DREADING my smear tomorrow '

[Dalesgirl16]

Please can any one advise what I can do to make myself relax/be in less pain for my smear tomorrow? I find them very painful and then get terrified of them. Thank you !

Position-wise, scooting down to the very end of the table before it begins and not backing away has made a difference for me. Don't know if that helps! The last couple of smears and exams I've had, I've somehow managed to relax enough and it really did make a huge difference. You can do this! Deep breaths.

I would be tempted to take a couple of painkillers first. (May not be recommended?!)
And isn't there advice about making a fist of your hands and putting them under your bum? Or have I made that up?
I do breathing exercises too. Sloooowly out and in. Make breathing steady and ensure inhalation and exhalation the same.
It's very soon over. Good luck OP.

Thank god it was ok! Only because I asked her to use the smallest speculum and made a pillow with my coat. She advised me to play with my mobile which helped as well as telling me they sometimes have to get drs to give patients something to relax them as they are so scared so I just relaxed and thought ‘oh well I will do that’ - and it was over!

I took painkillers too!

Fantastic. Well done OP. Here's hoping that's it for months and months!!

So glad it went well! Well done.

I've got mine on Friday

I haven't tried painkillers yet but I will do next time. Alas relaxing your muscles is the key to it, the very thing you don't want to do.

I’m with you OP. I’m hoping mine will be easier now I’ve given birth !

Yes relaxing I s key bit was impossible before . Smartphone and knowledge that if I can’t do there is sedation option chilled me right out

My GP told me to take 2 Nurofen prior to having a coil fitted as it’s good to help relax the cervix, perhaps an idea for pre smear too?