First experience of a smear test was a nightmare....!

[BeccaRe]

Hi I am really after some advice on first experiences of smear tests. I turn 25 in April and booked mine as soon as I got the letter through. I wasn't terribly nervous but did explain to the nurse I found tampons uncomfortable and I hadn't had sex since I was 17, this too was uncomfortable.

She tried the bigger speculum but it was too painful so used the smallest. It hurt but I was okay and generally felt fine when I left, I bled a little so the nurse gave me a pad. By the time I got home it was better so I swapped to a pantiliner.
Within an hour I suddenly started bleeding really heavily, it was soaking through my clothes and pads within 15minutes. I phoned the doctors and spoke to the nurse who said I did tear a little and not to worry. 10mins later she phoned back with an appointment for later that day....to put my mind at rest. The bleeding continued and I was loosing large clots.
When I got to the doctors I was bleeding heavily still and dripping on the floor, by now I was feeling dizzy too, the doctor couldn't see anything for blood and I was admitted to A&E via ambulance. I was examined twice in Gynaecology, both times so painful I was in tears, the consultant couldn't see a tear and put it down to a scratched cervix or being a little too forceful.
Eventually the bleeding slowed down and stopped on it's own and I was discharged.
The pain was put down to lack of sexual experience and having a small vagina.

It's shaken me up for a first experience though I do know this is rare, I don't really feel like I had answers and I'm unsure if it was the nurses fault or just my body.

I'd be grateful of any advice or reassurance! - Thank you X

:(

I had my first smear at 21 and it was ok, despite hurty sex! Mine was done by a very kind lady doctor. (she also showed me how to examine breasts properly and gave me the only proper internal I have had in my life)

I would certainly go to someone else another time! You used to be able to see a doctor instead of a nurse before the recall system days and it might be better to see a GP with gynae interests who has a wider experience of gynae issues.

Hi BeccaRe
Your experience/symptoms sounds identical to my sisters. She can't use tampons and has been unable to have sex due to pain and heavy bleeding when she's tried and Drs and gynae specialists have been unable to give a satisfactory reason for it.

She was terrified of smear tests as they were excruciating for her. Now when she goes she asks to put the speculum in herself as it is less traumatic, she also has to use a lot of lubricant.

I wonder if it is partly related to the pill she is on as she has been on the pill since her teens to help conquer acne. I couldn't understand her problem initially and I admit I dismissed it as being a mental issue until after having ds and was breastfeeding I had to have the mini pill rather than the combined pill. The mini pill made me so dry, making sex and smear tests unbelievably sore :(

You have my sincere sympathies

I'm so sorry OP.

It was the nurses fault.

I would write a letter of complaint in the strongest terms to the Practice Manager. The nurse who did this to you should be suspended and not allowed to abuse any more women until she has been re-trained.

In future, should you wish to continue with screening, I would suggest attending a Family Planning clinic where a professional will help you.