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Original poster

I am 34 and have never had a smear test....

42 replies

HateToAdmitThis · 11/04/2007 21:53

For some reason I never had appointments, now I am too scared that having one may reveal something terrible.

OP posts:
makkapakka · 11/04/2007 21:54

just book it and go - it's always scary (imo), even if you've never missed an appointment.

go for it - book it tommorow - if it reveals something, it's better to know sooner rather than later....

Loopymumsy · 11/04/2007 21:55

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Lio · 11/04/2007 21:55

Deep breath, do it

Original poster
HateToAdmitThis · 11/04/2007 21:56

OK so talk me through what it involves please.

OP posts:
suejonez · 11/04/2007 21:57

just get down the doctor and have a smear done you big wuss, then have one done every couple of years. cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers you would be a fool not to prevent it.

makkapakka · 11/04/2007 21:57

what made me book my (overdue) one I had today was the thought that if there is something, ignoring it isn't going to make it just go away.

suejonez · 11/04/2007 21:58

they put a speculum into your vagina and wipe a wooden lolly stick over your cervix to get some cells to test. Uncomfortable but over with in about 2 minutes. Its so important - do you have daughters? Set them a good example.

maveta · 11/04/2007 21:59

ok it´s not pleasant but it´s not that big a deal either. I´ve had loads due to some abnormal results in the past so I got over it pretty quickly. Half the time the doctor is still pulling the screen around and I´m already dropping my pants!

makkapakka · 11/04/2007 21:59

VERY fresh in my mind as was earlier today - go in, curtain round, pants off (wear a skirt is easiest) - nurse back in - feet to bum, iopen legs (which I find impossible and always have to have them push them open) - big round thing goes in (painlessly), then the sepculum goes up and scrapes cervix (bit painful but very quick). sample sent off to lab - results in weeks. go for it!

Loopymumsy · 11/04/2007 21:59

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Dottydot · 11/04/2007 22:00

Sue - please will you come and tell me I'm a big wuss as well?!

Hatetoadmitthis - I've only ever had one done, but you don't want to hear about that... I need to go again - maybe we should start a Big Wuss thread (that may or may not involve booking appointments...).

makkapakka · 11/04/2007 22:00

do they peer up the speculum?

Original poster
HateToAdmitThis · 11/04/2007 22:02

Thanks Sue, sounds horrid but do-able. I am unfortunately a bit of an ostrich (ie will hide my head in the sand rather thn deal with horrible truths)

OP posts:
suejonez · 11/04/2007 22:05

yes Dotty I will even hold your hand. I am a success story of the smear programme - had abnormal cells which had gone to far to trwat with the usual laser/diathermy. Had the suface of my cervix "shaved" off under general. No further problems and an annual smear. 30 years ago or more I would have been about 80% likely to have developed cervical cancer and would probably have (at the very least) had a hysterectomy.

If you think that a hysterectomy is a simpler option than a smear, by all means skip your smears (sorry that was a little confrontational wasn't it )

suejonez · 11/04/2007 22:06

makkapakka - never noticed whwther they peer up the speculum - will make a note to look next time.

FirstAtForty · 11/04/2007 22:06

The actual process really is no big deal. If you have undergone childbirth it's an absolute DODDLE in comparison I don't find it hurts, just a mild discomfort and it's momentary.

Dottydot · 11/04/2007 22:07

No Sue - you're absolutely right - please feel free to nag.

suejonez · 11/04/2007 22:09

oh dotty I just love it when someone says that to me - official sanction to nag

suejonez · 11/04/2007 22:10

actually it hurts me like shit usually but only for 20 seconds - preferable to stubbing your toe.

Original poster
HateToAdmitThis · 11/04/2007 22:12

Nag away Sue. OK I will bite the bullet tomorrow and make an appt.

OP posts:
suejonez · 11/04/2007 22:13

when you have been deflowered as a smear virgin you will wonder why you put it off so long, I promise you.

LadyOfTheFlowers · 11/04/2007 22:14

i am 23, 24 in june with 2 sprogs under me belt and no smear test...

somersetmum · 11/04/2007 22:19

The last time I had a smear test, I came out wondering what all the fuss was about and made a pact with myself that next time I will book it immediately, as soon as I get the appointment. Up until now, I've always ignored the appointment cards and waited for the reminders. Last time, I strung it out for over a year before I actually made the appointment. Anyway, first time at new surgery and it was fine. Apparently I have a tilted (?) pelvis, so she put a cushion under my bum. It was January, so she warmed the speculum and tested the temperature on my thigh first. Because it was body temperature I could barely feel it at all.
Book it - you are suffering more pain worrying about it than you will feel when you go. Go on - then you will have three years worry-free before the next one.

suejonez · 12/04/2007 10:25

OK who has made their appointments today?

PopTart · 12/04/2007 10:32

I am 30 and 3 years ago I had to have a cone biopsy done to remove part of my cervix, as I had abnormal (precancerous) cells. IMO it is so important to have your smears, I was so scared, but am greatful that as I was good at attending clinics I was treated early before it became too serious.