Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Terrified of having another smear test

41 replies

reddisc · 23/02/2011 12:54

I really need a kick up the backside to make an appointment for a smear test as i haven't had one since 2001 & i had a dreadful experience that time .
Anyone got any experience of how i can overcome my fears ?
TIA

OP posts:
sparkle1977 · 23/02/2011 12:59

Its almost ten years on now, you can bet the nurses doing the tests will be completely changed at your surgery.

Please book one, its for the best.

I have never had what I would call a bad experience, so hopefully it was just a one off for you.

Sidge · 23/02/2011 13:02

The procedure has changed slightly for doing smears so it's less 'scrapy', so hopefully not so uncomfortable for you.

Ask for a double appointment, and tell the nurse how nervous you are. Take some paracetamol about an hour before you go and practice some deep breathing exercises that you can do during the procedure. Take a friend/partner if you want to to hold your hand.

Good luck Smile

Original poster
reddisc · 23/02/2011 13:04

Thanks sparkle1977 .

I know i need to get over this fear but i am very anxious about having the test .
I feel embarrassed at being such a wimp tbh.

OP posts:
shelley72 · 23/02/2011 13:08

ok, just caught this so had to reply. i was in the same boat as you, having not been since 2004 through sheer terror. i had my dS in 2007 and had nasty tear which left me terrified of anything medical 'down there'. had DD last year and STILL put it off (despite two more letters calling me fwd for testing). so on the third letter i thought sod it, i have to go - i am a mummy now and have a responsibility (to my babies if nothing else) to be well.

so i went, told the practice sister all of my worries and hang ups. she talked me through the process and showed me the equipment they used. they now use a plastic speculum and a brush (last time i went it was a barbaric metal thing and a wooden stick Shock). it was slightly uncomfy but nothing worse than that and nowhere near as bad as i had let it become in my head. i think it helped that she is the 'smear test' ister - ie very practised and efficient. i was really surprised and very proud of myself.

so, phone your practice, hunt down the nice nurse / doctor and go get it done. you know it makes sense Smile.

Original poster
reddisc · 23/02/2011 13:08

Thanks sidge

I was thinking of asking my gp/nurse if they could give me something to calm me down before having it done & explain to them what happened at my last test . Do you think that would acceptable ?

OP posts:
Bideyin · 23/02/2011 13:09

Just make the appt reddisc. The whole procedure has changed now so it's a lot easier (they use a little brush thingy). Tell the nurse you are nervous and she will be extra nice to you :)

I have never missed a smear btw but I am currently recovering from a hysterectomy which was required because of severe and enduring cell changes. I had my very first abnormal smear 2 years ago (cin 3), three lots of treatment, it returned each time so then hysterectomy was the only thing they could do.

Smear tests really are important.

Bideyin · 23/02/2011 13:10

Sorry cross posted. Think thats a good idea reddisc.

shelley72 · 23/02/2011 13:12

forgot to say i actually cried in the room as i was so scared - felt a complete fool afterwards!!! second the comment about deep breathing too. though i had DD sat on my tummy with a toy singing 'old macdonald had a farm' so quite difficult to relax!

Original poster
reddisc · 23/02/2011 13:13

Thanks shelley & Bideyin

I'm a mum of two dc's so i want to be around for them growing up & this is why i want to have the test . It's nice to know they use a brush type of instrument these days Smile

OP posts:
Sidge · 23/02/2011 13:17

Don't be embarrassed - lots of women I see are really nervous and I've had a few tears from ladies before I've started!

Many women that haven't had a smear since the new LBC technique was introduced are pleasantly surprised at how much 'better' it now is. You may not need to take anything if you take a friend and do relaxation exercises but you can always ask the GP for a one-off dose of diazepam.

Original poster
reddisc · 23/02/2011 13:17

lol shelley at your dd singing old macdonald - you see i know i'll end up in tears too & be Blush Blush

Do you think i would be better having it done with the nurse at my GP's surgery [she's not very gentle giving flu jabs Grin ] Or make an appointment at the womens health center ?

OP posts:
maresedotes · 23/02/2011 13:20

I second deep breathing and really focussing on your breathing. Also, I always imagine I'm somewhere else and that it's not happening to me (tends to be a desert island, sand, sea etc.)

Also, so much better now that the metal thing is no longer used.

notcitrus · 23/02/2011 13:21

reddisc - tell the receptionist you are terrified and had a bad experience and they can book you with the best person (both skill and niceness!) and allow a bit of extra time.
Do you have a friend you could take with you for moral support?

