Hey everyone
I really don't know if I'm just overturning this but I'm struggling to have my smear completed. I have had two attempts and both have been very painful and I have been heard screaming and crying from outside.
Has anyone else had this experience and if so what helped?
This will sound a bit weird but I found telling the nurse I was nervous helped me. She also used a small speculum on me. This helps as I find smears painful too
Hi. Yes I find them painful 🙁, I don’t really have any advice but the last time it was an experienced nurse and she had done it so quickly I hadn’t even finished telling her it’s usually a challenge and takes numerous attempts. I’m hoping she’ll still be there when my next one is due. Xx
She sounds brilliant. I had my last attempt with a senior gyne and still didn't work 😔
Hi. I have this problem. They prescribe a cream I use for 2 weeks before and they use the speculum for teenagers. There smallest one. Even then it’s excruciating but I get through it. The nhs has developed an at home test but I don’t know what has happened to it.
Same advice as above really I talked to the nurse and told her about my endometriosis and adenomyosis, she used a smaller speculum and was mindful of the pain it would cause. The rest of it was deep breathing, trying not to tense and gritted teeth.
It is so hard when this test is a balance of pain as well but I stay in tune with the test could save my life and try what I can to minimise the pain. I hope you find a way that works for you!
I’m sorry it’s been so tough for you. I always sob when I have mine done. It’s the worst. I also have TWO cervix and need them done every year and a half 😢 Can’t wait for hysterectomy.
Yes, I too find them excruciating. They use the smallest speculum and the last one I had done by a senior gynae in hospital. My mistake was that he was being very careful and I was managing it, but then I said I wanted to get it over with and then I ended up crying in agony. I think I might only need one more as I'm approaching menopause age, although I guess it might end up being another two. However, next time I have decided to speak to them beforehand about taking pain medication. I take Zamadol (an orodispersible form of Tramadol for my endo pain as it helps me not throw up my meds) and I'm going to ask if I can take these before going. Or I might ask for a Valium. I don't take Valium normally, but I needed them for a few days many years ago for something I was going through and they helped. Other thing to mention is that I've found some smears better than others over the years, so I'm not sure whether there is a better time of month to have them done? Or whether some people are just better at doing them. Or whether there's something going on that makes them so bad. I'm not usually bad with pain, so I don't think it's about pain threshold. Either way, I'd ask about medication. As long as you don't need to drive then I think it could be a good option.
I find them excruciating. One year I had to give up with the nurse so she suggested seeing an experienced female Gp. I tried every possible position but was too painful. Each time they use the smallest speculum. I ended up not having one that year in the end. They tried the next time at gynae but that dr gave up as I was in too much pain again. In the end I had to have it under GA when they put my coil in which they also couldn’t do with me awake due to pain. I’m on the list for surgery on my endo now and they will be doing the next one when I’m under for that. I think unless people have the pain they just can’t understand just how painful it really is. I can’t give any solution, but you have my full sympathy.
The last nurse I saw was great and said she’d make notes I needed the smallest instrument. My friend couldn’t go through with hers and they gave her estrogen cream to apply each day to make the procedure easier, though having endo I’m not sure that would be possible for you?
I've stopped having them done as no matter what I say they don't take me seriously and I am in so much pain and they always came back inconclusive and was referred to public maternity hospital gynaecologist and they were like no no all ok nothing to do here but you do have a very long cervix! I'd rather get waxed all over than have a smear done ever again
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