Painful smear test

[Hattermadness]

So I've just been for my 3 yearly check up, I'm 48 so have had a fair few but MY GOD this was so painful, as soon as she inserted the speculum it felt so sore, and she couldn't even open it fully to be able to see my cervix. We tried a few times, including the small speculum but nope, too painful so we abandonedthe test. She did say there was a bit of discharge and got me to do a swab for thrush (as this can cause pain during smear) but I've had no outward symptoms. There was blood on the swab though so at least I know I wasn't imagining the pain! I guess my question is, do they do smear tests under sedation? I'm not one to just go for an easy option like that but honestly that was so painful I'm not sure my brain will allow me to fully relax (I'm booked to go back in 3 weeks)
Who's stupid idea was it to go for a smear test a few days before Xmas?! Feeling all crampy and sorry for myself now lol

At your age it’s likely vaginal dryness/vaginal atrophy caused by peri-menopause. You need to go to your GP and ask for vaginal oestrogen. Do it asap, as vaginal oestrogen can always help, but cannot fully reverse the effects.

Any other peri symptoms? I had this and it was unbelievable painful, like glass shards. Never been an issue before so I asked GP for estrogen creme and within a few weeks I was able to repeat smear with no issue. Nurses seemed unaware though of peri symptoms on smear tests.

She did suggest it would be peri symptoms, I've been on Cerelle for 5 years and haven't had a period since then so I wouldn't necessarily know if that was it though (I definitely have no plans to come off it either) Ive had a look on my nhs app and she has written on that oestrogen would be recommended when we go again.

I’ve always found them excruciating

It takes a few weeks for vaginal oestrogen to take effect.

I had this and it was vaginal atrophy, pessaries help but smear tests are still a nightmare

Other option is to buy a HPV test from Superdrug so do yourself

So I've just had a look on the app and it turns out I have bacterial vaginosis! Doc has prescribed antibiotics...looked on Google and surprise, I'm not allowed alcohol until 48 hours after ending the course! Like I say I have no symptoms so WIBU to wait till after New year to start?! 🤣 I've got a shed load of homemade Xmas cake laced with alcohol to finish! It's taken a lot of love and care over rhe last 3 months 🤣🤣

I last had one I think at 59? Anyway they’ve sent me a letter now at 63 but not sure I’ll do it. My last time was so painful - it’s never been painful before. The nurse did say the oestrogen gel might work for next time but even she was unsure if I really needed a next one as I think the cut off is 64 (I’ve been celibate since my DH died 16 years ago and have never had an abnormal smear). I tell you I’ve never experienced such pain and she offered to stop but I told her to just do it.