Smear test problems

[Sunset-lady]

So I went for a smear on Tuesday and it was pretty awful. She couldn't find my cervix and I was bleeding (because I'm always bleeding). She tried all different sizes and had me lying on my side at one point but no joy. She said I'd have to come back in 6 weeks. Has anyone else had problems with smears? I've had problems in the past with them finding my cervix but this was the worst as she couldn't see it at all. I'm a bit worried that it's all moved a bit from the aborted hysterectomy. At the moment it feels like one thing after another x

[Tara214]

Yeah I have that, my cervix always takes ages to find because it’s really tucked away. It’s not unusual and it is really uncomfortable when you’re going for a smear. I’m not sure what causes it but I would think anything can really alter the position like having babies or surgery and my experience is similar. With very smear it’s been harder to find and get to.

[Cocoacupid]

Yes for me internal scans and any smear test is so excruciatingly painful I normally have to lye on my hands under my bottom to lift up my body but it still hurts ain’t gonna lie. I hate smears but to have a smear and catch cells and things early on I think they are important. At one stage I didn’t want to have it done as it like tramitisers me every time xxx

[HPVisanSTI]

Hi, I just wanted to clarify that in the uk, smear samples are only examined for cell changes if you're one of the ~13% who are positive for 'high risk' hpv strains. (The strains that can cause cell changes and cancer.)

So unless you already know your hpv status, why not start by doing a simple self vaginal swab hpv test? Available for about £35 from Medicines Online. You only need to worry about a smear if you're positive for hpv.

Hx