V. Painful Smear Test

[AldiFan]

NC because this is a bit personal but I've just had a smear test and it was so incredibly painful that I cried out (never done that before) and my whole body went rigid. Nurse just told me to try to relax and that she was going to go ahead and shoved the whole speculum in (without gel - she only used 'warm water'). I am post-menopausal, so probably a bit 'dry' (as she said) but .. Jesus! Still hurting, over an hour later. She said that 'next time' she'd use a smaller speculum. I ended up apologising (!) as I felt like I'd made a real fuss but it hurt so much. Just wondered if anyone else had been through a similar experience?

What do you mean warm water no gel? That sounds like absolute torture! I would have screamed blue murder if anyone had tried to do that to me! I've had lots of smears and colposcopies so many many speculums never, ever heard of no gel. OP I'm sorry that happened to you - I think you should complain

Mother Mary,
Why did you apologise? The nurse should have used gel and a smaller speculum from the start. She is a bully to deliberately cause you such pain. I’d report her to the doctor in charge of the surgery.

Not on. Bloody hell. I'm not a complainer but I'm afraid I might!make an exception as that is bad. (or just be very British about it all and simply never go back)

Did you have an HPV test at home first?

She sounds like she’s not fully trained??? (Not got common sense). This is abusive! You should ring and complain to the practice manager.

They stopped using KY jelly about 3-4 years ago as it affected results.
She should have used a smaller speculum as that what happened to me 4 years ago as I had never had a child. It shouldn't still be hurting! I would complain xx

That’s awful, she should have used a smaller speculum and given you a minute or two to relax a little bit just pressed on with the procedure. I’d speak to the Practice Manager at least.

They’re supposed to use gel, and say things like “let me know if you need me to stop” and ask if you are okay etc if you seem to be in pain. Sounds like she isn’t trained properly and doesn’t know what she is doing! I’d complain.

Defo mention to Practice manager, so irresponsible of her
I’m not suprised your sore an hour later.

This happened to me but I had ky and it still hurt me like hell and like you felt it for hours later

The next time I went I told them before she started
I had the smallest speculum and plenty lube, god what a difference

The older I’ve got the more painful it is.

That's not ok! I screamed the place down last time, the nurse then tried a smaller speculum, instant fix. They put it in my notes for future but I won't forget!

In my case the doctor told me it hurts because I'm inconvenient designed inside, makes it much harder. Coil insertion and check weren't fun either.

I've subsequently found out that the house is the mother of one of DD's new friends. I'm hoping I won't have to meet her socially, the noise was all rather embarrassing

I've never found smears uncomfortable until the last time. It was excruciating. The nurse suggested I make an appointment with the doctor. And it turns out I have vaginal atrophy

She gave me some hormone pessaries (I'm 64) to help with it.

I had this a few years ago turned out I’ve an inverted womb, she was bang out of order no gel and not using smaller speculum. Hugs

I have had a very painful one in the past. The next time I went I explained and the nurse told she would use the smaller speculum. It was pretty much a breeze.

I now ask when I get there if they have the smaller speculum. They always have so far but if they didn't I would refuse to have the smear done and rebook. The difference in the experience depending on size used is unbelievable for me.

My last one was incredibly painful - in fact, I bled afterwards. The nurse, who is lovely and a similar age to me (late 50s) says hers was very painful too, so she’d made the decision not to have her last one at 64. She said if my results were clear (which they were), I could always do the same (which I will).

The chances of me having HPV now after a lifetime of clear results are negligible.

@saraclara

I've never found smears uncomfortable until the last time. It was excruciating. The nurse suggested I make an appointment with the doctor. And it turns out I have vaginal atrophy

She gave me some hormone pessaries (I'm 64) to help with it.

Do you still have regular smears at 64? I thought the NHS only called you in up until about 55?

Am assuming you are in UK - apologies if not.

Surely you shouldn’t be putting water up your vagina.......

Choux, I was 61 when I had that smear. Sorry, I wasn't clear about that. And yes, I was told it would be the last one. So I think officially 60 is/was the cut off. I was just a bit late making the appointment for mine.

65 is the cut off if you have had a run of clear smears, so if you had one at 61, that would probably be the last one anyway.

You can ask for one after 65 if you have not had one since 50ish.