To think smears hurt less the more you exercise?

[ThatPoisedFinch]

I’ve noticed that the more I exercise, the less uncomfortable my smear tests seem to be. Could it be that being more active helps with muscle relaxation, circulation, or flexibility? Maybe doing things like yoga or Pilates makes it easier to stay relaxed during the procedure?

Has anyone else experienced this or am I imagining it? Curious to hear if there’s anything to this or if it’s just a coincidence!

I take smears and in a totally non scientific look back at my practice it seems to be if the cervix pops between the blades of the speculum straight away it seems to be fairly okay but if it doesn't and the blades are resting on the cervix it seems to be sorer for my patients.
I always try to be gentle and kind and not hurting anyone, I hope very much that I am. Obviously there are loads of other variables in play but the above does seem to be a thing.

They're fine if I ask to lie on my left side (endo, tilted uterus)

No I don't think it's a factor. I think it's more to do with how relaxed you are. I've had smears where I've almost been on the ceiling recoiling in agony and others that were fine.
I've also been told I have a tilted cervix and to make sure the nurse uses the longer apparatus on me.

@GaslitlikeaVictorianparlour I don't know if this is useful at all, but as someone who has had plenty of smear tests, most of which have been painful, the thing that has made them by far the most comfortable has simply been placing a pillow or even just my own hands under my bum to tilt my hips slightly. I discovered this in my mid 40s when I had one done by a practice nurse who put a flat pillow under my bum without even asking. I said 'That was literally the only painless smear I've ever had!' and she said 'It'll be the pillow that made the difference - I've always done it for all my patients as a matter of course and I don't know why it's not standard, so just ask for one next time or even just kind of put your hands palms down under your bum'. I was amazed at what a game-changer it was!

Yes me too! Although it's all relative, and it's very quick even if it does hurt.

Can i add another little tip?

So obviously relaxing your vaginal muscles really helps, but it's tricky to do this in a medical setting - so try this, it takes seconds :

Once you're on the table and while they are buzzing about getting ready (OR if necessary ask for a moment to relax), then part your teeth slightly and let your jaw muscles drop. Relax your jaw right down till it's slack. Then, let your vag relax. For some reason while your jaw is relaxed it's really easy to go all floppy down there.

While the test is going on keep breathing and keep your jaw slack.

Unfortunately it makes no difference to me 😞. The last two smears I’ve had were private and the consultant used the colposcopy chair which changed it from agonising to uncomfortable. She told me afterwards she’s surprised they’ve ever managed carry out a smear on the bed in the GP surgery so I’m wondering what they actually did other than make me cry. Unfortunately I no longer have private health care so I’m going to have to ask my GP to refer me to the hospital as there’s no way I’m having another one laying down

Exactly this. I’m 10 years post menopause and my next smear is likely to be mylast for which I am very grateful.

I've had plenty that were fine, and some very painful ones too. I think it depends on the skill of the person doing it. I've also had 1 coil fitting that was a breeze, and 1 where I had to cancel going into work afterwards.

I’ve never had a painful smear either and I don’t do any exercise nowadays!

I also have a tilted uterous and apparantly it's also 'up to the left' so smears have involved lots of painful rummaging around and one nurse leaving in a panic, which was alarming

However, a doctor with a good technique and it was a much better experience, so I honestly think it's more to do with that than experience

This is interesting because I want to lose weight before my smear test - I think the whole process is easier if you’re slim/fit

Interestingly 98% of the poll disagree with the hypothesis...