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Original poster

Very painful smear test TMI - what now?

30 replies

TheHorrorOfIt · 07/03/2022 16:22

Ok I’ve name-changed for this - for obvious reasons - and I need a talking-to please.

Today I had a routine smear test - almost four years since the last. I’m 52 and have been through the menopause; never had a problem with a smear before. I mean, that nippy pain as they swipe for the sample isn’t nice, but then you know it’s over and done.I am a huge fan of free routine screening and think it is one of the best things about modern healthcare.

But OMG this time it was SO painful as soon as the nurse opened the speculum; actually unbearable and she had to keep stopping and waiting until I was OK. I usually have a high pain threshold but not now! She asked whether I usually felt pain and seemed surprised but when, on questioning, I told her I no longer had periods, she told me that basically everything starts to atrophy up there and that is why it hurts so much. Yes, “atrophy” is the word she used…

Anyway she is concerned because she doesn’t think the sample will have worked - so I will probably have to go back a second time. Possibly having used some cream to, I’m not sure, soften things up? I was too busy being mortified about my 52 year old mummified vajayjay to take on board what happens now. I can’t go back, I really can’t - it hurt so much and was so humiliating, I could cry.

Can anyone talk some sense into me please before I quietly leave the country? I think from the ensuing questions she was maybe remonstrating with me for not using HRT but our surgery is rubbish for appointments so I’ve never been to discuss menopause with them and just got on with it. Clearly my decrepit hoo-ha is now taking the brunt of that decision. God, can come one just shoot me now?!

OP posts:
Noisyprat · 07/03/2022 16:28

I experienced the same OP, although I didn't make her stop as I just wanted it to be over. I had some bleeding too. Never felt that pain before and never had bleeding, although was told this was normal.

I am actually questioning going back since when the results came back they had only checked for HPV and I think this is all they test for now, they don't look for abnormal cells. If this is the case there is no point in me having one because if I'm negative for HPV, I'm not going to get it. Or maybe I'm missing something and being dim?

UpToMyElbowsInDiapers · 07/03/2022 16:29

I definitely don’t think you need to feel as mortified as you seem to be feeling. If anyone should feel embarrassed, it’s the nurse with zero bedside manner and obviously not the faintest clue how to administer a smear test! “Atrophy”… please.

Could you find a gynaecologist to do these for you in future? I would hesitate to go back to your current GP surgery and hope for a better result. GPs and practice nurses are notoriously bad at smears… I’m honestly not sure why as they are so routine!

I’m young (under 30) and also cried / felt shaky / was in extreme pain my first few smears with my old GP. Now I go to a gynaecologist and it’s a total non-event. Not enjoyable, obviously, but never worse than mild discomfort. Leave it to a pro! :-)

GeneLovesJezebel · 07/03/2022 16:32

Do you still have sex, if so how is it ‘down there’ when you do ?

Original poster
TheHorrorOfIt · 07/03/2022 16:38

Yes @Noisyprat that is what she said about the test - and if in future I had tested negative for the virus I would certainly think twice about going back another time. I wish she had just carried on and got it over with actually and at least then I would know

I honestly don’t know why I’m so horrified @UpToMyElbowsInDiapers I just cried over my cup of tea, which is really not like me. She was a pleasant woman (and I really was relaxed as it’s always been ok in the past) but it’s really got to me. It’s a good idea to get a gynaecologist - I assume that would have to be private but I’d happily spend the money

OP posts:
MyCatEatsPrawnCrackers · 07/03/2022 16:38

I'm mid 50s and haven't had sex for 20 years and have had only 2 sexual partners in my life. Now that I know they only check for HPV, I'm wondering is it worth it? The last one I had was really painful. I dread that appointment letter coming through the door!

Svalberg · 07/03/2022 16:38

The HRT that is a vaginal pessary (vagifem?) is easy to administer, you only need use it for the fortnight before a test and makes a smear much easier

Oblomov22 · 07/03/2022 16:40

I had similar. Incredibly painful.

Original poster
TheHorrorOfIt · 07/03/2022 16:43

@GeneLovesJezebel

Do you still have sex, if so how is it ‘down there’ when you do ?
I do - not that frequently and it’s a bit dry but always sortable iyswim! The pain wasn’t the (lubricated) speculum going in, it was it opening, I think
OP posts:
Original poster
TheHorrorOfIt · 07/03/2022 16:46

@Svalberg

The HRT that is a vaginal pessary (vagifem?) is easy to administer, you only need use it for the fortnight before a test and makes a smear much easier
I think this might have been what she was referring to; she asked if I took HRT or had a breast cancer risk (no and no) and then said there was a “plan for next time”. She’s going to ring me in two weeks - she is assuming the sample isn’t viable or whatever. I don’t know what to do

I am sorry others find it so painful too but it is helpful to know!

OP posts:
EmmaH2022 · 07/03/2022 17:30

Isn’t it cheapest to do an HPV test at home rather than go private for a smear?

Noisyprat · 07/03/2022 17:47

It might be @EmmaH2022 however I think many women, me included, had not idea that a smear had just changed to an HPV test. If an HPV test can be done another way then great (although I don't need one). If they are only going to look more closely at cells of women with HPV then only those women need to get a smear.

