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Original poster

Smear during minor op

12 replies

Fourarmsv2 · 14/08/2015 20:24

Just in case anyone else is a bit worried about smears this might be an option.....

I had a hysterescopy & polyp removal this week and asked them to do a smear to whilst I was under a GA.

No problem at all :) Completely painless!

OP posts:
pinkfrocks · 14/08/2015 22:01

Glad it went well for you but TBH I don't think it's generally good to keep stating that smears are things to be afraid of or can be painful. I've never had a painful smear in my life and I'm well over 50 now. I have also had a hysteroscopy and biopsy without anything- no GA or local. Not stealth boasting just showing the other side of it.

FabULouse · 15/08/2015 14:28

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SauvignonPlonker · 15/08/2015 14:36

Pinkfrocks: I'd not had a painful smear until yesterday & I'm 43. I'm not sure what was different (the practice nurse said she may have cut my vagina while entering the speculum). It was extremely painful.

There's a first time for everything...

pinkfrocks · 15/08/2015 15:01

the practice nurse said she may have cut my vagina while entering the speculum).

Is this a nurse in the UK? Never heard anything so barbaric and ridiculous. I hope you told her where to go and have now changed drs.

An episiotomy procedure for using a speculum? Seriously?

FabULouse · 15/08/2015 15:47

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ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 15/08/2015 15:50

I always have painful smears Sad Its why I don't have them as often as I should.

pinkfrocks · 15/08/2015 15:53

It's still ridiculous.

If a nurse or dr can't get a speculum in they have a few options: use a smaller one ( suitable for a child), come to some diagnosis as why an adult woman can't 'accept' a speculum and then treat it accordingly.

Some women post menopause ( or during peri) find internal exams, smears and sex painful so they are / should be treated with hormonal cream for 2 weeks to correct vaginal atrophy. Ramming a speculum in when there is a problem and then saying you might have cut the person is really out of order.

pinkfrocks · 15/08/2015 15:55

Sorry to bang on but I think rather than scaring women off smears it would be better to say if the pain / discomfort was being caused by the speculum or by the brush used to take the smear. The latter can be a bit 'ouch' for 10 seconds, but if it's vaginal entry that is the problem then that ought to be discussed beforehand. some women who are very narrow or elderly can be given dilators to use for a while beforehand as treatment. or smaller speculums can be used.

Flossieflower01 · 15/08/2015 20:13

I've never had a non painful smear- I find them horrendous and would gladly have a general anaesthetic to get through them!

pinkfrocks · 15/08/2015 20:27

why do you think that is Flossie? Are you tense? Do you find sex or internal exams painful?
A lot of women tense up when they have a smear which is counterproductive. Plastic speculums are a lot nicer than the old cold metal ones. Most places use these now and they are also disposable.
If you find it painful maybe tell the dr so they can be extra gentle.
The whole thing only takes 30 seconds to a minute.

muminhants1 · 18/08/2015 09:51

I'm 43 and also had my first painful smear last year. They've always been a bit unpleasant, but no more than that. But last year it was a bit of an ordeal and I can't say I'm enthralled about having to go for the next one in 2 years' time.

halfpint1967 · 18/08/2015 10:01

i always find smears&internals painful&sexSad
i had a hysteroscopy in June&they did the smear while i was under ga
MUCH better!!

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