Smear test - extreme pain

[Peaspleaselouise]

I’m due for a smear test shortly. I will, of course, go...no doubt about that.

I know they can be uncomfortable but the last two have caused extreme pain (I’m early 40s so have had a few in the past).

Up until these last two, I have had the normal discomfort but have taken some deep breaths, grin and beat it etc.

I have had two kids with NO pain relief at all and managed ok, so I would say my pain threshold is pretty good, so it’s not me being a wimp.

The nurse at the last one told me there was a sore on the edge of my cervix which must have been causing the pain.

I am getting myself completely worked up about the pain of the next one. The last two were on a pain level I can’t describe. Much more painful than childbirth with no pain relief!

As I said, I will go as no amount of pain would put me off cancer screening, but I am beginning to get completely worked up about it.

Any suggestions as to how to minimise the pain? Thanks

Don't bath or shower the day before as it will give your cervix more slip so less drag and pain.

Did you question the sore? Have you seen a gp? If not I would be asking for this to be investigated first.

I think you should get this investigated further. A smear should never be childbirth pain. Get the sore checked out.

Btw op only once have I had extreme pain from my cervix during an exam, and that was because of injury and infection after a botched procedure. And I had a lovely gynaecologist who was very concerned about the pain. I'd definitely investigate this further.

I used to find all of my smears painful, I’m no wimp but they really hurt. When I was pg I found out my uterus is retroverted and my cervix at a funny angle so when they put the speculum in it catches me at a funny angle.

My tips are: 1) Put a pillow under your bum to lift things up a little. 2) Ask then to use a small speculum. Generally if you’ve had kids they’ll go for a medium long but sometime the small is needed if you’re anatomically a bit unusual like me.

Good luck op!

Thanks all. The nurse had a good look at the sore and also some cells were tested along with the smear and all normal - apparently it can just happen.

I’ll try some of your tips.

The things we have to go through as women, eh?!

Just know that by the time you've counted to 30 seconds it'll be over.

When was your last test OP? Sounds a bit odd that the nurse didn't get the GP look at this sore area.
If doing the test is really painful then it might be better to have it done at the colposcopy clinic, as they have different couches which might help. The GP can refer you. Personally if something else can be tried to make it more comfortable then it's worth giving it a go.
@Sidge any ideas?