I did it! and so can you! (smear)

[NotLateInTheMorning]

After 15 years of not being able to have the smear test done -I finally managed to have it done today!!

I've always just found it too painful and uncomfortable to let the nurse continue - as well as generally binning the reminder letters and avoiding completely.

But, today, I finally did it...this is what helped...

1. breath out (it won't be possible to breathe out and tense at the same time) I picked this one up from Mumset, thank you!
2. try to book last minute at a time when you are really busy so that you can't think yourself out of it
3. take your partner with you - to squeeze his their hand or whatever..
4. take a hot bath just before you go, it relaxes the muscles
5. ask to see the speculum (I had the small plastic one) just so I know exactly what it looks like

I did it after so long and after so many attempts - so know it is possible!

Well done, a couple of painkillers before you go can take the edge off as well.

It is great to overcome something like this, you can do anything now.

Well done OP! Great tips

Well done!!

That's great OP I always find it helps to lay back and think 'in 60 seconds this will be over with', and start counting back from 60. I never get anywhere near to 0

Well done you!