+++++<<<<< Right, WHO is putting off their smear test >>>>>>+++++

[NormaStanleyFletcher]

Please get yourself down there

I know it isn't the most enjoyable or exciting 10 minutes of your life, but hey, once you do it then it 3 years before you have to do that 10 minutes again.

Don't put it off. Things get in the way, but just get it done.

I am speaking from bitter experience so humour me please.

Thank you

As you were

I do wonder why in these days of keyhole surgery why they can't just insert a thin probe into the orafice instead of a metal clanky shoe horn

I used to be absolutely terrified of getting smears and put them off, then I read a similiar thread here last year and booked mine.
After I had it done I felt like skipping out of the nurses room - It didn't hurt in the slightest, wasn't even uncomfortable. I think this was mainly due to the fact that they use plastic instruments these days.

If you can give birth then getting a smear test really is a piece of p*.

Cybil, I am sure I read a few years back about a new instrument similiar to what you describe. I'm guessing it comes down to money and us being women (if it was men that needed smears I'm sure such an instrument would be in widespread use)

Yes I agree.

I don't want to know and am putting it off - not for emotional reasons but wouldn't want the treatment. Daft I know.

I too have cervical erosions, problematic in pregnancy and during smears. I bleed after a smear. I don't find it comfortable. I dread it. I always go.

1,000,000 times better than having cancer and leaving dd without a mother. Harsh but true.

I had the treatment twice, and it wasn't particularly pleasant, but it was quick and a a heck of a lot easier than a hysterectomy.

though of course now I don't have smears, funny to think I would prefer to be having them.

I haven't gone since giving birth 12 months ago I had some very bad experiences in the birth related to past experiences and I've actually tried to get one done 4 times now but they were not successful. I actually closed up - my muscles would not relax I'm going to try again soon. Been getting counseling recently so hopefully this will help...

Thanks MN...you have made me phone up this morning. I have been putting mine off since having dd in april. It's 3 1/2 years since my last one so certainly overdue.

I don't even find them that bad!

Everyone who is putting it off ... just ring!!!

I felt the same as some of you lady's i suffered really bad after my dd2 with thoughts of something bad happening to me or kids and didnt want to have my smear for fear they would find something and i couldnt bear that, but a friend of mine put it to me as, it was my job as a mummy to 3 dd's to make sure i am as healthy as possible and should do everything possible to ensure that. She also said would you rather get changes noticed early and treated or wait and it could be too late so was brave was sick with fear every time the postman came but thankfully it was good news and i will def be going when i get my reminder again.

Had mine done 6 weeks ago. Got the all-clear within a fortnight.

Book the appointment and do it. It's not as bad as you think and can save your life.

mine due - need to get around to booking it after half term.

Just book it

Please

weekend bump

I've booked another. But I'm almost sure I will fail to be able to complete it again If I had a glass of wine before it to relax (with DH looking after DS of course!) would that ruin the smear result? Is there a rule about that?

star6 -have you always seen the same nurse?

Its just there are 2 nurses at my practice and I always ask for one particular one as she is so quick and efficient, despite the fact I've got a tilted cervix which can prove a bit of a challenge.

You dont want to know the whole story The first time when she found it difficult as my muscles tightend so much she couldn't get the instruments in, she got one of the male doctors to come in (without going too much into reasons behind why I find this difficult, a male in the room only made the situation worse). This was attempted the second time as well. There is only one nurse who does them apparently

oh star6, that sounds awful for you.

It does sound as if the nurse/practice aren't particularly good or sympathetic with dealing with the situation though.

Do you have a Sexual Health clinic nearby that you could go to instead? It might help to try somewhere new so you're not instantly reminded of the last few attempts IYSWIM.

Also tell them beforehand how you feel and about previous experiences.

Please try and go though.

I have been putting mine off for ages. Don't know why. Been years. Friend just had to have a biopsy, scary stuff. Will call on Monday.

Star How horrid for you

I am pretty sure that a glass of wine would be no problem at all.

As Norbert says, you can go to a sexual health clinic instead. Please look into it if you can bear to

Well done Wonder

I've had the treatment twice and that's no picnic but as other have said, better than cervical cancer. I'm now receiving yearly smears for what looks like the rest of my life (despite having been clear for over 3 years) but actually the last one wasn't bad at all. The new plastic instruments don't hurt at all - and I speak as someone who has found the experience quite uncomfortable in the past.

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