smear test is painful

[Gab2]

I have an embarrassing question and hoping someone has been in the same boat. Ever since I had my son I've found pap smears to be extremely painful and almost impossible for the nurse to do. I can't use tampons neither and sex is painful at the beginning always. Its like I'm closed over. I talked to the gp but he wasnt helpful at all and didn't seem to think it was important to find out why. I wasnt like this before I had my son so what could this be?

Could you maybe book an appointment with a sexual health clinic? They would have a lot of experience down there! But in the mean time I think you could request gas and Air if you want a smear ASAP.

Are you on a hormonal contraceptive? I had this with depo but was prescribed some cream which has helped massively

I've only had one since by second DC, it was really painful. Not because I've sealed up, more that I think my cervix has prolapsed a bit and she caught it with the speculum. So so painful. Dreading my next!

@beggingforsleep

I've only had one since by second DC, it was really painful. Not because I've sealed up, more that I think my cervix has prolapsed a bit and she caught it with the speculum. So so painful. Dreading my next!

Do you think this might be what happened with me? What causes a bit of a prolapse? I had a c section, could it have been botched? I don't understand why things for women arent given any attention. I was always led to believe that prolapse had something to do with old age ffs.

@Bearyhumcrack

Are you on a hormonal contraceptive? I had this with depo but was prescribed some cream which has helped massively

I'm not on any contraceptive at all. It seems to be something to do with pregnancy or the c section I had because since I had my son its been this way.

Do you think I could demand an ultra sound to see if anything looks strange? I hate how doctors make you feel like its all in your head or that extreme pain is normal ffs.

I had a smear last week- DD is 6 months old- and it was painful. Sex isn't comfy either. I think I'm just dry down there because of breastfeeding hormones- not sure if that could be true for you?

@kitkatsky

I had a smear last week- DD is 6 months old- and it was painful. Sex isn't comfy either. I think I'm just dry down there because of breastfeeding hormones- not sure if that could be true for you?

I'm not dry at all which is why I find my problem worrisome. My child is ten years old and ive had this problem since he was born. I can't find a gp who takes this seriously and I dont understand why.

I have endometriosis and had four children, my cervix was noted to tilt backwards during the pregnancies, this never properly rectified after the births and made smears, swabs etc really painful and awkward, combined with the psychological affects I suffered after being sexually assaulted, many tests were abandoned due to my anxiety.
A female GP was really concerned and prescribed a sedative I could take at home before any necessary tests and this helped so much that I could go ahead and get them done.
If she hadn't done this I couldn't go through with them, maybe it's worth having a chat about light sedation before more thorough exams.

I don't necessarily think an ultrasound will help. Have you got a different doctor that you can see ideally with an interest in women's health? If not, your sexual health clinic might be able to help.