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Original poster

First smear test on Tuesday and dreading it.

53 replies

sharonfagan1991 · 23/08/2013 18:18

I have to go for my very much dreaded first smear test on Tuesday morning at 10:30 after I finish doing a 12 hour nightshift, but I am thinking about cancelling again. I have read the pink leaflet I got with the original letter though the thought of going through with it terrifies me however I know that a smear test is important.

Not really fond of the idea of my intimate parts being on display to be probed etc though it must be the same for everyone. Any advice?

OP posts:

hashtagwhatever · 23/08/2013 18:27

who is fond of the idea of some random at their lady bits?

but isn't so bad takes just a minute and so worth it

Original poster

sharonfagan1991 · 23/08/2013 18:29

Yeh I know noone is of course. I know I really need to go though totally been dreading the whole thought of it.

OP posts:

num3onway · 23/08/2013 18:30

I am waiting to book for my first however I have been spotting for 12 weeks since going on depo

SkiSchoolRun · 23/08/2013 18:31

Take an ibuprofen 30 mins before. I had a sneaky vodka on the way to my first post baby smear on the nurse's suggestion!

Original poster

sharonfagan1991 · 23/08/2013 18:33

Must be good to have a nurse with a suggestion like that, I wont have the chance to have a vodka lol as I need to drive straight from my work to the clinic.

OP posts:

mrsden · 23/08/2013 18:35

it really is fine. It takes no time at all, it shouldn't be painful just a little uncomfortable but it's so quick. Tell the nurse doing it you're nervous and they will talk you through what they're going to do.

LIZS · 23/08/2013 18:36

Tell the nurse you're nervous. They are much more discreet these days and you usually get a modesty paper cloth so you can't see what is going on. Otherwise wear a longish top or tunic dress .

YoniBottsBumgina · 23/08/2013 18:38

It honestly does not hurt at all. I was really worried about mine and it was nowhere near as bad as I expected it to be. You will be fine - and once it's done that's it for the next few years!

Original poster

sharonfagan1991 · 23/08/2013 18:38

Yes I have heard people say its uncomfortable and others who have experienced pain. As I wont have time to change I will have my works uniform on which is a tunic top, cardigan, and trousers with flat shoes.

OP posts:

Bowlersarm · 23/08/2013 18:38

Just think of it as something that is absolutely essential and you must do it. Then you don't have to think about it for three years, safe in the knowledge that you are clear.

The medical staff do this day in day out. It is just their job, and they've seen it all, many many times. Nothing can surprise them. You are just one of many women through their door.

It is a very quick process.

Make sure you don't cancel.

Hope some of that helps!

Original poster

sharonfagan1991 · 23/08/2013 18:40

Thanks bowlersarm I wont cancel. I have just been needing to prepare myself thats all.

OP posts:

Bowlersarm · 23/08/2013 18:41

Also, psychologically, I find it easier in the summer. In the winter you really feel like you're stripping taking off coats, scarves, boots, socks etc.

It seems much less intrusive in the summer.

It's not the nicest thing OP, but has to be done.

Original poster

sharonfagan1991 · 23/08/2013 18:44

I know what you mean about summer, though as I couldnt get another appointment and need to go after work I cant wear a skirt so will need to take off my trousers, socks, shoes. I had been thinking of keeping my socks on so I would fee less exposed.

OP posts:

YoniBottsBumgina · 23/08/2013 18:48

You know when people say "this medical procedure doesn't hurt but is a bit uncomfortable" and then it hurts like hell and you are all WTF??

Well, that happens to me a lot but honestly, seriously, it is slightly uncomfortable and that is it. It's uncomfortable because it's something a bit cold up there - although much better now they use plastic speculums rather than the metal ones they tend to use in pregnancy - and that's basically it.

It will help if you can force yourself to un-tense, too - sounds a bit woo but if you can focus on a lotus flower opening then that can help things to open up a bit down there to help the muscles relax.

Bowlersarm · 23/08/2013 18:48

It sounds silly but yes keeping socks on, and wearing a long top do help.

Original poster

sharonfagan1991 · 23/08/2013 18:49

Thanks, that does sound reassuring.

OP posts:

Original poster

sharonfagan1991 · 23/08/2013 18:51

Was thinking as well maybe I should go for a paper gown.

OP posts:

LittleWhiteWolf · 23/08/2013 18:58

I have my second on Thursday and am barely thinking about it. The first was absolutely no big deal. The nurse locks the door so no-one can interrupt. It didn't hurt and it wasn't even uncomfortable. It was over in seconds. I wore a skirt so I could keep most of my clothes on and intend to do the same again.

I had a coil fitted in November which was incredibly painful; this is nothing!

Original poster

sharonfagan1991 · 23/08/2013 19:00

It's reassuring to hear that you are barely thinking about your second one. I was planning to get a coil fitted at some point as well tho the smear sounds nothing compared to that.

OP posts:

LanguageTimothy · 23/08/2013 19:01

Sharon well done for being so brave.

Honestly it's fine. You'll be so relieved afterwards and wonder what you were bothered about.

It has to be done. The nurses won't bat an eyelid.

And yes, Keep socks on. Chat to nurse to distract you.

colditz · 23/08/2013 19:02

I know they say it's uncomfor tale but I don't think thy mean physically, because I barely noticed my first smear.

Original poster

sharonfagan1991 · 23/08/2013 19:02

Thanks LanguageTimothy I do intend to keep my socks on as I dont see the point in taking them off if you dont need to.

OP posts:

LanguageTimothy · 23/08/2013 19:02

I had a coil. It was a bit sore but not too bad (and it's brilliant - no periods!) not everyone finds it painful. Staying relaxed really helps.

colditz · 23/08/2013 19:03

Oh, and give yrself a wipe with a baby wipe just before you go in, and then u KNOW you're clean and fragrant.

Original poster

sharonfagan1991 · 23/08/2013 19:05

Yeh baby wipe sounds a good idea as I wont have a chance to shower beforehand after working all night.

OP posts:

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