Original poster
TheHorrorOfIt · 07/03/2022 18:23

Yep, £48 at Superdrug @EmmaH2022 It looks like this is the way forward for me and my clapped-out parts!

OP posts:
cornflakedreams · 07/03/2022 18:30

Good. There's no need for you to go through all that just to get a HPV test when a HPV test only requires a swab.

If you test positive then that's going to require further consideration but they bin the cell samples without reviewing them if you test negative so absolutely no reason to go through all that just to do a HPV test.

TheWeeDonkey · 07/03/2022 18:40

I'm glad I found this thread, thanks for starting it OP. I know its left you feeling low my smear is due and I've been putting it off as I had a similarly upsetting experience at my last appointment so please don't feel alone.

I might look into getting the HPV test too, my surgery is shocking when it comes to gynecological issues.

Noisyprat · 07/03/2022 18:43

Oh so this will be another thing that individuals have to pay for. Women should NOT have to pay for an HPV test, it should be provided on the NHS. It must cost them way more than that to do a smear.

No doubt once all the vaccinated women start coming through the system they will pretty much phase out smears and individuals will still have to pay for an HPV because the vaccination doesn't cover all strains.

EmmaH2022 · 07/03/2022 18:58

I don't know what the plan is for the NHS but my area did a pilot programme for home swabs. The letter that came with it said trials were going on across the country.

OP you are not clapped out!

TroysMammy · 07/03/2022 19:02

I always take paracetamol before I go and ask for a small speculum.

Original poster
TheHorrorOfIt · 07/03/2022 19:07

@EmmaH2022

I don't know what the plan is for the NHS but my area did a pilot programme for home swabs. The letter that came with it said trials were going on across the country.

OP you are not clapped out!

So the nurse today said that they trialled the home swabs in one of the nearby London Boroughs (I’m in Berkshire) but despite requests they were not extending it yet.

I didn’t clock it was just the HPV at that point and it was before the whole Atrophied Vajayjay discussion so I wasn’t really thinking it through

OP posts:
EmmaH2022 · 07/03/2022 19:11

OP I feel for you

I have had a lot of health issues over a lifetime and the amount of crap
I've been told...sorry to hear they aren't extending.

Now stop talking about your bits like that....they'll hear you and you'll end up with a depressed one like Charlotte in Sex and the City! 😂

StEval · 07/03/2022 19:17

@UpToMyElbowsInDiapers

I definitely don’t think you need to feel as mortified as you seem to be feeling. If anyone should feel embarrassed, it’s the nurse with zero bedside manner and obviously not the faintest clue how to administer a smear test! “Atrophy”… please.

Could you find a gynaecologist to do these for you in future? I would hesitate to go back to your current GP surgery and hope for a better result. GPs and practice nurses are notoriously bad at smears… I’m honestly not sure why as they are so routine!

I’m young (under 30) and also cried / felt shaky / was in extreme pain my first few smears with my old GP. Now I go to a gynaecologist and it’s a total non-event. Not enjoyable, obviously, but never worse than mild discomfort. Leave it to a pro! :-)

Vaginal Atrophy is actually a very real issue after the Menopause. The vaginal tissues are kept elastic and plump by oestrogen, after the menopause the vagina, cervix, uterus and vulva atrophy. Nothing to do with poor practice or being unable to do a smear test !
user1471453601 · 07/03/2022 19:17

My daughter has three failed tests so far this year. She's a very hardy soul, but she said the pain was excruciating. The last attempt the nurse said she couldn't even see the opening to daughter's womb, so didn't even attempt it.

The upshot was that because she's never had sex with a man (she's gay) and has been with her partner in a monogamous relationships for 30+ years, the surgery think she's such low risk, they won't try again.

She's relieved. She knew she was low risk, but, like you @TheHorrorOfIt, she felt it was the sensible thing to do.

Original poster
TheHorrorOfIt · 07/03/2022 19:18

Lol @EmmaH2022 I think this has taught me I should treat them a bit more kindly Grin

OP posts:
EmmaH2022 · 07/03/2022 19:20

@user1471453601

My daughter has three failed tests so far this year. She's a very hardy soul, but she said the pain was excruciating. The last attempt the nurse said she couldn't even see the opening to daughter's womb, so didn't even attempt it.

The upshot was that because she's never had sex with a man (she's gay) and has been with her partner in a monogamous relationships for 30+ years, the surgery think she's such low risk, they won't try again.

She's relieved. She knew she was low risk, but, like you @TheHorrorOfIt, she felt it was the sensible thing to do.

It gives me the rage that she had three unnecessary attempts though!
StEval · 07/03/2022 19:22

Vagifem!
It will really help , not just before a smear.
As it progresses VA can lead to incontinence,recurrent UTI and sometimes prolapse.
Please see your GP

Original poster
TheHorrorOfIt · 07/03/2022 19:25

Yes that sound sensible @user1471453601 it must have been awful for her to have that pain each time

@StEval I did actually think I had heard that expression before; it is something completely different to have it dropped into conversation when your knees are spread and your modesty covered by only the smallest bit of paper roll. I appreciate you giving me the science behind it though! Honestly feel like a different description might be nicer Sad

OP posts: