Hi
Due to trauma and a phobia I will need gas and air to get through my smear test. I have had therapy in the past but unfortunately due to further trauma I feel I would now be too anxious to have a smear without gas and air. I might have more therapy in the future but for now I just need to be able to get through it.
When I was pregnant my consultant told me the GP can refer on for this to happen. Does anyone know which department I need to be asked to be referred to for this to happen? I’m really anxious about it and want to get it out the way and am worried about long waits.
I had a biopsy taken in 2024 which was fine and also a hysteroscopy which found my womb also looked fine. I haven’t had any abnormal symptoms at all since then. I’ve previously had an ectropion which was treated at the same time as I had a biopsy and that hasn’t caused any issues since in terms of bleeding etc. I also tested negative for HPV at the time of my last smear test and haven’t changed partner and nor has he in that time. Therefore I’m assuming cell changes are very unlikely and from my understanding happen very slowly if they do happen. I’m very anxious though as my smear is slightly overdue due to being unable to have it during pregnancy etc. I daren’t Google my questions and go down an anxiety spiral but am I worrying unnecessarily essentially if my test is delayed a few months and I’ve had no symptoms and also a biopsy within the last 2 years which was clear?
Anyone else also in this situation? Where did you get referred to so you could have gas and air? I can’t take medication instead because it didn’t work last time and also I’m breastfeeding.