Smear....nurse couldn't take sample, anyone else had problems????

[Eggybreadwithnuts]

In my 50s, went for a smear today. Always been ok usually in and out never ever had a problem

Well nurse couldnt do it. Said she couldnt see or open up all sides to get a swab. She had me with my fists under my bottom but still could do it. So got to go back.

She said its very common and not to worry. She said the menopause can close everything down and you become much drier and the muscle isnt soft enough 🤷‍♀️
Only thing I can think of not had intercourse fpr a long, long time.

Got to go again in a couple of weeks...its a different nurse next time.

She said if same happens might have to have pessaries for 2 weeks so everything softens up and easier to do!!!!!

Anyone had anything like this at all???

@Sidge I wonder why there is conflicting advice on this? I was always told 4 days by my consultant gynae who did the smears.

I had a very very painful smear, I was in so much pain she had to give up. She gave me pessaries and I came back and it was fine though I was a bit nervous. Get the pessaries.
I think I took them for 3 weeks and I don't remember advice about stopping them.

I’m not sure, it seems different professionals recommend different things!

I expect lab guidance varies between areas which might be a factor but as a cytology trainer I’ve always been taught at least 48 hours, which is our lab recommendation here and also supported by CoSRH guidance.

Probably better to leave it a few days longer than shorter if in any doubt - but not too long or you’ll potentially dry out a bit!!

Edited: I think in my case maybe that was a different issue as the first sample had failed (even though on hrt and local estrogen) so it was possibly to make sure the 2nd attempt worked.

In my opinion estrogen should be for life, not just third party access to your vagina. It is important for the maintenance of healthy tissues and literally prevents older women dying from urosepsis and broken hips.

However if you live in England and you wait 6 months after your smear is due, you can now be sent a self taken kit through the NHS to do at home - no speculum just a swab.

This is worth knowing about for many reasons but don't neglect your urogenital health if you need estrogen.

Is this something anyone can take? I'm not allowed HRT due to PE and on blood thinners now so I'm restricted with a lot of meds.

Sorry to jump onto your thread OP

That isn’t nationwide. And not all women can safely use oestrogen.

I agree a conversation with a HCP is really valuable - not just to allow “third party access” (which is a revolting way of putting it IMO) but to open a discussion about the risks and benefits of HRT, allowing a woman to make a fully informed decision which is right FOR HER.

Pretty much. The doses are so low and work in situ with very little systemic absorption, so most women can use vaginal oestrogen.

2 days is generally advised, but best to check if no guidance is given. The attached is part of a booklet I receive before my smear test

I’ve never had any issues myself, and I’m sorry so many women do. Where I live we just switched to self‑swabbing. I did my first one and it was super easy and convenient.

yeah I don't have smears for this reason because they really hurt me, and the nurses struggle to do it. I do a private urine test instead. I've never had children and don't have sex, so I am very low risk.

Just 2 1/2 months

Best smear I’ve ever had is by a nurse who used to be a midwife. She is amazing at doing smears because she is used to rifling round down there and she knows the landmarks look for which makes it really easy.

I use vagifem and I’ve never been told to leave a gap before smear. Nurse hasn’t mentioned it and I’ve never been given a leaflet. I had my last one a few weeks ago and it just so happens that it was 3 days since last pessary but that was luck. Will remember for next one.
Also it was very painful despite vagifem. Advised to take painkillers in advance next time.

I'm on Apixaban (blood thinners ) twice a day . I have taken Vagifem for about 3/4 years and Now also on Estriol Cream as well . It really helps .

The advice not to insert anything is so that it is easier to get a clear view of the cervix and to be able to take the cell samples needed. This can become more challenging as we get older, as other than VA the area the cells are taken from can get smaller.
It’s not so much an issue with Vagifem, more so with oestrogen cream and moisturiser used. At one of my colposcopies, the specialist showed me the small soft blob on the screen from the most recent Vagifem pessary inserted that was still there, although the active ingredient would have absorbed in.
If your smear test was painful, unless this was due to the nurse not being gentle enough, maybe discuss this with your doctor. If not already, try using moisturiser at other times to Vagifem e.g. yes VM, or your doctor might suggest increasing how often you use Vagifem.

Attempt no. 2 tomorrow morning...if they cant do it again will discuss the pesseries. 🤦‍♀️ Although am hoping they can get it done, different nurse tomorrow.

Oh I'm sorry to hear they didn't give you pessaries the first time - I'd lost track of this thread and couldn't remember. I have decided I'm going to ask for them on an ongoing basis now.

UPDATE
Well different nurse today... no problems at all, not painful, she had no problem with opening up my cervix and was literally in and out so to speak!!!!🤷‍♀️

good news
when i worked in a surgery 28 years ago we were sending lots of letters, rebooking women,
the explanation was some women were too clean to collect anything

anyway glad you had a success