How do you cope with Smear Tests ?

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I ask because I'm due for one and find the whole thing really anxious making - not so much what might be found but more the process of having the proceedure. How do you deal with it ?

I've never had a smear and have always pushed the thought of having one to the back of my mind.
However, since having DD i sort of feel like i really should have one (For her sake, does that sound odd?).

I had DD 4 months ago - had never had one before her birth and have still not had one.

Do i need to arrange to have one done? I thought they would write to me after DD's birth with an appointment for one (Or am i just expecting way too much from my surgery?)

like a couple of posters, i was too frightened to have smear done until i was about 27. false economy! turned out that, like slinky, i had precancerous cells. i ended up having colposcopy followed by cone biopsy. if i'd responded to the earlier summons, they'd have caught it earlier and i wouldn't have needed a general anaesthetic (and i wouldn't have had to face the true meaning of 'frightened'). i do totally understand the temptation to bury head in sand, but i am so grateful that this screening system exists.
don't think smears are any worse than a bikini wax really

Bakedpotato if it makes you feel any better I always had regular smear tests and still ended up with a cone biopsy from cell changes. When I inquired as to how this could have developed since my previous smear, I was told that the test does not always show up all changes as the sample may not be taken from the part of the cervix which has begun to change. So, seems even more important to have regular tests.

I just tell myself that she's seen it all before (female nurse, thank the Lord!) and that having had 3 babies, it really can't get any worse!

Hate it though and always feel sick on the run up to it.

Wouldn't miss it for anything though as I know a few people, v. young too, who've had abnormal cells and gone on to have biopsies, laser, parts of cervix removed. It's just not worth it, at the end of the day, it's only another part of your body isn't it and who cares what the nurse or doctor thinks of it if it saves your life?

Message withdrawn

KangaMummy: 21?!! A whole CLASS? How did that happen?

lisalisa - look in phone directory under family planning clinics or well woman.It's really not that bad - the anticipation is always worse than the actual proceedure I've provisionally booked an appointment for early Dec. (the nurses are too busy with flu jabs this month !!) but am not sure if this is right part of my cycle - will definitely rebook if not.Feel better having got to the making an appointment stage.

Springchicken - I don't think they do send reminders - mine is due and it's only because I remembered it is that I've made an appointment. Do go and make an appointment - I'm sure you'll feel better once that's done. I'm really nervous, but the anxiety about not doing it is a lot worse ! Have some Rescue Remedy to calm you.

forgot to say ...and maybe HelloMama will agree- ask the nurse or doctor to use the teeny speculum !

lisalisa if you call the family planning association helpline on 0845 310 1334 there will let you know where your nearest clinic is. All calls are answered by nurses so they should also be able to answer any queries you may have.

I once had a family planning person tell me that I couldn't have a pill prescription unless I consented to a smear there and then. I just was SO angry. How dare they? Your contraception has nothing to do with the smear test. It's like refusing to give you a brain scan/insulin prescription until you've had a smear. It's out of order. In my case, I simply didn't want to do it then - really didn't feel like it - but had the horror of that twat Hank Wangford (useless country singer and gyneacologist, if you can imagine such a hideous hybrid) asking me if I had a sexual problem because I didn't want a smear. I pointed out that if I did have a problem I'd hardly be there for pill prescription, and anyway it was none of his business. They caved in eventually but this was a lo-o-o-ng time ago, and thinking about it still makes me feel cross!

I don't think anyone likes smears, but I know how you feel about the whole process. I was terrified of it - until I actually went for one. It wasn't nice, but it didn't hurt and wasn't nearly as embarassing as i'd thought it would be. This might sound silly, but I felt better about going for it when I knew I'd had my pubic hair neat and trimmed, had nice knickers on and was feeling good about myself - hair and make-up done etc. I gave myself the impression of being a woman in control of her life, looking good and doing good things to keep herself healthy.
Good luck and if all else fails, recite nursery rhymes in your head - it'll be over with before the kings horses and men have a chance to even look at poor old Humpty Dumpty

I think the hardest part is making the appointment. Once that's done, I find it fairly easy to attend.

It took about 3 reminder letters for me to finally get round to it.

Without meaning to sound flip, does anybody else find that people saying 'they / I've seen it all before' make you want to scream? What I have a problem with (and I know its a silly one) is people looking at MY privates. They can look at other women's fannys till the cows come home, but they haven't seen mine before and that's the problem! Mumble mumble bitch complain sulk.

bibiboo - that's a really good,encouraging message -will think of it when I go !

Sorry Poo2 - it's just a thing I tell myself to get through it.