Smear test this afternoon!

[uka888]

Hi,

I am going for my smear test this afternoon, feeling quite nervous as I've just turned 33 and have never had one before. Feel silly that I have put it off until now.

Is it going to hurt?! Am I likely to bleed afterwards, if so for how long?!

Thank you in advance for any advise! I've trying to relax but feeling quite worried now!

It's just uncomfortable. Mine didn't hurt and I didn't bleed.

I just concentrate on breathing while I am having mine. It's much easier now they use plastic equipment as the metal ones used to hurt.

You'll feel the brush taking the sample. But it's usually quick and I've never bled. I have had lots as I had concerning ones when I was 20 so had to have a few over a year and then more for 5 years. I just make sure I attend when I get the letter due to my history x

It can be a bit uncomfortable - moreso if you're very tense. If you're nervous, concentrate on your breathing throughout. 4 counts in through your nose; 4 counts out through your mouth. It's usually very quick - over in a couple of minutes.
Sometimes I get a bit of very light spotting for a couple hours afterwards.

Oops, x-post!

Tensing up will make it uncomfortable but it doesn't hurt. Try to relax as much as you can. It's over so quickly. Well done for going, it's so important.

I'm mid 30s and been having them every three years since 18 and only once has it felt particularly uncomfortable when the swab was taken. Obviously it's not lovely but the other times weren't really uncomfortable and definitely not painful. A couple of times I have had a tiny bit of spotting after but mostly just the slippery left over lube!

I get quite anxious before so I make myself sound confident and that it isn't a big deal when I'm there (even though inside I'm feeling sick) and somehow that makes it easier.

I was terrified to get my done. (Very bad birth experience meant I was in tears with stress n worry at the mere thought of it) the nurse at my surgery was lovely and took time to explain everything before even starting and always reassured that I could say no/stop at any point. In the end I stuck some music on my phone, headphones on eyes shut n it was done before The first song finished! I treated myself big time afterwards as it was a huge deal. Did I feel stupid about being so scared? No. Im still worried about getting the next one done. But I've had one now and fear of the unknown along with the history made it 10 times worse in my head

Had quite a few as I am now getting on a bit Has never hurt or even been uncomfortable and never any bleeding
The more laid back you are about it the easier it is
A bit crude but basically a plastic funnel inserted where the sun don't shine but this space is big enough for a baby to exit and if I remember correctly they take the swab with what looks like a fine brush

Relax lower back down into the table. I used to dread them but now look forward almost, knowing that it's so worthwhile to get tested.
Never bled.

Thank you everyone! After all that when I got into my appointment they said they couldn't do it today as they only do tests in the morning and the receptionist had got it wrong! So I just had my pill check! But I met the nurse who will be doing in when I go back a week Monday and she explained it all to me, so I feel a little better about it! Feel silly for putting it off for so long.

Hi ladies,
I went for my smear test this morning, it was ok but it took the nurse a few minutes to find my cervix as it was at an angle going back a little and the moving around trying to locate it caused a bit of bleeding. She said as this was my first smear it is often the case and nothing to worry about and she asked if I ever bled after sex which I don't, but after she said when I get my results they may call me back for another one as it was tricky for her to get a proper swoop with the bleeding but it's nothing at all to worry about. But now I'm worried! She said the bleeding may last for 24 hours or it may have nudged my period to start even though I'm not due to next week. I am stil bleeding a bit but not heavy (test was one and a half hours ago). I'm worried about my results now 😒!

Not got loads of advice but I've only really had one done and had similar happen so wanted to explain as it may put your mind at rest!

I had my first booked and I'm 26, I was so nervous and tense as I hate anything like that, during the exam I was so tense the nurse found it hard to get a good sample, as I bled, I also had quite heavy discharge. So she said rather than send it off and end up with it being rejected and having to come in again could I come back next week. I bled kind of heavy for 2 days and cancelled the next appointment as I freaked out.

A month later I plucked up the courage and re-booked it, explained on the phone I was very nervous and the receptionist booked it in with a different nurse, I was still tense at the appointment and she struggled to locate my cervix but she got the sample, again I bled for around 2 days, but my results came back ok and no concerns etc.

It's nerve wracking but I wouldn't worry too much, call the doctors if the bleeding continues and worries you, but even if you get called back that could simply be cause they couldn't get a good enough sample.

Tip for next time from a fellow hidey cervix person: bunch your fists under your bum to lift it and this often tilts the pelvis enough it makes it MUCH easier to find.
I also usually take a couple of paracetamol or ibuprofen before I go so that I don't feel the hoiking around as much.
I'm sure you will be fine OP well done for going.

Hi ladies,
I received a letter from the doctors today saying the nurse spoke to the doctor after I left last week to get her thoughts about the bleeding and the doctor has asked me to go in for my cervix to be checked. I've booked an appointment but I'm really worried, I got a little upset on the phone to the receptionist and she said the nurse wasn't concerned the doctor just wants to follow it up and there is nothing on my notes to show I should be worried.... but all I've done all afternoon is think about it and I'm really worried 😒. IS It normal to be called back before your results are back?

I wouldn't worry at all. Chances are sample will need to be redone as the sample was contaminated with blood, not because there is anything wrong.

It wouldn't be the doctor who would re do the test though I don't think? And my results aren't back yet. The letter said the nurse would like to examine my cervix to check it is looking normal after the bleeding during my smear test?

I have just spoken to the receptionist at the doctors again to see if there is any more info on my notes and she said it just says the doc wants to double check due to the bleeding and I said had the nurse seen anything to be concerned about she said no it's just a precaution... I'm so worried though I can't stop thinking about it!

The letter said the nurse would like to examine my cervix to check it is looking normal after the bleeding during my smear test? I expect it is just that! To make sure you're all ok.

I'm having my smear test next week (my fourth?) and I'm nervous still too. I have cervical erosion which they normally comment on, though I've never needed treatment for it yet.

It could be a tiny amount of cervical erosion. This is NOTHING to worry about at all but can cause a bit of bleeding. Sure you don't need to worry.

I just feel so stupid for not having a smear test before now! I'm really worried bad things may have developed even though I've had no symptoms at all.