Smear test - so nervous!!

[YawnyOwl]

I've got my smear test tomorrow and I'm so nervous! Had 2 sweeps before DS which were absolute agony, really worried the smear will be the same. I'll also have DS with me which is another stress. Haven't had sex in ages either... Worried it'll be hard for them to get in . Any advice/experiences? Especially interested if you had painful sweeps whether the smears hurt too....

Hiya, I cannot comment on the sweep but my smears have never been too bad. The last one was shortly after giving birth so I was a bit tender but just make sure they using the smallest instrument if you can ask them x

Smears are nothing in comparison to a sweep! Really don't worry! I've had more sweeps than I care to remember (9dc) and 7 smears. With the smears the worst bit is the opening of the speculum, which isn't painful but feels a bit weird. The actual smear bit feels a bit like rub in the area. It has never hurt me again just a bit weird and is over in seconds (literally less than 10 seconds).

Honestly had a smear pre baby and one about a year after - don’t know if it was just me but a smear after having given birth was like a walk in the park! In no way as painful as even an examination while pregnant.

You’ll be fine don’t worry - takes 2 minutes x

Smears are much nicer.. than having a sweep. I'm usually in and out in 5 mins. Key is to relax and not to tense any muscles. I do spot after though so you may need a liner.

Ok I feel much better now! So you can ask for a smaller speculum? I might do that

Hi OP :) I used to hate smears but they do them in a nicer way now - still the speculum things which are cold but the brush thing is different and much softer - I didn’t even notice it! So I’d say it’s only uncomfy cos it’s chilly :)

Update in case anyone is interested - nurse was so nice and no nonsense (in a good way!) Didn't hurt at all!

I'm really pleased to hear that!
Well done, it's over.