Smears & baths

[bicback]

dh & i are arguing about the above. my understanding is that you are not supposed to have a bath before a smear, certainly not a 'fingers inside cleaning your cervix' type of bath. i have stupidly just had a smear having forgotten that i not only had a bath an hour or so prior to the appointment but whilst in the bath i was trying to find a lump i thought i had found the night before due to a scary moment earlier that day'. i think the smear is void and i have to have another

Absolutely no issue with bathing (in any fashion!) before smear. Will not effect the sample of cells take directly from the cervix using a special sampling brush which gentle scrapes local cells. Water would not remove these or alter them. (Work in this area ) try not to worry OP

super seacow thanks

I'm sorry bicback, that was a sarcastic and bitchy thing to say. I was hot and cross, which should have remained my problem and not added to your worries. I'm glad you've been reassured.

ah thanks toofle, that's totally alright although thanks! i tend to freak if i stumble across a lump and get a bit neurotic (my OP did come over as being a bit odd). i haven't been completely reassured though as she wasn't certain and thought perhaps i should see a gyni consultant for a second opinion..hate it when that happens. i wanted to come away confident but i haven't so i have to decide if i want to pay £200 to see a gyni, will wait for my smear results