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Women's health

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Flip

Original poster

Just back from smear

25 replies

Holidaylover20 · 18/03/2022 17:01

It was my 4th smear and easiest one yet, even though I was more anxious this time than ever before. I didn't feel a thing and it was over so quickly. The nurse was lovely and put me a ease as well. Just wanted to gently nudge anyone who is due to book in for their smear test

OP posts:

changingjobstomorrow · 20/03/2022 21:06

Thanks @Holidaylover20 I've just made a post about having a smear tomorrow, I'm so nervous and anxious - this has reassured me

DobbyTheHouseElk · 20/03/2022 21:07

It definitely depends on the nurse skills. My last one hurt.

Trixiefirecracker · 20/03/2022 21:10

I have just had one and was not painful at all. I waited too long to do it through fear.

flyingdream · 20/03/2022 21:14

I'm not brave enough to have mine. My mum had hers and she cried. It felt like something was rammed in forcefully!

jackstini · 20/03/2022 21:18

The nurses are lovely

It's not the most pleasant experience, but they make it better - and the alternative of maybe putting my kids and dh through the hell of me having cervical cancer doesn't bear thinking about

Trixiefirecracker · 20/03/2022 21:23

You can ask for a small plastic speculum which really helps, it so important to get it done. Take painkillers before hand if worried. I honestly hardly felt mine.

Chesneyhawkes1 · 20/03/2022 21:27

As someone who put hers off for years due to being scared, busy etc etc, the treatment for cervical cancer was a lot, lot worse than a smear.

So if you feel able, I'd urge anyone dithering to go.

iklboo · 20/03/2022 21:45

My last one was great. The nurse was very gentle & reassuring, talked me through exactly what she was doing, told me to let her know if I was having any pain etc.

Haybo26 · 20/03/2022 21:49

Had mine recently. Honestly didn't feel any pain or discomfort. Was over in seconds. Please ladies don't be scared, it really is OK.

Original poster

Holidaylover20 · 20/03/2022 21:56

Glad to hear others have had good experiences. The fear of having a smear can't be worse than the fear of having cancer. I know it can be extremely hard for some people, but please please don't put it off. Tell the nurse you're scared, and she will reassure you.

OP posts:

DobbyTheHouseElk · 20/03/2022 22:01

Although it hurt. I was in and out and back in my car within 10mins. So it was incredibly fast.

TaVeryMuchLove · 20/03/2022 22:04

Great thread OP, thanks for sharing the positivity. Far too many negative posts around at the moment about something so important.

Original poster

Holidaylover20 · 21/03/2022 10:13

It is so important, definitely. I treated myself to a nice bit of cake and a glass of wine that evening

OP posts:

changingjobstomorrow · 21/03/2022 13:12

@Holidaylover20

It is so important, definitely. I treated myself to a nice bit of cake and a glass of wine that evening

Got mine this afternoon and just bought a nice cheesecake for afterwards

PurpleDaisies · 21/03/2022 13:17

Had mine recently. Honestly didn't feel any pain or discomfort. Was over in seconds. Please ladies don't be scared, it really is OK.

I’m had yours doesn’t hurt but many women do find smears uncomfortable at best, excruciating at worst. This sort of post feels like gaslighting.

It’s a personal choice whether the benefits of the smear test outweigh the discomfort and potential harms. Women should make that choice armed with all the information.

It might hurt but you might decide it’s worth it. It’s fine to decide not to go ahead too.

huuskymam · 21/03/2022 13:22

I've had a few smear tests over the years but the one I had in Feb wasnt the easiest. Menopause flushes and a mask, and it bloody thing popped out due to me tensing up made it very uncomfortable for me. The nurse was great though. I certainly wouldn't be put off going for another.

How2Help · 21/03/2022 13:29

I agree with @PurpleDaisies. It’s fine for people to say their experience was great, but not everyone’s is. If people keep saying it is fine, it doesn’t hurt etc then when that is not your experience it can make it even more confusing and isolating. I can’t abide this “what a lot of fuss about nothing, just get on with it”. However well meaning that is, it can be the opposite.

StormyWindow · 21/03/2022 13:41

I've had good ones and bad ones over the years, one bad enough to put me off for quite a few years. I'm up to date now but am considering just buying an HPV test from boots when my next one is due tbh, I don't really understand why we all still have to go through the indignity/discomfort when the slides don't even get looked at now unless you're HPV positive.

ToasterOfMarshmallows · 21/03/2022 13:47

I agree with purple mine are always uncomfortable bordering on painful due to the top of the speculum pushing down on where some of my endometriosis deposits are, sex is not painful in the slightest but a smear test is awful for me. I literally grit my teeth.

However, I put myself through it because for me it is important to know if everything is okay. My sister has had pre-cancerous cells and my cousin had cervical cancer. Both of them below the age of 35.

Yes it is great if you can have a pain free smear and I have probably had 2 in my life (over 15 of them with medical investigations for the endo) but it isn't the same for everyone. There are incredible nurses trying their best to make it as easy as possible and I hope everyone has a good experience of a smear and a lovely treat afterwards is always a plus.

MythicalBiologicalFennel · 21/03/2022 13:49

Glad you had a good one OP. I've had a couple of painful ones. My first one ever was painless and my last one this year I can honestly say I didn't feel at all.

Bibbetybobbity · 21/03/2022 13:54

Or just buy the self test from Superdrug and do it from home… I realise it’s not financially an option for everyone (and should be), but highly recommend if you can afford.

SquishySquirmy · 21/03/2022 14:03

I had my first one ever recently, I am mid thirties (I know, I know).
The nurse was amazing.
So good at putting me at ease, so patient, just excellent at doing her job. It was completely painless.

I was very nervous and had been putting my smear off for years but it was fine!
I want to write to the practice to mention how good she was, but I need to find the right words that don't sound weird!

AmberLynn1536 · 21/03/2022 14:12

@Bibbetybobbity

Or just buy the self test from Superdrug and do it from home… I realise it’s not financially an option for everyone (and should be), but highly recommend if you can afford.

Yep agree with this, they don’t look at your sample unless HPV positive, my last one was really painful and they didn’t even test the sample, all that for sample to end up in the medical bin untested.

CythereaGraye · 21/03/2022 14:17

I won't be going back- the nurse pulled out my Mirena at my last smear and then put me on a waiting list to put in another one!

I made a fuss and they did put in another one a few weeks later, but I was not impressed.

Since I know I'm HPV negative, it is such a waste of time and resources to do a smear that won't be looked at - I will do a private HPV test.

Women need to know that they don't look at your smear unless you're HPV positive, so there is no point in putting yourself through an unpleasant experience when a simple self-swab is all that is needed.

I have no idea why they don't just get everyone to do a swab and then only test those who are HPV positive.

StormyWindow · 21/03/2022 15:42

I have no idea why they don't just get everyone to do a swab and then only test those who are HPV positive

This, with bells on. Considering they (the medical profession) have insisted women have to have a 'withdrawal bleed' on the combined pill for no medical reason for all these years it just feels like more misogyny and lack of care/respect for women to me.

Flip