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Original poster

Are smear tests more or less uncomfortable after giving birth?

22 replies

Twinklemegan · 02/02/2007 10:49

I had my DS six months ago and have recently been called for a smear test but I'm putting off making the appointment. Before I had DS I found smears really uncomfortable - the whole opening up thing was just horrible. When I was pregnant I had to have this done to check if my waters were leaking and it was horrendous! I'm hoping that now my body has stretched, so to speak, the speculum bit mightn't be that bad? But on the other hand I had a huge double episiotomy and I'm still pretty aware of the scar. (I haven't even let DH near me yet IYSWIM ). Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

OP posts:
madmarchhare · 02/02/2007 10:54

I think it different for everyone. Mine was worse because my cervix had moved around a bit and was tricky to locate.

While youre there maybe you could get them to comment on your scar/healing which might make you feel happier about future conjugals.

Original poster
Twinklemegan · 02/02/2007 10:55

Hmm - that was the problem when I was pregnant. Oh god I'm dreading it

OP posts:
WeaselMum · 02/02/2007 10:56

I have been hoping the exact same thing...

WeaselMum · 02/02/2007 10:58

x-posted - obv hoping it's MORE comfortable now, not less!

jackieglyn · 02/02/2007 11:47

Had my first baby 18 months agao and recently had to go for a smear, was dreading it cause i found it so uncomfortable before have a baby, anyway without sounding to grim it was a breeze - didnt even know it was going on.

CocoLoco · 02/02/2007 12:14

It can really vary depending on the person doing it, tell them you're nervous and ask them to be extra gentle. I've had loads of smears (and colposcopies) and don't find it more than mildly uncomfortable. Be brave!

WeaselMum · 02/02/2007 14:40

jackieglyn I think I love you

Original poster
Twinklemegan · 02/02/2007 22:04

Well, here's hoping then. I've never had a problem with the actual smear, it's the bit where they crank open the speculum (TMI sorry!). Yep, I'll try to be brave.

OP posts:
Pinkchampagne · 02/02/2007 22:09

I didn't notice much difference tbh - they still felt as uncomfortable as ever!

LowFatMilkshake · 02/02/2007 22:11

have never found them physically uncomfortable, but in terms of blush factor - after you've had a baby...who cares!

GrumpyOldHorsewoman · 02/02/2007 22:32

I contracted an infection having DD2 and had to have a smear 1 week after giving birth (with many stitches). Can you imagine....

But I'm sure you will be fine 6 months down the line.

Original poster
Twinklemegan · 02/02/2007 22:38

OWWWW!

OP posts:
LowFatMilkshake · 02/02/2007 22:39

GOH....ouch - emoticon

horrifiedmum · 02/02/2007 23:05

Mine was the same, about 3 months after givign birth (or however long after you have to wait). Uncomfortable but no worse than before - a necessary evil unfortunately.

GrumpyOldHorsewoman · 02/02/2007 23:07

I'm ashamed to say I sobbed like a sobbing thing

GhostOfMumsnet · 02/02/2007 23:08

hate them, hate them, hate them!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2nervesleft · 02/02/2007 23:12

Physically I haven't noticed any difference but the cringe factor is greatly reduced.
As previously said I no longer give a damn and that makes the whole experience much less traumatic.

tigertum · 03/02/2007 00:18

Hi Twinklemegan

I'm sorry to day that my experience of a smear after having DS was very uncomfortable. The nurse couldn't get the spectum (?) in easily and eventually had to raise me up on a cusion because, according to her, my womb had becomme retroverted after having DS.

I was really upset as I didn't know what that meant and to me it sounded like I was somehow saggier and a bit damaged down there. My doc told me that it was more than likely to have been like that before and that perhaps residual fear of being prodded and pocked down there during DS's forceps delivery, plus the general feeling of vunerability in that area that you experience after childbirth, combined to make me feel very stressed during the test and that's why it was harder to do.

I wont know for sure until next time. But a few minutes of feeling uncomfortable is worth being tested for the nasties IMO.

I would speak to your GP (esp if female) and perhaps get her to have a look and give you some reasurrance before the smear test. Just remember that its only a few minutes and it's worth it for the protection it can give you.

I think its only human nature to feel so vunerable down there and protective of our poor fanjos after they have been through so much!

Original poster
Twinklemegan · 03/02/2007 00:21

Have to say people I'm not feeling a whole lot better! But I do appreciate the honesty (I think).

OP posts:
claireh11 · 03/02/2007 08:44

I had a smear when ds when 7 months old and was not a problem at all, the nurse was great and it was over and done in about 20 seconds.

compo · 03/02/2007 08:47

I found it okay. Some one told me to take a couple of ibruprofen half an hour before going so that might be an idea

Naboo · 03/02/2007 12:14

TwinkleMegan - i've just had one, i was so nervous about it, but i found it better than expected. They always have a job hunting for what they are meant too - and i always feel discomfort as they root around! I end up sitting on my hands as they rummage - bizarre. Mine really wasn't that bad at all. I felt very proud of myself for doing it though. Book it - and be done with it, otherwise you will worry until you do.

Just think, you don't have to push a baby out, you don't have to have stitches, and you lost your dignity a while ago when you had baby! So, you just have to lie there and try to relax. Think positive Twinks - and you will wonder what you were stressed about.

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