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Original poster

Painful smears - don't want to go anymore

42 replies

Painfulsmears23 · 13/04/2023 12:15

I'm finding smear tests increasingly painful and quite traumatic to be honest. It brings me to tears and I almost yell out in pain. I found my csection and recovery less painful!! I'm on yearly smears and it gets worse every time, probably because I'm getting more and more anxious every time - today the nurse prodded and poked with the speculum for 5 minutes before giving up. I have to go back in two weeks to try again but I already want to cancel it was so bad. The problem is I can't not go - I have recurring HPV and I've had severely abnormal cells in the past and I'm already overdue my smear due to having a baby. The nurse suggested taking painkillers beforehand, to which I told her I already had taken a double dose so that's with the pain relief and the smallest speculum and putting my fists under my bum! I had a private one a few years ago and I didn't have any pain then but that could have just been a one off and I really can't justify paying for it right now on mat leave.
Any advice or anyone similar to me?

OP posts:
unkownone · 13/04/2023 12:24

I just had mine and got myself all worked up and now got a little swab to do myself. Never have I been so happy. Can you take a swab yourself? Was so easy and no discomfort - finally!

Original poster
Painfulsmears23 · 13/04/2023 12:29

@unkownone is that the ones that just test for HPV? I know I'm likely to have HPV already and I need to actually have my cells looked at due to previous abnormal cells. I also don't trust myself to do it properly! But it might be the only option if the nurse can't do it at all.

OP posts:
whyhere · 13/04/2023 12:37

Ask your GP to prescribe valium (not because it's all 'in your head' - valium is also a muscle relaxant).

unkownone · 13/04/2023 12:38

Oh might be sorry. I was looking at taking something to help me get through it- they really need a better way to do it!

Holly60 · 13/04/2023 13:41

Cancel it then? I don't know what you want people to say really. It may be painful and traumatic, but presumably less painful and traumatic than cervical cancer.

But if you really can't bear it, cancel the appointment.

Original poster
Painfulsmears23 · 13/04/2023 13:52

@Holly60 wow aren't you helpful? I was looking for some advice on how to make it less painful or some solidarity from others who have experienced similar. As I explained I CANT cancel but I also can't get the smear done due to pain! I know it's less painful and traumatic than cancer - that's why i want to get it done. It's not just a case of grin and bear it - the nurse tried and it was impossible due to the position of my cervix means it's even more difficult than normal.

Thanks to the other posters though who have actually given some sensible suggestions. I might have to ask for valium or even sedation if she can't get a sample in two weeks time.

OP posts:
FeelsLikeSummer23 · 14/04/2023 20:09

I know your pain OP.... I found asking them to use steel speculum rather than plastic ones helped alot...it was recommended by an obgyn nurse....and also xanax.... good luck 👍

1ittlegreen · 14/04/2023 20:34

Oh god, I'm exactly the same. What's to be done? Next week I'm going to explai to the nurse not to faff around as this is the most stressful.

Eagerly awaiting some useful advice!

Georgiemack · 16/04/2023 11:21

@Painfulsmears23
If your cervix is difficult to locate, then i suspect the nurse is moving the speculum around alot trying to find it. I would ask for an appointment with a doctor, and request they do a quick internal exam first to establish the position. If you explain this, i cant see them not listening.

Hbradley · 16/04/2023 11:49

I used to find it really hard. But loads better now.

  • I always ask for smaller spectrum or whatever it’s called
  • i put my fist under my bottom to elevate my bottom
  • this position makes it easier to relax
  • although still slightly uncomfortable not painful any more

I had issue with ‘sweep’ when pregnant and had gas and air. I imagine this could be provided for a smear in the surgery too.
they might have this in surgery and this would really help you.

you are not alone.

you could make an appointment to discuss the options and mention gas and air or similar ahead of smear.

take care

Chewmeric · 16/04/2023 12:03

Was it definitely the smallest speculum the nurse used? My smear experiences are similar to yours, OP, but the last time the nurse found an even smaller speculum, what a difference that made. The normal small one made me feel like I was having an episiotomy.

MrsFinkelstein · 16/04/2023 12:12

How old are you OP? In peri and menopausal women the reduction in oestrogen levels can cause vaginal dryness and "tightness". The use of a topical oestrogen cream prior to a speculum examination can help alleviate this.

GP surgeries don't (IME) keep gas & air on the premises. You can ask your GP to refer you to a more specialised service for a smear (Gyn, Sexual Health, Colposcopy) where they have better examination couches and lights.

