I have to go for a smear test - please come and advise me

[lisalisa]

I have a severe phobia of the speculum and have not been for a smear test for about 10 years and I'm 43. I now have to go as I'm having intermittent vaginal bleeding.

I have tried to go before and once passed out and once vomited. Unfortunatley I have a bigger fear of anaesthetic so being out for the test won't work either.

Whilst making myself sound like a complete wuss I don't have any other fears or phobias and would happily climb the tallest building or plumb the greatest depths. But this phobia of the speculum is crippling.

What can I do to relax myself? Mind techniques/medicication?

Anywhere other than GP Surgery which are more practised and relaxed at these type of situations ?

I had over 10years between my first and second smear. That was because I hated the first so much it was painful and there was bleeding.

I went for the second after having dd. I only went for dd, so that she isn't left without a mum. It was so much better. It seemed to be a different instrument used and was a nurse rather than a male consultant. So much so that I will be going soon after having ds as my reminder came whilst pg.

Please book one. But please tell them how nervous you are.

Speculums are plastic disposables these days which makes things much less unpleasant. I was terrified to go for a smear shortly after DD1 was born because the birth was quite a traumatic experience, but the smear was surprisingly ok - infact, more than ok, it was thoroughly fine.

Make sure the nurse doing it is aware of your fear and that they go at your pace. Good luck!

Sorry to hear that you are scared. See your dr as they can give you something to take to relax you beforehand. If you say that you are scared then asked to be talked through what they are doing & maybe look at the instruments that will be used. It really doesn't hurt & it is all over with in a few mins but is worth it to detect any changes. See a female dr that specialises in women. I find the family planning clinic good as they take their time examining you & don't rush you.

have you had kids? i had to go a couple of weeks ago and used my relaxation/hypnotherapy breathing which helped. i felt that the nurse was more nervous than i was, which wouldn't have helped if i was really scared about it!

Last on I had was totally painless, they do stem to have a gentler method these days.

Have a couple of large vodkas snifter beforehand, take along a friend, tell them how nervous you are. Last one I had was totally painless, female nurse & took about 2 mins.

ask for the smallest speculum - they do teeny ones.

you could try meditation breathing- concentrate on your breath as you breathe in,follow it down through your nose and to the tips of your toes and then back up again.

At times like these, I think of the beach at Rest Bay, Porthcawl, as it holds happy memories. Picturing yourself somewhere that made you feel good, and relaxed, can help.

Is your GP doing any other investigations of your vaginal bleeding, other than a smear test? The NHS guidelines would also suggest investigation for possible infections and possibly referral to a gynaecologist.

All the suggestions here are good ones. Another thing to remember is that most practices have practice nurses who do a lot of smear tests and therefore have had plenty of practice, not just with the physical method, but with dealing with nervous women. When I first started having smears they weren't exactly pleasant, although I can honestly say I have never found a smear painful, but more recently they have been a much less unpleasant experience. I'm sure that this is down to having an experienced person doing it.