Ongoing Pain and Urine Infection a week after Smear Test.

[SOS123]

I am new to all this, never posted before so here goes.

Smear test done 9 days ago and still in pain. Multiple smears in past with no issue. I have bladder pressure and up multiple times to the toilet. Urine found to have blood and protein although tested negative for urine infection. Doctors gave me antibiotics for 3 days anyway- just finished and no sign of it clearing up. If anything, it is getting worse. I have not been sexually active in around a year and confident I am clean. I do not have thrush either.

What is bothering me is the uncomfortable pain inside my vagina on my left side where the smear brush took a sample. The smear itself I felt a sharp nip when the speculum went in and the brush seemed rougher than past smears (last smear 3yrs ago). I had a bit of pain afterwards and light bloody discharge which I expected would be gone in a day or two. Despite 2 phone calls and 2 visits to the doctors in pain I have been told to take paracetamol and ibuprofen. Dr finally agreed to refer me for a pelvis scan but this can take several weeks for an appointment. Dr also further examined me and was not exactly gentle given the pain and discomfort I am in. I am now even more sore.

Prior to the smear I had no pain or bladder issues (am in my 30's). The pain is on the inside of my vagina to my left side and feels as though there is a foreign object in there like a marble. It feels as though there is a sore point on the left and someone is poking away as it all day. It is making me feel nauseous on a daily basis and I am deeply uncomfortable. I was sent home from work sick and I can’t focus on anything. It is uncomfortable to sit, stand, think and gets worse as the day goes on. I am exhausted. Nigh time is the worst and ibup and paracetamol not doing anything. I can’t sleep and can barely hold my urine. I don’t feel able to function properly and won’t be able to go back to work until the pain goes away. I’m petrified there is some permanent damage or the smear has disturbed an underlying condition. I feel like a prisoner for the last week even struggling to stand long enough to make dinner and very low mood getting worse. Sorry for being so weak, I just want the pain to stop.

Can anyone relate or advise? I would be grateful for any advice x

Any thoughts anyone? Still suffering nearly two weeks later. Additional Dr’s app never turned up anything. Have to wait 4-6weeks for scan. My life is currently on hold due to discomfort

I've got no advice but it sounds awful. Did the Dr say what they thought it might be? Could you try to see a different Dr? How about trying co-codamol?

My surgery are quite strict on opioids. They wouldn’t prescribe me co-codamol and over counter stuff not strong enough. I have seen three different Dr’s who were adamant the smear test done nothing to hurt me. All I have been told is I might have sensitive nerves despite never haven experienced this during a smear. I was perfectly fine before I went for it.

This is bloody outrageous. I'd be seeing another doctor I think ASAP and really laying this out for them. You came in to their surgery for a routine appointment and you left with an injury - I mean, that's the long and short of it isn't it? Can you ask what they use that could cause this pain? Could anything have been 'nicked' or left behind and if so, what? We all know the basics of what's involved in a smear but this sounds very odd.

Any access to going private either via work or paying yourself?

You're also - understandably - getting yourself in a twist here with the pain and worry. Try and do some calming activities. I know that sounds wanky but anything to try and take your mind away from it for a while

Thank you for your support. I was shown the brush and the speculum and reassured nothing could have come off inside or hurt me. When I suggested to more than one Dr ‘could I have been scratched or a nic from the equipment’ they became defensive and stated if I had a cut or tear in my cervix I would bleed heavy. It feels as though they are more concerned about right and wrong instead of helping me resolve what has happened so it can be fixed. The pharmacist has been more help and support to me. It had not occurred to me to look at going private and I am part of a plan so I will look in to this. I will go back to Dr’s but not sure how much help they are going to be.

Could this be bruising? Is it cystitis caused by internal bruising? Just throwing ideas out there

You can tell your doctor you wish to activate your private healthcare if you find you have it. That would at least get you your scan within days.

That sounds awful op. They must have nicked the side of your vagina if that's possible? Definitely get a private gynaecologist to have a look ASAP. If you're in London Prof Tom Bourne is amazing, he's on Harley St

It’s been nearly three weeks since my smear test and I am still off work. The left sided pain inside my vagina has eased up a little and I am able to stand/sit for longer however pain and discomfort still present. Sometimes at night it feels like pins and needles or throbbing on left side. My urine seems back to normal after anti-B's however there is still a constant urge to pee frequently throughout the day and an intense urge to pee on going to bed at night despite already going. I can only get to sleep if I get up to the toilet again and take Naproxen (anti-inflammatory). Also missing period, due a week ago. (Def not pregnant)
I am still signed off work and scan over a week away. I am trying to be patient but I can’t understand how this all happened as a result of a smear test. I was perfectly fine before I went for it. I have never had any bladder/urine issues. I realised I am no longer part of private healthcare plan either. I have looked into cystitis and bruising but It makes no difference which Dr I speak with at my practice they all say a combination of the same thing – take regular Naproxen, wait for your scan etc. My next port of call was going to be to get in touch with an online gynaecologist if that's even possible.

Have you found any answers? Also experiencing same symptoms.

Did you get any answers? I am also having issues.