I've NEVER had a smear test. Someone please slap me!!!

[steviesgirl]

I really think I could be potentially risking my health, but I'm too bloody scared and embarassed to have one! I know, I'm pathetic. I'm 29 (30 this year), and have 1 dd who's nearly 3. A midwife even told me I needed a post natal smear.

Mumsnetter's please remind me that it's nothing to worry about and give me a good kick up the arse!

Steviesgirl - I've been having smears since I was 18, and would far rather that than go to the dentist

please make an appointment - i have had several abnormal smears (CIN2), i have had colposcopys and lasering and cone biopsys

there are several sizes - i needed a longer one as part of my cervix has been removed and they needed to scrape higner to make sure they had a proper result - but always had metal - never plastic

Steviesgirl - please go. It is not nearly as bad as you think. You are a car engine and the curse is a mechanic!!!!!

I have made an appointment for one next week as I haven't had one for a couple of years. I am in Budapest and they recommend one every year.

WannaBe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MAKE AN APPOINTMENT NOW! Am NOT apologising for shouting.

I absolutely hate the thought of smears - but they are definitely not as bad as you think they are. Over in a matter of seconds! I'm due one this month and I will worry and witter about it, but then after I'll be thinking; "WTF was I so het up about?"
I just think about all the even worse things I would have to have done if ever I developed anything really bad.

Had mine yesterday - took a few seconds is all - Steviesgirl hope you have booked yours now?

Oh and didn't hurt in the slightest.

I had no idea there were different size speculums- if there were, then surely they'd be measuring you before putting it in?!!!! One speculum, with a screw that ratches it open. Metal or plastic it is the nurse's preference. Some believe that the plastic ones nip more. Also, if supplies are short, they'll use metal. these days, a modern surgery also use a plastic brush to gather the cells which they then put into a fluid in jar. Less invasive and easier for the examiner to see the cells when it reaches the lab.

iwishiwereonthebeach - maybe they decide whether you have had children or not

my cervix is flat as havent had any

where mums are like an upsdie down smile

nurse drew me a pic once

she then showed mine with bits lasered out

forgot to say i have had it warmed up under water before - as have metal

woohoo! Had mine done today. I asked about the speculum size thing. Apparently it's nothing to do with having babies, but more to do with height. The taller you are, the bigger the speculum, so my claims of renewed virginity were a bit premature. Going by my height I half expected her to dig out the one the size of the channel tunnel!