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Original poster

Do any of you really not go for smear tests?

124 replies

Joolyjoolyjoo · 06/01/2009 23:43

I went along dutifully for my routine smear test today. I chatted to the nurse, had my blood pressure taken, assumed the position...less than a minute later, I was dressed and ready to go. The nurse remarked on how lots of women don't go for smear tests, which I found really sad. it was slightly embarrassing, very slightly uncomfortable, and over in a few seconds, but it could save your life. Does anyone really NOT go for a smear, just down to embarrassment?

OP posts:
FAQtothefuture · 06/01/2009 23:51

I have to confess I'm very overdue my smear test - not out of embarassment (I've had 3 kids and plenty of people poking around down there), but do have a phobia of it because of previous Vaginismus which coincidentally (or not??) started after my first smear which was very painful - "slightly uncomfortable" doesn't even come close to the description I would give it.

Vaginismus now better (but still not 100%) but I@m still terrified that another painful smear like that one is going to trigger it all of again.

Ronaldinhio · 06/01/2009 23:53

I don't go as I simply don't want to know
Awful I know but true

Ronaldinhio · 06/01/2009 23:53

I don't go as I simply don't want to know
Awful I know but true

Original poster
Joolyjoolyjoo · 06/01/2009 23:54

That's a real shame, FAQ Maybe I've just been lucky in my experiences

OP posts:
Original poster
Joolyjoolyjoo · 06/01/2009 23:56

But Rhonaldinhio- the sooner you know, the greater chance of doing something about it, surely?? I'd be kicking myself if I didn't go and found out when it was too late.

OP posts:
Plonker · 06/01/2009 23:56

Funnily enough, I went today for the first time in nearly 6 years

And yes, it was every bit as horrid as I thought it would be.

I'm glad I went though ...

Ronaldinhio · 06/01/2009 23:59

Agreed, I know but I've just had an all clear after a long time and I couldn't bear anything else iyswim
Maybe I'll tough it out later this year

FAQtothefuture · 06/01/2009 23:59

I know rationally it was probably just really bad luck that made that smear so incredibly painful. But it took me nearly 6yrs to get back to the stage where I could have regular intercourse , and even then initial penetration itself was incredibly unpassionate, slow and methodical making sure I was concentrating on relaxing the muscles etc.

Was better last year, although still slightly painful at times, and a thought at the back of my head keeps saying "what if the next smear is that bad and it triggers it all off again".

Once I've got moved and settled and I'm less stressed (stress and vaginismus don't go well together) I'm hoping to finally make that appointment and go.......

Original poster
Joolyjoolyjoo · 07/01/2009 00:02

I really didn't mean to stir up bad memories for you guys - just wondered why people didn't go. Sorry if I've made you feel bad.

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FAQtothefuture · 07/01/2009 00:05

no have 't made me feel bad. Just given me another thing to add to my "try to do this year" list.

Ronaldinhio · 07/01/2009 00:05

god not at all for me just that I don't go and know that I should!!

FAQ sounds properly appalling

Original poster
Joolyjoolyjoo · 07/01/2009 00:07

Well, here's hoping if you do manage to go you'll have a far better experience this time

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FAQtothefuture · 07/01/2009 00:07

yea was crap - makes me appreciate just how special DS2 and 3 are - as not only were neither planned but both concieved on one of the rare nights in those 6 years that we did actually manage sex (I think I can quite possibly count on 2 hands how many times we suceesfuly "did it" in those six years ).

wrinklytum · 07/01/2009 00:09

I go,only cos as a student nurse I saw poor women with caesium rods inserted for treatment for cervical cancer and so on.Honestly ladies,I know it is crap demeaning and uncomfortable but believe me the flip side is 200000000 worse

bellabelly · 07/01/2009 00:11

I didn't go for about 10 years - not because I was embarrassed, just because a) it has been VERY "uncomfortable" in the past and b) I adopted head in sand position that if you don't know about it then it can't hurt you. That was ok for about 8 years, then it nagged away at me... Finally had my smear done this autumn - waiting for the results was awful as I was convinced something would be wrong. Probably something that could have been fixed if I hadn't avoided smears for so long... Nothing will beat the feeling I had when the results came back ok. No way will I ever miss another.

simpson · 07/01/2009 00:12

I am over due to go Should have had one before getting pg with DD now 11mths.

I must go But had a painful smear last time and it puts me off

FAQ sounds awful

S1ur · 07/01/2009 00:15

I am just lazy and crap.

I am not embarrassed.
I do not find it uncomfortable.
I am just crap. and overdue a smear.

I bet I am not the only one.

And oh, also not proud of my crapness

MrsSeanBean · 07/01/2009 00:18

I don't see the problem personally.

to hear of others' problems though.

It's no more embarassing to the doctor than looking in your ear, honestly.

Original poster
Joolyjoolyjoo · 07/01/2009 00:21

See, in general, I am crap- about all sorts of things. But I got the letter in on saturday telling me I was due, left it on the kitchen worktop to remind me, phoned yesterday, done today- and over for another 3 years (good results permitting- fingers crossed) We would be up in arms (I think!) if the government suddenly announced it was doing away with routine smears (on a cost basis or whatever), so I think we should all make the effort to go get one done!

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wrinklytum · 07/01/2009 00:22

Yeah it IS really easy to overlook have done it too,an been embarrased at GP "oh you have missed it for a year" and statisticaly the chances are slim but seeing those ladies so isolated in their barrier rooms with these farking caesium rods in the fanjo area made me vow to be on time for all mine since(Twas several years and treatment has probably progress3d since then but still left an indelible impression)

S1ur · 07/01/2009 00:23

Oh I agree completely Jools.

I fully acknowledge my crapness. I would be up in arms if smears weren't routinely offered and I KNOW full well I really should phone and book. but then, ack well ya know life. and yes. I am crap.

Original poster
Joolyjoolyjoo · 07/01/2009 00:25

Hmm- now I feel like a nagging wife! I am honestly NOT holier than thou, I was just a bit surprised that folk don't do it

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wrinklytum · 07/01/2009 00:27

Sorry just realise have sounded veryc rap and scare mngering didn't mean any offense.The op just brought a very vivid image of my training to the fore.Each to their own and all.

S1ur · 07/01/2009 00:30

Nah Jools not a nag. You are right. and speak sense. I am kinda embarrassed by my own crapness. there was a thread running for a while reminding people to just go and effing book it. That was good. and you are too.

As I say, I am just rubbish.

I will. soon. maybe not in the morning but soon, like this month soon.

Lotster · 07/01/2009 00:32

Really pissed me off recently when I heard a friend hadn't been for 6 years. Obviously it's not a fun and experience - but it's a damned site better than having bits of your cervix lopped off with a hot wire whilst awake... this is what happened when I had pre-cancerous CIN 3 cells detected. And I didn't even miss any smears.

I am fine now but cannot understand anyone who misses a chance to find out about and improve their health, especially if you have kids relying on you.