Smear test and thrush and male doctor?!

[Spiriteevee]

I'm looking for some advice, long story short I've been having abdominal pains , had a pelvic and intravaginal ultra sound done. This showed up I have a slight amount of liquid behind cervix. So now my first smear has been booked for tomorrow (I turn 25 in a few months) not only that but it has to be with a male doctor because the female nurses are all booked for the next month. To top it off, I was given anti biotics for a stomach bug that was also found and now I'm pretty sure I have thrush! I called the doctors to reschedule and they said it won't matter as they will test for thrush at the same time. I was looking for advice on anyone who has had experiences with male doctors doing their smear, and more specifically if anyone's had one whilst being quite tender and sore down there! I'm worried it's going to hurt like hell. Ive certainly got the worst luck for my first smear! Thanks in advance...

Well, if it bothers you you can always delay by a month. It's not long in the scheme of these things.

My first smear was with a male GP. It was totally fine, neither of us gave it a second thought. I'd imagine you could have a chaperone if you want though.

I tried rescheduling but they're concerned as the pains I've been getting have gotten progressively worse since November last year, and have advised me to get this done asap , which is why I sucked up courage with a male doctor, but wasn't expecting this too. And when I tried to move it they have insisted not to. I'm just wondering what to expect pain wise as this won't be your average smear and I can't be the only one who's going through this

I had abnormal cells detected at Amy smear so had to go to hospital to have them treated.

The doctor who did it was male. To be honest I thought I would mind but in the event I really didn't. He was just doing a job.

Just out of interest what area of the country are you in? In the region I live in they encourage male drs to have a chaperone in with them. If you feel uncomfortable you should ask for someone to be in with you. Hope it goes ok for you

To be honest I can see why you’re nervous about the smear, I was terrified at my first one, but it honestly wouldn’t matter whether it was male or female. The only difference is usually a male doctor would have a chaperone, sometimes a nurse or receptionist, in the room to protect them from any accusations at a later date so it’s unlikely to be just you and the male doctor. That may bother some but not others. They just see a procedure honestly.

It will be uncomfortable as they always usually are but it’s over with very fast. I’ve had 3 smears now and they’ve all been fine.
I’ve also had an internal when I had constant bleeding as they wouldn’t do a smear as my previous 2 had been clear- it turned out to be depo related coming off the shot and had multiple internals when pregnant.
Likewise I’ve had transvaginal ultrasound because of the bleeding as well. Each time no one ever made me feel like this was something I should be afraid or ashamed of doing and I approached each one just like going for any other procedure with a doctor.

They were uncomfortable (obviously I was bleeding anyway so uncomfortable to begin with) but no more painful than my regular smear; it just felt like period cramps

I had an internal examination last month with a male gynae, and he automatically went and got a female chaperone. I held her hand and it was fine.

I think a chaperone has to be made available tbh if you ask. Ring ahead?

If they’re concerned and want you to have one, it’s not a routine screening smear, it’s for ruling out problems. It won’t make a difference to how it’s done but it means you shouldn’t put it off.

Good luck. Male GPs are just as well trained in taking smears as women. Try not to worry (although I know that’s easier said than done).

Don’t delay it.

My smears are always uncomfortable, but needs must. I used to live overseas and they do them as soon as your sexually active, I can’t believe they don’t do them until you’re 25 here. I think it’s harder at 25 than 16 as you build them up in your mind.

Male Drs have seen it all before. Male or female it really doesn’t matter. Truly.

I hope everything comes back or and the pains go away. 💐

I can’t believe they don’t do them until you’re 25 here

That’s what the best medical evidence says.

My GP is male. There is always another (female) member of staff present for things like breast exams, swabs and smears.
I have no problem with a male GP as it is his job and the whole procedure is professional. No difference (for me) from a female GP doing it.
Smear tests are very important and the procedure will be explained to you beforehand. The GP will talk you through it and make sure you are ok. It can be uncomfortable, but in the big scheme of things, it's a few minutes that can save your life.
Good luck and hope it goes well.

Had to have an ovarian polyp removed. The male doctor did it under local and asked did I mind if his 2 male students observed? What can you say, they need to learn.
A very sweet young female nurse sat next to me and chatted throughout (head end 😁) which helped. It really broke any tension when she asked, honestly, “are you going anywhere nice on holiday”? Everyone in the room laughed.
It’ll be fine, they really have seen it all before. You’ll probably be chaperoned and if not, ask.

Thanks for all the advice, I feel a bit better now about having a male doctor, still nervous at the soreness I have! Hoping they can prescribe me something that helps.