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Original poster

SMEARS - I bloody hate them

83 replies

SPARKLER1 · 30/01/2006 10:05

Just been for my 3 yearly routine smear test this morning. Even after having two children by vaginal delivery, it never gets anyless embarassing or uncomfortable.

Last time I went I found it very uncomfortable and ended up bleeding slightly afterwards.
This morning it REALLY hurt and I have bled quite badly. Nurse had to give me a pad to wear home. (sorry if TMI).

I've been told that the results may come back inconclusive as the blood may cover the relevant cells taken. So I may need to go back for another. Great!

OP posts:
Original poster
SPARKLER1 · 30/01/2006 20:56

off to google cervical erosion now -I'm getting worried.

OP posts:
Twiglett · 30/01/2006 20:58

no don't worry ... a cervical erosion is nothing to worry about at all ..

Dropinthe · 30/01/2006 21:00

Effin things!!!!!

I always have to have the bloody(!!) things done twice as they never get enough gunk!!!

Blerr!!!! HATE EM WITH A VENGEANCE!!!

willandsamsmum · 30/01/2006 21:02

What helps me to relax during smears is to take a very deep breath just before the speculum insertion and then to let it out while dropping my shoulders as the nurse/doctor inserts its. It just seems to relax your whole body and works for all different situations where you need to be less tense. Another thing you could try next time is some Rescue Remedy.

Latz · 30/01/2006 21:04

I have bled after every smear I have had. I have a cervical erosion which means I think that a bit of the uterus tissue overlaps on the place they take the cells off - can u tell I'm not medical!

It bleeds lightly for a few hours up to a day and then stops.

The only treatment that has ever been hinted at is some procedure which will remove the tissue but no one has ever seen the necessity to do anything about it - thank god!

Original poster
SPARKLER1 · 30/01/2006 21:10

Doesn't sound like too much to worry about. Like you say treatments are available if symptoms should occur.

"A cervical erosion that does not cause troublesome symptoms normally needs no treatment. If symptoms do occur, treatment by freezing (cryotherapy), heating (cauterization) or laser may be suggested. Like all women, those with a cervical erosion are advised to have regular cervical smears. This is not because erosion increases the risk of cervical cancer, but because the visual appearance of erosion may make it more difficult to recognise a cervical cancer should one occur."

OP posts:
Original poster
SPARKLER1 · 30/01/2006 21:10

Sad Sad

OP posts:
littlemissbossy · 30/01/2006 21:29

Sparkler, if you're still bleeding I would call to speak/see your GP - an erosion doesn't mean you have cancer, you may just need a bit of work down there - sorry don't know how else to put it.

Twiglett · 30/01/2006 21:33

on a far lighter note I found out about cervical erosions after dating a bloke with a very (very) large .... ahem

littlemissbossy · 30/01/2006 21:33

LOL Twiglett - TMI

Original poster
SPARKLER1 · 30/01/2006 21:35

tackyourpick

Twiglett

OP posts:
Original poster
SPARKLER1 · 30/01/2006 21:35

take even

OP posts:
Twiglett · 30/01/2006 21:36

can I have ding dong (but only in a bloke from the carry on movies voice)

Twiglett · 30/01/2006 21:37

"wife's best friend" ... pmsl .. only a bloke would've come up with that one

Original poster
SPARKLER1 · 30/01/2006 21:37

I quite liked the hairy bagpipes

OP posts:
littlemissbossy · 30/01/2006 21:37

hairy bagpipes!!! well that's a new one for me LOL

hellomama · 30/01/2006 21:56

Just to let you know that for some women it is normal to bleed after a smear because the top layer of cells is taken away as part of the test (usually when a woman has a cervical ectropian, like others here have described).

Although most women find a vaginal speculum examination uncomfortable, it should never be painful, and if it is, then you must say so because either you have not been given enough time to relax, or the practitioner is doing something wrong. It is true that the more you can relax the easier and less uncomfortable it is, but that is always easier said than done! And please, please tell the practitioner if you have had a bad experience in the past, or have never had this type of examination before, as they should give you extra time to relax and more explanation about what you should expect (well, I do anyway).

I am surprised clinics still use the metal instruments, we have lovely plastic disposable one's where I work and they definitely aren't cold and certainly aren't as scary looking!

Original poster
SPARKLER1 · 30/01/2006 22:09

Thanks.
Going to bed now. Shall see how things are in the morning. Will phone surgery if still the same.

OP posts:
hellomama · 30/01/2006 22:11

Hope you feel better in the morning sparkler1. Don't worry.

Tanzie · 30/01/2006 22:15

I had one with a plastic speculum once. It snapped shut half way through and caught all my pubes in it. Nurse laughed like a drain. She was laughing so much she could barely speak and had to sit down. If she hadn't been a friend of mine, I'd have killed her.

hellomama · 30/01/2006 22:28

OMG Tanzie! That is AWFUL! You poor thing! Are you both still friends???!

nooka · 30/01/2006 23:27

Sorry Tanzie I can't help but laugh! How awful. I have had my smears done quite a few times now, and some nurses are much better at them than others. The best one I had gave my tummy a little rub before hand and managed to completely relax me. She said she had just been on a course.

Original poster
SPARKLER1 · 31/01/2006 09:07

Things seem to be back to normal today. Although I am mentally scarred for life now with regards to smears.
Just need to sit back and wait for the results in the hope that I won't need to be recalled.

OP posts:
merryberry · 31/01/2006 09:46

ouch ladies ouch. i had to have one week before last. baby kicked off half way through and was unceremoniously plonked on my chest wailing while the nurses got on with it. rummage rummage WWWWAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH WWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH. not a great experience.

dear · 15/02/2006 14:50

IT IS EASY SAID AND DONE
speacily when you two of them have done from two cerixs.
But said that if you bleeding after your smear test done call gp out straight a way.
BECAUSE YOU NEED KNOW WHAT WRONG.
And put youe mine at rest.