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Women's health

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Original poster

Examination before cervical smear test

7 replies

katieeacton · 23/06/2019 08:41

I am struggling a little bit now. I am thinking about going to see the PM at my doctors. I went for a smear recently and i was given an internal exam before he took my smear, no reason given, bit of a shock tbh. Has this happened to anyone else?

OP posts:

Whatsforu · 23/06/2019 08:48

Well I have had an internal twice before a smear. The first time was first smear and looking back I felt strange as no explanation. Second time was warranted as I had been complaining of middle of the month pain. It certainly isint routinely done. If nothing was discussed I would chat with PM.

soccerbabe · 23/06/2019 08:56

my female GP offered an internal exam before my second smear as I had told her about the problems I had had with my first smear (retroverted uterus). So there can be a good reason for this, but you would expect this to be communicated to you at the time!

Original poster

katieeacton · 23/06/2019 12:58

@Whatsforu

So it was the same for you? no explanation? Did they tell you what they were going to do an internal first, or just went ahead and did it?

OP posts:

JinglingHellsBells · 23/06/2019 13:04

I have my smears done by a private gynae (been seeing them for 12 years so know them really well).

They do the smear first then usually say 'I just want to feel your tummy' [I have a fibroid]' and do a quick internal feel with one hand pressing on my tummy.

I think if you were not told he as doing it, it's a bit off but not malpractice.

Whatsforu · 23/06/2019 13:22

katieeacton,(sorry can't bold)
The first one was strange no explanation he just did it and as it was my first I thought that was normal. There was a nurse as a chaperone and she asked if I was pregnant, the whole thing was odd!! Mind you im talking 20 odd years ago!!! I realise now that wasn't right. You are within your rights to ask and it may put you at ease. Regardless he really should of explained.

Original poster

katieeacton · 23/06/2019 13:27

@jingling
Nope i was anticipating the speculum and he started the internal, it was very quick, but its not the point is it

OP posts:

Redgirl7 · 01/07/2019 14:55

I always have to have an internal exam when having smear as have a history of difficult smears and a retroverted uterus. Nothing to worry about. Sometimes they like to see where cervix is in order to decide what position to best put you in to take the smear. They should give a reason why they are doing it. I thought they don't normally do it for straightforward smears.

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