Historical trauma, smear tests and face masks

[iffymiffy]

Please be gentle as this is a really difficult topic for me to talk about. I don’t think I’m really looking for advice, just to feel less alone.

I really struggle with smear tests due to childhood trauma. I find them painful and am so sick of chirpy leaflets about how they’re not painful - they bloody well are for me.

They usually trigger days of ‘body memory’ type flashbacks. I once looked into having one through My Body Back which offers smear tests for people who have experienced sexual violence but didn’t go through with it for reasons I don’t recall.

I had a reminder in the post and decided I would finally try to go ahead and have one, then realised I would have to wear a fucking mask. I cannot have someone fiddle around down there while also having something blocking my mouth, I just can’t.

I looked on the Jo’s Trust website and couldn’t find anything clear about whether I have the right to have a smear test without a mask, so I just won’t have one. I absolutely see the purpose of masks but surely it’s understandable not to want one on in these circumstances? Why does nobody seem to get what these tests are like for trauma survivors?

PS I have had therapy and it is helping but it doesn’t change this for me.

Can you write a letter to your GP explaining like you have done here and ask what accommodations can be made for you? Maybe also try to see if your local sexual health clinic can help as there may be staff there who are trained in supporting survivors of sexual abuse.

I don’t want to sound patronising, but well done for deciding to go ahead with the smear test and trying to find a route through.
I find masks distressing for other reasons and am thankfully exempt due to asthma, but it’s a minefield to navigate and I’m avoiding places that require them as much as possible. Could you speak to the practice manager and explain this to them? See if you can find a way around, if there isn’t explain that this will mean you can’t have the smear test? It could be worth speaking to someone at the higher trust if you feel able to too.

If they’re not willing to be inclusive to your needs I would be inclined to speak to My Body Back again about an appointment there when they reopen instead.

Would you be comfortable wearing a face shield rather than a mask?
This may be an alternative option for you to explore?
If not could you contact the my body back people and see if they are doing it any differently or if not for advice on what you could do?

@BuffaloCauliflower not patronising and much appreciated. Unfortunately I’m back to feeling unable so I think I’ve just come here to vent!

Lots of good suggestions though thanks everyone

Unfortunately My Body Back only made sense when I was commuting to London, it’s now too far to go result.

result = really

A lot of surgery’s are now switching to HPV tests and only testing the actual smear sample if the HPV test is positive. The HPV test is just a swab, you can even purchase these and do them yourself at home.

Could you discuss the option of you being exempt from the face mask?

@Angel2702

A lot of surgery’s are now switching to HPV tests and only testing the actual smear sample if the HPV test is positive. The HPV test is just a swab, you can even purchase these and do them yourself at home.

That’s really interesting thank you!

Thanks everyone.

Well done for deciding to go ahead with it and please make sure you do.

I put mine off for years and years and when I finally went I had cervical cancer which I've just finished treatment for.

The treatment was way worse than a smear test and I feel to blame for not going for so long.

I have also faced the same issues.

What I did was talked to the nurse and explain everything, she worked. with me and I have not missed a smear for many years.

There is a thing called 'smears without tears' if you search for it on google.

Also you GP may be Able to give you some diazepams to relax you beforehand, but you would need assistance getting to and from.

I find. they are so keen to do smears that if you lay it out they will do all they can to help, the trick. is not to be brave, but to be vulnerable. I would find the name of the smear nurse at your practice and contact them.