Or ask if there is a GP or (occasionally a Nurse) who can fit coils who is available to do a smear. It's often the practitioner who maybe isn't that skilled in Gynae exams that can cause a smear to be more painful.

Mischance · 16/04/2023 12:12

Ask your doc for a sedative - a bit of valium maybe.

Oblomov23 · 16/04/2023 12:15

I'm not sure I'm going to bother going anymore. I've always found them incredibly painful. I'm sure I have an inverted cervix and now with this HPV thing that they only do, not a proper smear like they used to, I'm wondering why I bother.

SunnieShine · 16/04/2023 12:28

I gave up on smear tests as they were so painful. Valium made no difference to me.

Xrays · 16/04/2023 12:46

MrsFinkelstein · 16/04/2023 12:12

How old are you OP? In peri and menopausal women the reduction in oestrogen levels can cause vaginal dryness and "tightness". The use of a topical oestrogen cream prior to a speculum examination can help alleviate this.

GP surgeries don't (IME) keep gas & air on the premises. You can ask your GP to refer you to a more specialised service for a smear (Gyn, Sexual Health, Colposcopy) where they have better examination couches and lights.

Or ask if there is a GP or (occasionally a Nurse) who can fit coils who is available to do a smear. It's often the practitioner who maybe isn't that skilled in Gynae exams that can cause a smear to be more painful.

Was literally just going to write the same things.

Whiteminnowfish · 16/04/2023 12:55

I gave up on going for smears as its so painful. I am 46

user585684 · 16/04/2023 13:01

Same problem here, apparently I've been referred to "the hospital" which has better equipment (waiting for 5 months now) for my smear as three people on two separate occasions couldn't find my cervix. Maybe you could ask if this is an option?

CordeliaNaismithVorkosigan · 16/04/2023 13:05

I don’t bother any more - they were always agonising and in the present state of the NHS I have no confidence that there’d be any treatment available if I did have cancer, so what’s the point? I can’t afford private cancer care. If I’m unlucky, so be it. I’m festooned with life insurance so DD and DH will be OK.

Maple2023 · 16/04/2023 13:23

Have you tried lying on your side?

www.jostrust.org.uk/about-us/news-and-blog/blog/left-lateral-position-–-better-option-patients

Wishona · 16/04/2023 13:30

Oh I have mine in 2 days actually.

I use breathing when I need to. Close your eyes and imagine breathing to the top of trees and back down. I always think of those giant red wood ones. Or breathe in gold and imagine it moving through your body, then breath out a different cooour each time.

Try this CD or download https://www.natalhypnotherapy.co.uk/shop/Relaxation-and-Stress-Management-1.html

She’s really good

Relaxation and Stress Management

https://www.natalhypnotherapy.co.uk/shop/Relaxation-and-Stress-Management-1.html

Luredbyapomegranate · 16/04/2023 13:31

Holly60 · 13/04/2023 13:41

Cancel it then? I don't know what you want people to say really. It may be painful and traumatic, but presumably less painful and traumatic than cervical cancer.

But if you really can't bear it, cancel the appointment.

She’s hoping for helpful suggestions. Unlike yours.

OP - I used to go to a Marie Stopes/other women’s health clinic which was better because the nurses had more time and are more specialised. I paid because it wasn’t that expensive. Perhaps look into that as an interim to a Hospt appointment. Once you are on the Hospt’s books they’ll book you yearly so it will be fine. GP nurses aren’t always the best at smears if you’re a complex case.

onedone · 16/04/2023 13:37

I found that getting referred to the colposcopy clinic was better for me.

I have all the problems you said in your post & tried everything they said - they sent me to colposcopy after having my first abnormal smear which resulted in 1A1 cervical cancer.
Now when I need to book my smear test in they refer me straight to colposcopy when I call up and explain the situation - they seem to be a lot better at doing them - with the chairs / being that they do them all day every day

Ohjustboreoff · 16/04/2023 13:39

I have always found smears painful even after having DC's. What annoys me is the way the nurses used to get annoyed if you said it was painful.
We all know if men had to have smears they would have invented a painless way years ago!

dudsville · 16/04/2023 13:41

I'm with you and some of the other posters on here OP. The pain is excriciating and I've not been able to complete the exam. I know and do all the things suggested here but it doesn't improve things to he point of being able to bear the pain. I got so angry last time as the nurse kept saying to me "just breathe through it". I really wanted to tell her where to go. I'm sorry you have to go back OP, I have a different set of circumstances and I've decide not to return and this year I did the home test. I know HPV cells can start late but I haven't had sex in 8 years and have had two negatives tests in this time.