Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

General health

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

Flip

1 2

Original poster

Never had a smear test-HELP

33 replies

SirVixofVixHall · 11/04/2012 15:55

I need one.obv. I've been really nervous partly as I'm shy and self conscious, partly due to an assault when I was younger. Anyway, I have a slight lumpy area which I need checking and am worried it could be HPV, and need the smear too. Would the nurse at my GP be able to tel if it is an HPV thing? OR would I be better off going to a bigger health centre. No Marie Stopes near me or I would go there. I am dreading seeing a nurse who isn't sure and then having to go through it all again. Have only slept with DH in 20 years, had one other partner who I used condoms with, but I guess HPV is stil possible? I know I sound really silly but am in a complete panic.

OP posts:

FamiliesShareGerms · 11/04/2012 16:00

The nurse should be able to tell if the lumpy area is HPV (HPV is very common), and possibly treat or refer you on for treatment / further investigation if needed.

The smear itself will be quick and not nearly as bad as you think, especially if you tell the nurse it's your first time.

Original poster

SirVixofVixHall · 11/04/2012 16:09

Thanks for that- I have heard HPV is common. DH thinks it looks fine,I think it looks different and not fine. I read online that any HPV lumps/warts show up white if you put white vinegar on them. Tried that (not white) so was briefly reassured but as I have no idea if that is accurate info I'm worrying again, and feeling very stupid for not having had regular smears. I've had PTSD related to the assault and was worried I might have a panic attack, so have just kept putting it off. I'm in my 40s so I know I should just deal with it as I have small children.

OP posts:

FamiliesShareGerms · 11/04/2012 16:41

If you've given birth, honestly a smear is nothing to worry about. Though if it's any comfort I've been putting off going for my smear for no particular reason beyond it's not the most fun to spend 5 mins, even though I know it really is no big deal.

Tell you what - I'll book an appointment when you do?

Jammygal · 11/04/2012 21:29

Do it......I put mine off for ages (more than seven years ) then doc did it one day when I was in regarding another matter.....I don't know why I put it off so long, it really doesn't hurt, is so quick really and I can honestly say I feel loads better knowing I have done it , its not hanging over me anymore and I won't need another for three years!

Original poster

SirVixofVixHall · 11/04/2012 22:18

I will do it, I know I have to. I do actually want to get it over with now. I would just go to the GP (the nurse does them ) but for the fear she won't be able to diagnose HPV properly and would have to go get a doc who would probably be male, or send me to a clinic where i would have to steel myself for another exam. So I'm not sure of the best place to go. I think you have to go mid-cycle, is that right? (now for me then, can't bear to wait another month ) Does anyone know if the white vingar thing is accurate? (that would be a huge relief and make it easier for me to go and get seen).

OP posts:

winnybella · 11/04/2012 22:24

It's so fast and doesn't hurt at all. The nurse/doctor puts the speculum in (and now they're plastic so none of that cold steel feeling), then takes a brush (sort of like a mascara wand), wipes it around your cervix (takes about 3-5 seconds), takes the speculum out. Honestly, all my smears took less then a minute total.

Original poster

SirVixofVixHall · 11/04/2012 22:30

I had to have an exam with a speculum (was a steel one I think) when I was pregnant and I found it very very traumatic and horrible. The nurse was very slow doing it (she was swabbing for amniotic fluid) and because of it i was too anxious to sleep afterwards (I was kept in hospital) and it led directly to my c-section which was traumatic enough in itself. So that put me off more even though as a mother I should have been more motivated to go. The reason I am so stressed about the possibility of HPV is because I've had no smears, so could have cell changes that won't have been picked up. DH is very pragmatic, he thinks it doesn't look like a wart (but then we've never seen one) and that I should just get it all seen to. I am really panicky and tearful and ratty as I so stressed about it. In fact I am so stressed that I can see that it will be good to just have done it. then there is the wait for the results too i suppose.

OP posts:

winnybella · 11/04/2012 22:35

Look, honestly, they are not bad. Make sure you mention to the person doing it that you're scared/it's your first time/you're extra sensitive so can they be gentle with speculum (btw I had a painful speculum episode at the end of my pregnancy-but that was because it was a very young intern doing it and also in pregnancy the blood flow is increased, your bits are swollen etc so any investigation is more likely to be unpleasant)

Is it like a proper wart? You seem very stressed. Cervical cancer is very rare as well.

purpleroses · 11/04/2012 22:37

It can hurt a little - take ibuprofen an hour before you go if you're worried. But it doesn't take long.

They won't tell you there and then if there's anything wrong - they send it off for testing.

Tiddlyompompom · 11/04/2012 22:44

Please book an apt as soon as you can. Every docs surgery I've ever been to lets you request a female nurse and a female doc if req, you just need to mention it when you book. You don't need to explain why, just say it matter-of-factly, they won't even raise an eyebrow.

I always have mine done by the nurse, and they're great, really reassuring, just let them know it's your first one and they'll be v considerate.

I personally do find it a little uncomfortable, but nothing memorable, and it's so quick. All I do think of my shopping list and by the time I've got to the end she's finished!

