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?!