Advice about first smear please

[MemorialBeach]

Following my previous thread I now have an appointment in January for my first smear test, and have some questions.

This will be my first smear test and though I have read the leaflet that came with the letter I have questions about some practicalities, such as when to remove my trousers and underwear, when to get on the couch, how to lie down. Will the nurse tell me what I need to do at each point? And explain what is happening? Or as I am in my 40s will she likely assume I have had smear tests before and thus know what to do and what's being done? Should I tell her when I arrive that it's my first one?
Thank you!

I'd just say it's your first, I find the nurses that do it are usually lovely and will talk you through everything. I prefer to wear a dress and leggings so I don't feel too naked, daft really. Over before you know it and then I feel daft for getting so nervous. Then I get nervous waiting the results

Thank you, I will tell the nurse it's my first. I just hope she doesn't question why I haven't had one earlier. I ended up in tears at a diaphragm fitting earlier in the year when telling the doctor why I had never used contraception before.

Def tell them it’s your first.
All the nurses I’ve had do smears have been so friendly and reassuring so don’t worry.
They’ll invite you into room, ask you a few questions, then ask you to go behind curtain and remove everything clothing wise from waist down inc underwear. You then hop up onto bed and cover yourself with the sheet they provide and then they’ll come around and start off.
I don’t worry what I wear as they give you a big sheet to cover up whilst they’re getting everything sorted.
Try and be as relaxed as possible, it’s over in such a short space of time and they will talk you through it all.

The nurse will explain everything to you, they are lovely. Make sure you tell them it's your first one.

I get nervous before I go but the nurses have an amazing ability to make you feel comfortable. You will be fine

I’ve had them regularly for 20 years but I still can’t remember the exact sequence of the practical steps you mentioned so you will really not stand out for not knowing. I’ve always been given all the instructions I’ve needed.

Thank you so much everyone!