But if you really can't bring yourself to do that, then see your GP and ask if there's anything they can prescribe temporarily to help you through it as well as the above - I got prescribed two doses of I think temazepam for my first smear test and the GP did it herself. I've been fine with them since.

hope that helps.

Original poster
reddisc · 23/02/2011 13:22

Thanks Sidge - can i ask how long does the test usually take please ?

OP posts:
shelley72 · 23/02/2011 13:24

i would go with whoever is likely to do it more often and therefore be more 'expert' at it tbh. or whoever you think will be more sympathetic.

before having it done, i had asked to have it perfomed the same time as my ERPC when we lost baby in 2009, and also considered asking to be sedated before my appt so i know exactly how you feel!

it will be fine honestly. let us know once youve had it done so we can tell you how brave you are Smile

Sidge · 23/02/2011 13:26

Assuming that you can relax a bit and make it easy to see the cervix (easier said than done I know!) the actual sampling takes about 10 seconds.

Start to finish, assuming no difficulties, the whole thing can take less than a minute. (not counting the time taken to get undressed and hide your knickers Grin)

Original poster
reddisc · 23/02/2011 13:29

Thanks maresedotes & notcitrus

I am worried about having a panic attack tbh as i really am that anxious about having it done .
I am due to go back to my GP for a check up next month for my BP so i am hoping to be able to ask about something to calm me down enough to have the smear test .
I really do appreciate all this advice thank you

OP posts:
Original poster
reddisc · 23/02/2011 13:36

Wow Sidge can i hop on a plane over to you Wink .
you sound so lovely Smile
I just have one more question but i am very embarrassed
but i need to know this - so here goes .
I bled very badly during my last smear {a male doctor with huge hands & he was very rough} will that mean i am likely to bleed again ?
sorry TMI Blush

OP posts:
Capreece · 23/02/2011 13:45

Poor you, reddisc - I've had a couple of smears and none of them have ever hurt (except them time they caught a pube in the speculum mechanism). What you experienced was a one-off bad smear test. Do as someone else suggested and ask the receptionist to advise you who's best - they'll be so thrilled to have their opinion asked they'll go out of their way to help.

crystalglasses · 23/02/2011 13:53

I have put off having smear tests for years as they really hurt. However I recently had one done under general anaesthetic while I was having some polyps removed so i've got a few years to go before I'm called up again. I didn't know that the barbaric metal instruments are no longer used so maybe I'll give it a go next time. I'm a wimp when it come to internal examinations

Original poster
reddisc · 23/02/2011 14:11

I keep trying to convince myself that i was just unlucky at the last smear test and it most likely won't happen again .

OP posts:
Sidge · 23/02/2011 17:41

Oh thank you reddisc Blush I would like to think I'm lovely, if you are near me you're welcome to book in with me! I think I must be OK at doing smears as I get requested by patients

Seriously though I have had so many smears myself, good and bad and IME the nurse can make all the difference in the world between a good and bad experience.

Re the bleeding - it's less likely now with the new-style brushes but some women do bleed a little. It's not uncommon if you're on the pill, or have something called a cervical ectropion which is where the surface of the cervix has fragile, rather 'raw' cells that bleed easily when touched. Hopefully a gentle touch with the new technique will minimise any bleeding.

Original poster
reddisc · 23/02/2011 18:28

Thank you sidge for all of your advice Smile
I am in Ireland so can't book in with you Sad but i have decided to take the plunge and ask my GP/nurse about having a smear at my check up next month .
You really are lovely & i am not a bit surprised that people ask for you . It's kind people like you that can help nervous patients like me to overcome their fears Smile . I just hope i am lucky enough to find a nurse as nice & understanding as you are . Thank you .

OP posts:
Sidge · 23/02/2011 20:08

Thank you for your kind words Smile

Good on you for planning to get it done, it's so important. Fingers (but not legs) crossed that you get someone kind and caring that is gentle with you! Don't be afraid to be quite clear about how difficult it is for you, then hopefully the nurse won't assume it's so routine for you and be extra nice!

Let me know how you get on won't you? PM me if you prefer Smile

earwicga · 23/02/2011 20:14

Do you have anywhere else you can go to get your smear test like a Family Planning clinic?

I'm glad you are trying to conquer your fears. Don't be embarassed, it is very common to feel this way.

Definately speak to somebody before the appointment. What nurses often do is book an appointment to go through it all with you. Then book the test for another day.

You can also request a woman does it.

Swipe left for the next trending thread