Original poster

SirVixofVixHall · 11/04/2012 22:50

No it isn't like a proper wart to look at, I had one of those as a child and this isn't like that,but don't they look different if they are genital warts? it looks like part of the skin of the vulva, but it looks more bumpy than I remember (I felt a bumpy area when I was washing). Its right at the edge of my vagina (sorry if tmi) and so it is quite hard to tell if its just part of me that has always been there, or not. I think I am particularly upset as it is raking up assault memories, if it is HPV then I think I have caught it from my ex who was the one who assaulted me. It was a very long time ago, over 20 years, and I am fine now, but this has made me feel very very frightened and upset. I am not sure how I will feel if it is actually a warty thing. I haven't slept with DH since I noticed it, I feel horrible. and the thought it could be an STI plus the fear of the exam is making me feel ill with stress, I am very snappy with my dcs and generally miserable and low.

OP posts:

winnybella · 11/04/2012 22:53

Hmm. But the entrance to vagina is always a bit bumpy, isn't it?

Oh, Jesus, just had a look for you on google images and they certainly all look very warty!

Original poster

SirVixofVixHall · 11/04/2012 22:57

Is it? Have I just never noticed? Its like a little flappy bit of skin at the edge but it is one one side and less the other. It is vaguely like a skin tag (which is what made me think of HPV) but much less defined and more part of the skin that that, its a soft fleshy bumpy bit, not a solid lump or an obvious wart. I did google and saw nothing very similar but did read they can look very different...winnybella you are a darling to google on my behalf, I have to say !

OP posts:

winnybella · 11/04/2012 22:57

Btw I had one in my throat and it certainly was a wart. All my smears always came back normal, so even if you do have HPV, it doesn't mean you'll have a cervical changes! I'm guessing since I had it in my throat, I would have it down there as well? But I've never had any outbreaks Never mind me, there's no reason to panic re: possible illness, really. It's very common. I also think that you could probably tell if it was warts? Did you have a good look with a mirror?

But smear you must have anyway. Just try to focus on staying calm and tell the nurse/doctor that you're very stressed about it, they'll be gentle.

winnybella · 11/04/2012 23:00

Oh, wait, x-post. Yes, around the entrance to vagina there are like little flaps, sort of, iyswim, the skin/tissue is not all smooth and even, that's normal.

Ok, I just googled again and if you go to the images you'll see lots of pics so you can see for yourself.

Original poster

SirVixofVixHall · 11/04/2012 23:08

Maybe that's what i can see then- but one side is bigger than the other. they kind of dip at the central perineum point. For the first time in my life I have wished for a brutally frank friend who knows know embarrassment and would have a look at it! I've never seen another vulva, other than my toddler's.

OP posts:

purpleroses · 11/04/2012 23:11

That's what the nurse if for! She will have seen lots and lots and will know what they should look like. They really are used to people who are nervous and reassuring you. It all feels very much like something they do every day - which indeed it is.

winnybella · 11/04/2012 23:21

Ok, in the name of sisterhood, or whatever, I have just went and inspected my vulva and can confirm that around the entrance to vagina there is a sort of fleshy rim,with little bumps/flaps, uneven, dips to the back. I haven't got any warts as go to gyneco every 2 years and it feels and looks as usual, in any case. HTH and relax.

Original poster

SirVixofVixHall · 11/04/2012 23:33

Oh Winny, I am so grateful to you for that I am teary eyed. That has made me feel a bit better about going for the smear, at least i feel I can ask if it looks normal, as that all sounds ok. I am going to call the surgery tomorrow. Only DH and my oldest friend know that I haven't had a smear, and even they don't know the details of why, although DH can guess I think. I know I just have to get it over with.

OP posts:

winnybella · 11/04/2012 23:56

Good on you You'll feel so much better after it's done.

nickseasterchick · 12/04/2012 00:07

I checked mine too .....its bumpy and i only had my smear 2 weeks ago,it really doesnt hurt,its weird but then again its not every day a woman roots around your vagina is it?

Please I beg of you to go......its really nothing like as traumatic as you think.

in fact on embarassing bodies the female gp had hers done live.

please ring tomorrow.

Tildabewildered · 12/04/2012 21:04

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster

SirVixofVixHall · 12/04/2012 21:46

Thankyou so much everyone. Tilda that is v. reassuring. I called the doctors today twice but couldn't get through, so I am calling again tomorrow. I fished out the last leaflet they sent me and they have a clinic for smears on a Tuesday morning, so I'm hoping they will be able to fit me in then. All you posters have really helped me to do this and it has made me so grateful for Mumsnet. (have name changed for this, because of the assault issue rather than the lady garden issue ) Actually prefer my new name now, how annoying. I will update when I've had the test.. Big thanks again all of you.

OP posts:

BelaLug0si · 12/04/2012 21:52

Most places use a plastic speculum now rather than a metal one which is a lot nicer. The screening programme now has a 14 day turnaround time, so you should get your result back pretty quickly.

BTW your lump could be a Bartholin's cyst but the practice nurse should be able to let you know. Glad to hear you're plan to go for a screening test too.

MrsJoeDuffy · 13/04/2012 02:14

half a valium an hour before the smear. worked wonders. I Was a nervous wreck before mine. felt nothing.

Flip

1 2

Swipe left for the next trending thread