they%20would%20cause%20a%20problem.

I wasn’t aware of the home test or any alternatives because I’ve had such an aversion that I didn’t bother doing any research. But that does sound like a good idea if it’s less invasive and less painful.

Even a chat with a Practice Nurse or Nurse Practioner in advance would be a start; probably easier to get an appointment than with a GP plus it's them who carry them out anyway.

I hope it helps.

You can ask to be referred to the hospital and have a gynaecologist do it. I'm going to do that next time.

Last time I had one I asked to insert the speculum myself and it was much easier. I've also been prescribed valium.

Ask for a small speculum. I never knew this was possible until my last one. It makes such a difference. I’ve never given birth but most HCPs doing my smear seemed to assume I had and used the bigger one.

we are still using the same methods that cause women so much anxiety, pain, and stress It doesn't hurt for everyone. I had no problem at all until well past menopause, literally no pain. So for anyone going for their first - try not to expect pain, because being tense will make it more difficult.

But my last one did hurt, to screaming level, before she got near the cervix. So I tried again with the GP, who used a small speculum - so I would definitely suggest - don't try to grin and bear it, kick up a fuss if it starts to hurt and ask for a smaller speculum.